Bishop George J. Lucas has received a letter thanking the people of the diocese for a contribution of $59,804.30 to the 2007 Catholic Home Missions Appeal.

In the letter, Bishop Michael W. Warfel, chairman of the Secretariat for Home Missions for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that about 90 percent of the money collected in the appeal is channeled to bishops who cannot offer even basic pastoral services without outside help.

"In these difficult days, small dioceses without significant reserves are in increasing danger and need a helping hand to evangelize, to catechize, to train ordained and lay ministers," Bishop Warfel said. "Currently, the committee is assisting 90 mission bishops, and the number is rising."

Bishop Warfel said he was "especially touched that you were able to increase your support by $4,406.82 over last year."

"On behalf of the men who head the smallest and neediest dioceses, God bless you," he said. "Together, we will strengthen the church at home."