Father Michael's Column

Wait for it…
Wait for it….

 “What? Wait for what?”

 A brochure that’s coming in the mail!

 “Oh, wow. Really.
A brochure…. How exciting.”



 Okay, it may not seem like much. But actually, it is kind of engaging. At least I sincerely hope it is, 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. 

There is a letter from me that is included in the brochure. As I mention in the letter, it is exciting to see what the Lord is doing in our parish and in our larger society. Many of our parishioners recognize the good things the Lord is doing within our parish and are very much invested in doing whatever they can to support our efforts, giving of their time, prayer, and financial support. If that’s you, I encourage you! If you are getting there, I especially encourage you! Keep allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you; it’s a joyful journey even though not always easy!

 And PLEASE pray for our parish families who are not engaged—especially those who have been drawn into the values of the world, and don’t realize what’s at stake. 

 I trust that after reflecting on the material in the brochure, 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. That doesn’t necessarily mean giving a traditional “tithe”, but rather, 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. (It’s from the Latin, sacra facere. Sacra=holy; facere=to make.) 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! 

Two weeks ago, the priests of the archdiocese met for 3 days to study, pray, and then propose some possible steps for restructuring our diocese. Because I fell ill, I wasn’t able to participate in the discussions, and I do not know what changes were proposed. I do know that healthy, vibrant parishes that show they have the resources to best fulfill our mission of evangelization will be the ones most likely to get the highest endorsement in the final plan. 

There is a commitment card enclosed with the brochure. Bring it with you next Sunday, or you can complete it online. 

By the way, the commitment card also has a place for you to include any prayer intentions you wish to share. These will be prayed for collectively over the next few weeks. (Of course, you can always submit confidential requests to our Intercessory Prayer Teams who will pray for your intentions for two weeks, and you can always renew those requests. Use the prayer request boxes in the vestibules or go to our website.)

Oh, and we’ve entitled this campaign, “Committed to Christ—Giving Gratefully”. That sums up how, I hope, each of us feels. 

  In Jesus,

Fr. Michael