Detroit — In introducing a new theme for the 2017 Catholic Services Appeal, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron encouraged local Catholics in a video message and letter to nurture “life-changing encounters with Christ” by supporting the vital ministries, programs and institutions that help the Church to evangelize in southeast Michigan.

The 36th annual archdiocesan appeal, with its theme, “Opening Doors to Encounter Christ,” was first introduced the weekend of April 29-30 in a letter and video message from the archbishop that will be shared during parish Masses.

Archbishop Vigneron stressed the importance of “opening doors” by reaching out via the many avenues of evangelization and services supported by the CSA.

“The ministries, programs, and services funded by our annual appeal reach every soul in our six-county Archdiocese, strengthening urban and rural faith communities alike,” the archbishop said.

Archbishop Vigneron cited popular digital outreaches such as the archdiocese’s social media platforms — through which more than 6,000 people watched January’s ordination of two new auxiliary bishops — and the “Mass for Shut-Ins” on the Catholic Television Network of Detroit as examples of ways the CSA helps support new forms of evangelization.

He added the CSA also supports ministries to college students away from home, food and shelter for the less fortunate through the corporal works of mercy, and the vital work of supporting new converts to the faith through RCIA and formation programs.

“As your archbishop, I want you to know that when we ‘open doors’ for others to have this personal encounter with Jesus through our CSA-supported ministries, you and I are doing something crucial for the life of our local Church: we nurture life-changing encounters with Christ in our parishes, schools, institutions and agencies,” the archbishop said.

Other activities supported by the CSA include priestly and lay formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, programs that support Catholic schools, evangelization efforts, specific ministries to minorities and ethnic groups and liturgical and music ministry programs. In total, the campaign supports more than 115 different services, programs and ministries.

Since Archbishop Vigneron’s installation as archbishop in 2009, the $17.8 million goal for the Catholic Services Appeal has not increased, reflecting the archbishop’s commitment to fiscal stewardship and living within the Church’s means.

However, new for the 2017 campaign is a revised and simplified formula for determining individual parish targets, Archbishop Vigneron said in a separate letter to parish priests, based on the recommendation of pastors to a steering committee set up to strengthen and improve the CSA on an ongoing basis. Parishes that exceed their fundraising targets keep 100 percent of the extra collected for their own ministries and programs.

For more information on the ministries and services funded by the Catholic Services Appeal or to pledge support, visit www.aod.org/csa.