Bishop's Appeal 2009

Go to the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks Bishop's Annual Appeal for 2011

July 2009

My Dear Friends,

I know, you "can see it coming.  Yet another reluctant plea, another hesitant appeal from the Catholic Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Fairbanks for some critically needed financial assistance."  You are right.  It is not easy for me to ask you again for help, knowing, as I do, that you yourselves bear significant financial burdens these days.  However, it is only with financial help from you that I am able to meet the heavy responsibilities that God has placed on my shoulders as Bishop of Northern Alaska.

The past several years have been most difficult for this Missionary Diocese.  As we have been going through the process of reorganization, we have, at the same time, been inundated with ever-rising costs.  To make matters worse, at this critical time, national financial downturns have stripped us of returns from our investments.  The legal costs of reorganization coupled with the ever-rising routine costs of heating oil, of essential travel within this vast missionary diocese, of needed maintenance of parish facilities, and of basic support of the missionaries and their apostolic works have forced me to make some heart-wrenching fiscal decisions.  I have had to simply eliminate some of my support staff and some of our diocesan programs.

Our mission is to bring the Mass and the Sacraments to the people of Northern Alaska, an area covering 409,849 square miles and serving 46 parishes, including 38 parishes, which cannot be reached by road. Having only 19 priests to cover such a vast area and so many stations entails much travel, and travel in northern Alaska is very expensive.  We have only two Brothers and only 13 Sisters to assist us.  We, therefore, have to engage lay people to assist us in various essential capacities.  Paying them, even a modest and just wage, translates into significant costs. And I feel conscience-bound to see to it that all employed by the diocese have adequate health care, cost what it may.

It is mainly for the reasons given above that I must now - really a critical time for this diocese - turn to you for whatever financial assistance you feel inspired to give us.  Many of you have already, over the years, supported us most generously with your donations and prayers.  Believe me, all that support is deeply appreciated and most gratefully received.  May the Lord reward and bless you richly.  Not that we do it for the rewards, but, we can be assured, the Lord will not be outdone in generosity.

I, for my part, and all who serve in this Missionary Diocese, do daily remember you and your concerns in our Masses and prayers.  Know that we do deeply appreciate being remembered in your good prayers.

Gratefully and sincerely in Christ,


+Donald J. Kettler
Bishop of Fairbanks