In his recent encyclical, “Deus Caritas Est” (On Christian Love ), Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “Love of neighbour, grounded in the love of God, is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful.” This is an idea that has been with us since Jesus taught it to His disciples
when He walked this Earth.

We come across people in need every day as we go about our business. Sometimes they are asking for our help. Other times, they carry their burden in silent resignation. It is our responsibility as Catholics to lend a hand as best we can, and most of us do so in many ways.

The Holy Father took the initial idea a step further, though, telling us that love of neighbour “is also a responsibility for the entire ecclesial community at every level: from the local community to the particular Church and to the Church universal in its entirety.” And that is where the annual charitable appeal fits in. ShareLife serves as our collective expression of neighbourly love, reaching out through our agencies to help those in need, whoever they may be. Through the admirable work of ShareLife agencies, lives are changed for the better – sometimes forever.

Just as our faith is with us in all aspects of our daily lives, so is ShareLife – in our parishes, in our schools, in our workplaces, and in our homes. This Annual Report provides an accounting of ShareLife activities, reporting on the fundraising results of the 2009 Campaign, and illustrating through short stories how and where our contributions have been directed.

Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto have accomplished a great deal this year through their generous contributions to ShareLife. Together, as the campaign theme suggests, we are working wonders. It is our calling. It is our responsibility.

Thanks to all who participated.

May our Lord bless you always.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Thomas C. Collins,
Archbishop of Toronto