Editor's Note: San Angelo Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer received the following letter of thanks from Catholic Relief Services president and director Dr. Carolyn Yoo:

Dear Bishop Pfeifer:

   I want to express my thanks for the opportunity to speak to you and your brother bishops at the USCCB meeting in Atlanta recently. I send this to begin what I hope will be an ongoing and productive dialogue about how we at Catholic Relief Services can better serve you in ways that enrich our common mission as we carry out the work of the Gospel.
   As I said in my talk, the bishops have been such staunch supporters of CRS as we have grown into one of the country's important international humanitarian agencies over the past seven decades. I know that will continue, and for that I am grateful, even as I hope the relationship will deepen.
   Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Diocese of Tucson chairman of the CRS Board of Directors) and I want each of your to fully understand that CRS is at work among the poor around the world as the face, the voice and the hand of the Catholic community in the United States. We want them to feel that they are involved in that work — because they are involved. Without them, CRS would not exist. I hope we can further involve your diocese and parishes in our work as follows:
-- Through the relaunching of the CRS Rice Bowl to deepen the spirituality of the Lenten season for all ministries and ages;
-- By regularly featuring CRS in your church bulletins;
-- By including a link to the CRS.org on your web sites;
-- By bringing Catholic social teaching alive for your clergy and parishioners.
   We especially want to thank each bishop to better understand CRS. Visit us, travel with us and see the work of your Church overseas and the faith that we share put into action. You will be moved. You will be inspired. You will feel the presence of our Lord.
   Thank you again.

May blessings overflow,

Dr. Carolyn Woo
President and CEO
Catholic Relief Services