“I was able to discern my vocation to the priesthood in the rich soil of my two years with Fr. Richard John Neuhaus and friends at FIRST THINGS.”

—Fr. Vincent Druding

Dear Reader,

Assassination attempts. An Olympic ceremony mocking The Last Supper. A pro-life movement in retreat.

These and other worrisome developments merit criticism. FIRST THINGS does not hesitate to call out wrongdoing.

But you and I must not neglect the work that God is doing even in our own place and time. If FIRST THINGS can play some role in carrying out this work, our enterprise can be judged a success.

Reader, you’re hearing from me today with an invitation to partner with FIRST THINGS in advancing the work to which God has called us.

You read FIRST THINGS but have not yet made a charitable gift in support of our work. The support of readers like you makes possible the same institution that helped lead Fr. Druding to the priesthood and equips many others for vocations of leadership and influence.

Will you make your first gift to FIRST THINGS today to sow a new harvest of civic, cultural, and religious leaders worthy of this great nation and the Church?

The role that FIRST THINGS plays in raising up and equipping sound, godly leaders is the animating theme of our 2024 Fall Appeal, which seeks to bring together 450 readers like you to give $200,000 before November 1.

These present and future leaders have many influences, not all of them good. They must be fortified with sound arguments, consistent encouragement, and the friendship of like-minded people.

Your first gift to FIRST THINGS will raise up and equip more leaders to lead wisely and well. Make your Fall Appeal gift today.

Sincerely,

R. R. Reno
Editor