725 Leonard Street | P.O. Box 220384 | Brooklyn, NY, 11222 | (800) 628-6333 | www.churchinneed.org Dear ACN Family of Faithful, During our last ACN staff meeting of 2010, we reviewed the happenings and accomplishments of the closing year. It was a difficult one for many of you, and for many around the world, with the continued economic downturn, the tragedy of Haiti’s earthquake, and a rise in persecution and violence against our fellow Christians. Yet, even at this tough time, you stepped forward with your support and prayers, and sustained the mission of Aid to the Church in Need. Thank you. When the earthquake hit Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, the scenes of devastation and human suffering were overwhelming. But the positive response of you, our ACN family, was overwhelming, too. Through your generosity and compassion, you reached out and provided emergency assistance, and helped ACN continue our commitment to the poor and suffering in Haiti. The Catholic Church stands by the people of this country and remains the only solid presence of hope, faith and charity in an ocean of human despair. I want to thank you on behalf of the Haitian people for your continued generosity and prayers (see other side for several Haiti projects that you made possible). Throughout 2010, your generosity and support helped us with a variety of projects that seek to keep the Faith alive, from assisting contemplative sisters with basic living needs and supporting the training of vocations, to maintaining the sacraments where our Faith is being severely threatened – especially in Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, and Pakistan. With your help, we continue to stand against the darkness. Sadly, though, acts of violence continue into the New Year. On the first day of 2011, a bomb exploded in a Coptic Church in Egypt, killing 21 inno- cent people and injuring 96 others. Violence against Christians is on the rise and our brothers and sisters face persecution and threats to their lives simply because they are Christians. The Holy Father’s words remind us to stand strong: “In the face of present difficulties, may Christ’s followers not lose heart, for witnessing the Gospel is, and always will be, a sign of contradiction.” With your prayers and support, in 2011 we will continue to help keep God’s Light shining in the darkness. The year 2011 brings two important events for faithful around the world to reaffirm our witness of the Gospel. The first is the pilgrimage of the Holy Father to Assisi to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace (convened in Assisi in 1986 by Pope John Paul II). The second is the 26th World Youth Day International Gathering in Madrid, Spain, beginning on August 16th. In the next few months, ACN will bring you news about both of these Faith-building events. As we enter 2011, thank you for continuing to stand together for our suffering brothers and sisters. Please join us in a prayer that those in the darkness may find His Light, and that peace may be present again. Father Hugh Barbour Sarkis Boghjalian Spiritual Director National Director January 2011