Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando has called on parishioners to support Catholic Charities of Central Florida through financial contributions. In a letter shared with the community, Bishop Noonan emphasized the importance of serving others without distinction and encouraged reflection on personal blessings.

“For whom do you hang your heart? The Scriptures presented to us this 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time may be difficult to hear. The prophets, disciples, and Jesus exhort us in our seeking to stay on God’s path, are called to give the people with whom we meet knowledge of the salvation of God. We do that by tending to one another through His tender mercy and guiding one another into the path of peace. Then, the daybreak on High will visit us; the sun of justice with its healing rays,” wrote Bishop Noonan.

He further stated, “We don’t differentiate who we serve. Jesus the Eucharist walked the path of justice to show us that all the people are born of God and worthy to be praised as we praise God. He who bore the fulfilled law reminds each one to trust in God and God will give us what we need to serve Him. Jesus opens our eyes to see the needy. He prays His love in our ears that we speak gently. He gives us the most exquisite meal, the Bread come down from Heaven, that we feed one another with His divinity. He anoints our heart that we attend one another through, with and in Him.”

Bishop Noonan explained that Catholic Charities was established so everyone could receive assistance: “Today, God calls us to offer financial support for Catholic Charities of Central Florida. This organization was created so that all the people, as we hear proclaimed in the Gospel, will be served, not just a few chosen, because all are chosen. God asks us to tell everyone God chooses them, and asks us to provide for them as best as possible. The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities of Central Florida do that on our behalf. Those in need come to their doors and are greeted with open arms. The staff and volunteers pray with and for them, and provide food, shelter, and other essentials because of your generosity.”

He concluded his message by urging parishioners: “For whom do you hang your heart? Pray about the blessings you have received and look within yourself to ponder what you are able to provide as a blessing for one or more of God’s holy people. God will take your heart and magnify it that all will receive.”

The Diocese of Orlando was founded in 1968 and currently includes 79 parishes, 11 missions, two basilicas, and 43 Catholic schools across Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties under Bishop John Noonan’s leadership (https://www.orlandodiocese.org/).