+JMJ
Dear Parishioners,
Last week, I mailed in my personal donation to the Bishop's Annual Catholic Appeal, entitled “Yesterday, Today & Forever.” My gift will count towards our parish ACA goal. It was a sacrificial gift that definitely stretched me a bit. Also, within the past couple of weeks I have had two reminders from the Diocese, asking me to be diligent in trying to help our parish meet its goal this year. With all of this in mind, I decided I'd make this bulletin letter about the ACA. We are trying to keep the ACA goal in front of everybody by means of bulletin notices each week.
I'm trying to strike a balance here, because I want to encourage everybody to give, as the Diocese is asking me to do. But, I also realize that everybody is experiencing the crunch of inflation these days, especially at the gas station and the grocery store. Somebody said to me recently, “I walk out of the grocery store with two bags in my hand, having spent $100 for the food in them; and I wonder, what am I going to eat all week?!” I also shop for groceries and pay for gas, so I know what people are feeling in this regard. Still more, I realize people are fulfilling Diocesan capital campaign pledges (and I encourage everybody to continue these pledge payments!) All this is to say… I am trying to keep the balance here…. Encouraging great generosity, but realizing what's happening in the economy. I trust that my parishioners will use prudence and try to consider what the Lord is asking them to give to important endeavors such as the ACA.
Our parish goal for 2024 is $46,565. As of the writing of this letter we reached 55.19% of this goal. I was pretty impressed with how quickly we jumped up to this level! But, we still have a ways to go.
We had 198 unique donors give to last year's ACA. That is awesome! Might it be possible to increase that participation by 10%? That is a goal the Diocese is suggesting to me. Even a handful of new donors giving just a little bit will move us significantly towards our goal. Many small gifts are a solid way to build to the goal.
As always, thank you so much to those who have already given to the ACA! The ACA covers pastoral efforts of the Diocese. You have heard me say, or seen in writing from me, that the mission of the Diocese and the mission of the parish are really one mission; or you might say they are totally related to each other, or intertwined. They are interdependent missions. All the efforts of the Diocesan Pastoral Center benefit us greatly as a parish. If you have not given yet to the ACA, please consider a gift. Thanks again!
Have a blessed week!
In cordibus Iesu, Mariae et Iosephus,
Father Joseph Poggemeyer