ABCD Campaign 2026

Dear St. Agnes Family,

Blessings!

Today, I address you as your pastor, but above all as your brother in faith, to invite you with humility and an open heart to unite our efforts and work together to reach our ABCD goal of $293,531.

Today, more than ever, the Archbishop’s Charities and Development Drive (ABCD) is an indispensable tool for the life and mission of our Church. Through this campaign, among many other things, we support the formation of our seminarians, the future priests of the Archdiocese of Miami.

Thanks be to God, many of our parishes today are blessed with more than one priest. However, we already see in other dioceses the painful reality of a lack of vocations. And I am convinced of this: it is not that the Lord has stopped planting in the hearts of His people the desire to serve Him. That seed is still there.

What is often missing are the spaces where that seed can grow: vibrant evangelization programs, retreats, youth encounters, moments of calling, spiritual accompaniment, and formation.

When hearts are not moved, when there are no opportunities to encounter God, vocations grow weak. And sadly, all of this requires resources: trained people, suitable places, materials, transportation, and organization.

As a pastor, I see firsthand how costly it is to organize Emmaus and Effetá retreats, marriage encounters, catechist formation, etc., and our Christmas and Easter celebrations. These are great pastoral efforts that seek to touch hearts and bring people closer to Christ.

Many times, I confess sincerely, I am concerned when I see that despite asking repeatedly, only a few contribute generously on a regular basis. Yet we all desire a church that is well cared for, clean, organized, with beautiful music, and a dignified, welcoming, and life-filled environment.

And all of this also has a cost.
Now let us imagine this at the archdiocesan level.

Our Archbishop has the responsibility to ensure that: every parish has priests and deacons, there are evangelization programs, prisoners are accompanied, hospitals have chaplains, immigrants are supported, catechists are formed in different languages, seafarers are cared for, and pastoral offices that support our parishes function properly.

All of this is possible thanks to the ABCD.

None of this sustains itself.

We are one body.
We are one Church.
We are one family.

What affects one affects us all. What strengthens one strengthens us all.

For this reason, today I ask you with affection and confidence not to drift apart. Let us not think, “Others will do it.” Each one, according to his or her ability, is called to give with love and responsibility.

This is not just a donation. It is an investment in faith, in our youth,
in our families, and in the future of our Church.

I am convinced that together we can achieve this.

St. Agnes has always been a generous, committed, and faith-filled community. Let us continue walking together, supporting one another, and caring for the work that God has entrusted to us.

I count on you. You can count on me. And together, we all count on God’s grace.

With gratitude and blessing,

Fr. jc