Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley took the ongoing theme of the Catholic Appeal, "Living our Faith Together," to three parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston to help launch the 2016 Catholic Appeal Commitment Weekend, March 5-6.

The theme speaks to the Appeal's goal of uniting the faithful of the Archdiocese of Boston in order to advance the work of the Church through more than 50 ministries that serve the needs of parishes and communities within the archdiocese.

The cardinal celebrated Mass on Appeal Commitment Weekend at Immaculate Conception Parish in Marlborough, March 5; St. Paul Parish in Hingham, March 6; and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Bridgewater, March 6. Vicar General Bishop Peter J. Uglietto also helped launch the Appeal by celebrating a Mass at St. Mary of the Annunciation in Melrose, March 6.

At Immaculate Conception Parish, Cardinal O'Malley spoke about mercy to the attendees crowding the church.

"During the season of Lent we call upon our Catholic people to make sacrifices for our annual Appeal, which is financial support of the works of mercy and evangelization that the Church carries on in Christ's name has his disciples," he said.

Once a year, faithful throughout the archdiocese are asked to support Central Ministries by giving to the Catholic Appeal. The numerous programs and services offered through the ministries serve 289 parishes and 122 Catholic elementary and secondary schools, as well as thousands of Catholics.

"Please know that I am so grateful for the generosity that you have shown in the past in support of the appeal that helps so many people in our archdiocese. May this holy season of Lent allow us to experience the joy and liberation that God's mercy brings, and may we learn to be instruments of that mercy, messengers of god's love and compassion in our weary world," continued the cardinal.

Following the Mass in Marlborough, a reception was held, and Cardinal O'Malley posed for pictures and talked with parishioners.