Catholic Diocese of Biloxi  

In the Book of Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse tells of God's desire for us to have hope and that this theological virtue is essential in our earthly journey and our discipleship of the Lord Jesus. Pope Francis encourages us to draw inspiration from this scripture and urges us to cultivate hope within ourselves and our communities.

The 2025 Catholic Sharing Appeal message, “Building a Future of Hope" is based on this scripture and is just as relevant today as it was at the time of Jeremiah. I invite you to enter into this scripture and to join me, and your brothers and sisters of our diocese, on this mission of hope to build our Church through supporting those in need and advancing the spiritual growth of the Church.

When we participate in our Catholic Sharing Appeal, we come together, as the Body of Christ, to build and invest in people and projects that enhance Catholic life, support social outreach, and bring the mission of Christ to life in our diocese. As a participant in this appeal, your gift helps build a future where the Church’s mission can radiate to our communities, reinforcing the Church's role as the beacon of hope, and laying the groundwork for a flourishing community rooted in the values of the Gospel. Your action of giving nurtures our Catholic belief to share the gifts that God has given us and foster a sense of a shared community involved and resilient in trust in God’s promises.

By joining and giving your first gift to the Catholic Sharing Appeal as a new participant you join me on the shared mission to spread the love that God has poured into our hearts.

Sincerely in Christ,

 Most Reverend Louis F. Kihneman, III

 Bishop of Biloxi