Archbishop Dolan's Thought for the Week

March 3, 2009 - Year of St. Paul

Dear Friends united in love and service of Jesus Christ and His Church:

As you might imagine, I am spending quite a bit of time these days signing “thank-you notes.”

There are the letters of appreciation for the ongoing generous pledges to the Faith in Our Future Capital Campaign, and for the early returns on the annual Catholic Stewardship Appeal.

And then bring on the wheelbarrow full of extraordinarily gracious notes of congratulations that I have received from so many since last Monday’s announcement that the Holy Father had appointed me Archbishop of New York.

To hear from so many friends from childhood, parish assignments, and places I’ve served as a priest, and to read the uplifting words so many of you so thoughtfully penned . . . well, thanks.

Often have you heard me comment that the Church is a family, a wonderfully warm embrace of prayer and support, and has that sure been clear to me this last hectic week.

Friends are already observing that I seem surprisingly serene and confident. I am quick to reply that this is no credit to me, but a result of the promise of prayer I have sensed from so many well-wishers.

You know what? I’m going to keep all of these letters, cards, e-mails, faxes, and phone messages. The days will come, as they always do, when I’ll feel alone, down, and a flop. Reading a stack of these will snap me out of it!

Thanks, everybody! A blessed Lent!

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan

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