There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.

A time to give birth, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to tear down, and a time to build.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;

A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.

A time to seek, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

A time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate;

A time of war, and a time of peace.
— Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

This beautiful poem is part of the collection of wisdom in the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. It illustrates the realities of the human condition in opposites. The poem points out for us that all things given to us in our humanity by God are also appointed, in due time, by God.

And if you are reading this, this is your time to participate in all the life and times taking place in your very own Rockford Diocese.

Each year, at this time, the Office of Stewardship Development and The Observer work together to share a slice of Catholic life with you by sending you this newspaper, whether you subscribe or not. We also share with you the good work that goes on every day of the year, thanks to your participation. (See pages 1, 19-21)

It is the time when the local church invites you to participate in the Annual Appeal to keep all good works going in our parishes, schools, family life, seminaries, charities and missions.

 It is also the time when we package some of our best stories and activities together in one issue so you can see what you can receive each week of the year by subscribing to The Observer.

If you are saying to yourself, “This is all about money,” please keep reading.

Yes, it is time to give, but it’s also a time to receive. In receiving this newspaper this week, you are receiving a personal invitation to participate, not just financially, but to participate in sharing and celebrating the faith every day of every year. Look carefully at these pages to see what happens when faith is part of the journey on your personal path. You are invited every day to participate in God’s plan. Your waking up and breathing in and out is a daily invitation to participate in life, in whatever time it is … peace, war, poverty or plenty.

So give yourself some time and read about the good work and good news of your church and its people in this issue. It is my hope that you will join me in receiving the invitation to participate in God’s appointed time for us. Give of yourself and see what surprises your soul receives.