I promised to keep you informed about events facing our local Church. In this mailing I have enclosed an updated report.

Some of you have called to ask questions about your gifts to the Catholic Services Appeal. In light of the civil litigation the Archdiocese faces, you want to know how your donations will be handled. These are important and legitimate questions, and I want to be clear in my response.

Gifts to the CSA support the mission of Jesus — the mission to heal, to reach out to the poor, to evangelize and educate, to pray and to serve. Enclosed is a brochure that outlines some of the ministries and programs made possible by your generosity.

Your donations to the 2002 CSA will be used to fund ministries and services that address religious, educational, and social service needs in our Church and community. Gifts will not be used for legal fees or settlements. These expenses will be handled through funds from our investments and possibly insurance.

In the weeks ahead, you will be hearing more about this year’s CSA campaign from me and from your pastor.

The attached report summarizes the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and reviews recent legal issues. We continue to reach out to victims who are coming to us directly. As we work through the legal process, we also are developing outreach programs for plaintiffs once the lawsuits are resolved. I look forward to the opportunity to sit down with each person who has been hurt and ask for forgiveness.

Thank you for your prayerful support of your parish and our local Church. Please continue to keep all victims of sexual abuse in your prayers. You are in mine.

Devotedly yours in Christ,

Archbishop of Louisville