July 14, 2021 Dear Friends in Christ, Missionary enthusiasm has always been a telling sign of the vitality of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. The annual collection for the Missionary Projects of the Diocese of Ogdensburg (MPDO) offers us the opportunity to further our own zeal in supporting the ministry of our missionaries who faithfully serve in often forgotten places in our world. The parishioners of St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis Deaneries will be given an opportunity to support our missionaries during the weekend Masses of July 24th and 25th. This year, our focus continues to be the Diocese of Latakia in Syria where our twinning initiative continues. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Latakia is home to the oldest Christian settlements on earth. Our “Solidarity in Faith” endeavor will provide concrete ways for the faithful of our diocese to learn about Latakia while supporting their relief programs. They are experiencing a large influx of refugees which has doubled their relief efforts but depleted their resources to do so effectively. Our financial sacrifices will assist with their marriage preparation program as well as faith formation programs for children and adults. The Missionary Projects of the Diocese of Ogdensburg collection will also continue to be used to provide financial support of our former mission in Mollendo, Peru, support the United States Bishops’ annual appeal for Latin America and assist with other missionary projects throughout the world as part of our evangelization efforts. I am very grateful for your gift to this year’s MPDO collection. God bless you for your generous support of the Church’s missionary efforts. Faithfully yours in Christ, Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley
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