As we honor the fifth anniversary of the installation of Most Reverend Mark Brennan as the Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, we call upon the faithful to Celebrate Five with 5!

Celebrate Five with 5 is an opportunity for us to commemorate Bishop Mark’s milestone year with gifts Christ taught us were the greatest to give – prayer and works of mercy. Throughout the year faithful will be able to go online here at https://dwc.org and gift your five.

As we learned on his installation day on August 22, 2019, the motto Bishop Mark chose for his Coat of Arms, “Living the Truth in Love,”emphasizes that it is in the love of Jesus Christ that we receive the strength to live as God called and Jesus instilled in us.

Let us show our thanksgiving through prayer and our love by our deeds.

Honor Bishop Mark Brennan’s installation anniversary with a donation to support the ministries at Catholic Charities West Virginia.

Choose to mirror the prayers of Bishop Mark. His daily prayerful habits include:

• Praying the Rosary during a road trip. Every time Bishop Mark travels across the diocese for parish and school visits or to celebrate Confirmation, he prays the rosary while driving (just remember to keep both hands on the wheel!).
   
• Praying for pregnant women as well as the husband/father. Each night, Bishop Mark says special prayers for women who are pregnant as well as the fathers. He prays for them by name, and encourages faithful to email him prayer requests for mothers if they are able.
   
• Praying for engaged/newly married couples. Bishop Mark regularly prays for engaged couples or newly wed couples, that they may live their lives in the faith, be strengthened by the Holy Family, and open to God’s will in their lives.
   
• Pray for the intentions of the faithful of the Diocese. Bishop Mark has a rather large binder of prayer intentions given to him through the CSA prayer list as well as handwritten notes and emails from faithful across the state asking for his prayers.
   
• Pray for Vocations. Bishop Mark prays daily for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life so that the faithful of the diocese can continue to have good, loving priests and religious to minister to them in the future.

Bishop Brennan is a true servant, reflecting the example of Jesus who served others freely and impartially. During his 5 years as Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Bishop Brennan has been compassionate, charitable, and actively engaged with the needs of West Virginians.

Inspired by Bishop Brennan’s example, we have compiled 5 acts of service you can perform to celebrate and honor Bishop Brennan’s time in our Diocese. Pledge to put your faith into action!

• Volunteer in Your Community – The Church encourages communities to come together to support the vulnerable. Charity is not only an individual endeavor, but also a communal one, where groups and communities work together to address human needs. This collective action is vital for building a culture of solidarity and support.

  Volunteer 5 hours of service in your community. To volunteer with Catholic Charities West Virginia, visit https://www.ccwva.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

• Listen and Encounter Others – Engaging with others involves listening to their stories and recognizing their struggles. Listening is an act of love, and entering into dialogue with those in need can transform communities and build a more just society.

  Spend an extra 5 minutes in conversation with someone you encounter throughout your day, learning more about his or her story and seeing Christ in that person.

• Serve the Vulnerable – The call to serve is particularly directed toward the most vulnerable members of society. True service involves caring for those who are suffering or marginalized, promoting their dignity, and ensuring that their needs are met. Access to healthy food, shelter, clothing, and personal hygiene items helps vulnerable individuals stay healthy and maintain a sense of dignity and self-worth.

  Contact Catholic Charities West Virginia or another local nonprofit agency to learn of unmet needs in your community. Donate 5 needed items or host a drive to collect them.

• Provide Spiritual and Emotional Support – Beyond material assistance, providing spiritual and emotional support is crucial. Engaging with individuals through listening, companionship, and encouragement helps to foster a sense of belonging and dignity among those who are vulnerable.

  Write a note to a person experiencing adversity, and Catholic Charities will give it to someone we serve. Share your support and encouragement in your note, letting the person know they are seen and they matter. Mail your notes to: Catholic Charities West Virginia | 2000 Main St. | Wheeling, WV 26003

• Advocate for Justice – Serving the vulnerable also means advocating for their rights and dignity. The Church teaches that Christians are called to fight against social injustices and to promote a culture of solidarity. This includes addressing systemic issues that contribute to poverty and marginalization.

  Invite an expert from Catholic Charities to speak to your group or parish about poverty, the issues affecting the poor and marginalized in West Virginia, and what you can do. Contact advancement@ccwva.org.