This week we kick off our “Committed to Christ - Giving Gratefully” Program. This effort is very important because it’s about our parish, including some of the good things we do to fulfill our mission.

It also addresses the fact that our regular operating income has been steadily declining over the last five years while the cost of running the parish continues to increase. The income side of the equation has virtually only one source: our members. It’s obvious that we need to increase our regular offertory, and the brochure introduces a campaign to do exactly that. 

 I trust that you will spend some time in sincere prayer, asking how the Lord wants you to respond to my appeal. I hope that everyone will be led to support the parish along with your other charitable giving at a “sacrificial” level, giving at a level that causes you to grow in holiness! 

That’s what the word “sacrifice” really means. It doesn’t have to mean that it’s painful. You can tell you’re on the right path, that you’re working up to that level, if it is noticeable to you and perhaps causes you to reexamine the priorities in your life. Another test is that, in your giving, you should find yourself JOYFUL! You’re wanting to give back gratefully to the Lord, in response to all that He’s given to you! 

“Committed to Christ—Giving Gratefully”. That sums up how, I hope, each of us feels. 



In Jesus,
Fr. Michael