Stewardship Month and the Annual Bishop's Appeal

Dear parishioners,

Thank you for your generosity of heart and openness of spirit as we are now two weeks into our parish stewardship month. Last Sunday I called each one of us to examine our attitude to giving to our parish as giving to the Lord. I also asked you to pray about it and make your donations to the parish. This was not intended to be a one-time act, but a mindset shift - a change in our attitude to money that would then translate to our continued support for the parish and her mission. The Lord has given everything we have to us, but only asks us to give a part of what he has given us to support the work of his Church. Giving is an act of worship, it recognizes that everything belongs to God, and in giving back to him we are only acknowledging that fact. Giving is also an act of trust. We give not only out of our abundance, but even in the face of apparent lack. We trust that God will take care of us, and would not allow us to be beggared because we give to his church.

This weekend we have the opportunity to once again support the good work our bishop is doing throughout the diocese. It is our Annual Bishop’s Appeal weekend. Please consider how you can support Catholic Education, the training of seminarians, charity to those on the margins and other endeavors of our dear bishop. None of these great works would be possible without the support of all Catholics in our diocese. Whatever you give adds up and helps meet the goal. This year, our parish’s goal for the Annual Bishop’s Appeal is $75,591.65. We believe we will achieve it, because you have always given towards this cause, and help our parish to avoid having to pay from our parish funds. Please pray about this and ask the Lord how you and your families can help support our bishop in his ministry to our diocese.

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you!
Fr. Julius