Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Soon our diocese will take up the annual Collection for the Church in Latin America. For more than 60 years, this collection has been a practical expression of unity and love for our brothers and sisters in faith throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. This collection supports pastoral, catechetical and family life ministries, seminary studies, and formation programs for religious sisters and brothers.

The Collection for the Church in Latin America also helps the poorest dioceses obtain basic necessities that they otherwise would be unable to afford. Catholics like you who generously contribute to this collection help priests stay on the road with funds given to the diocese to offset fuel and vehicle repair costs. In places such as Mexico, you help bring the Good News to the poor when you participate in the collection.

Please consider generously supporting the Collection for the Church in Latin America on the weekend of August 15th and 16th. Your contribution, and especially your prayers, will help make our Catholic faith a living reality for people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

For more information on the Church in Latin America and the many projects funded by the collection, please visit www.usccb.org/latin-america.

Be assured of my prayers for you and your family,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

 +Lawrence T. Persico

The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, JCL Bishop of Erie