Dear Parishioner,
Each year we are invited to participate in our Annual Catholic Appeal, which is an opportunity for all of us to support essential ministries and services that benefit many in our Local Church. The theme of this year’s appeal is “United in Christ”.
Our Annual Catholic Appeal enables us to fund our Pastoral Center ministry offices and programs that help our community members to live their faith. Your donations contribute to the support of our Catholic schools and programs to support faith formation at all ages, to strengthen families, to promote a culture of life, to care for creation, to engage you and young adults, to sustain our retired clergy and those preparing for the priesthood, and to extend a helping hand to the marginalized.
This year our parish is expected to contribute $65,396.00 to the Annual Catholic Appeal. I understand that the last year has been economically challenging, but I am confident that we can reach this target and possibly exceed it. Any amount over our target will be returned to our parish for our use.
Therefore, I invite you to prayerfully consider your response as a faithful steward of the gifts that God has joyfully bestowed on you. You may use the enclosed to make your pledge and return it to the weekend collection or the parish office or mail it to the office. You may go to giving.sdcatholic.org for more information or to make a secure online donation. You may also make a gift of stock or IRA donation at sdcatholic.org/giving/stock-donations.
And please know that I personally give to this appeal each and every year myself. I believe in all of us coming together to support the work of this Diocese on behalf of those in need beyond our parish boundaries. I especially believe in supporting the formation and ongoing education of the priests in our Diocese. This time of year always makes me remember that I would not have been ordained without this appeal and the help and assistance it gave to me and my family so many years ago. I continue to be grateful to the good people of the Diocese who helped me in my vocation.
Your participation makes a difference. Your generosity brings hope to all who benefit from your gift. Be assured of my gratitude for your support this year and of my continuing prayers for you.
Sincerely in Christ,
FJ