The theme of this year’s Annual Stewardship Appeal (ASA)—“Feed my lambs . . . tend my sheep . . . follow me”—from John 21:15-19 was chosen to reflect Jesus’ words of commission as they continue to relate to the people of the Diocese of Knoxville.

Jesus’ lambs and sheep in our 14,000-square-mile diocese are people of all ages and needs. Bishop Richard F. Stika, as the shepherd of our diocese, both canonically and caringly serves in guiding approximately 59,534 infants, youth, and adults toward a deeper relationship with God and to lives as disciples of the Gospel. The number of Catholics represents about 2 percent of the total population.

The ASA is the foundation for parish and diocesan ministry services, providing benefits no individual parish could give. The diocese has 44 parishes, two missions, and one quasi-parish, served by 73 priests. Of these parishes, 39 have a resident priest, with the others assisted by a neighboring priest. On average, a single priest in the Diocese of Knoxville serves 816 Catholics.

Our diocese currently has nine men studying for the priesthood. ASA support for vocation development, seminarian education, and priestly life helps provide for the ministry of future priests who will serve East Tennesseans.

In 2010 Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Inc. (CCET) will receive 40 percent of budgeted ASA dollars. Last year CCET provided children’s services, mental-health counseling, budgeting education, senior services, housing, pregnancy and adoption services, and outreach or assistance to 23,581 people. The agency operates from several locations in East Tennessee. The need for CCET services has increased greatly this year because of the weak economy.

Education is another ministry fostered through ASA. Last year 8,432 students in the diocese received Catholic instruction in a Catholic school or a religious-education program. Other diocesan-sponsored youth, family life, and adult-education programs also serve people throughout the area. In addition, priests minister on university campuses.

Diocesan-dedicated ASA financial gifts also support evangelization, formation programs, family and adult services, and justice and peace efforts throughout East Tennessee. Last year 1,252 infant and minor“lambs” and 83 adults were baptized, with 232 received into full communion in the church. Nearly 1,100 people received first Holy Communion, 659 were confirmed, and 211 marriages were performed. Diocesanwide, 393 deaths were recorded. The individuals and families involved received care and support through various ministries and programs.

The“lambs” and“sheep,” both serving and served in the diocese each year, depend on the generous support provided through the Annual Stewardship Appeal.

All East Tennessee Catholics are asked prayerfully and reflectively to read the appeal materials and identify commitments of prayer, time, talent, and treasure they can offer to parish and diocesan ministries.

October 17 and 18 is the designated weekend for the return of commitment cards and time-and-talent forms. Cards and forms may be returned in the offertory basket or mailed to your church. All financial contributions should be given through your parish’s offertory collection.

An ASA video will be posted to the diocesan website (dioceseofknoxville.org) shortly. Check the right frame of the home page.