Greetings in Christ! I’m actually pausing in a fairly sizable task to write this article. I’ve got about 2,000 letters to sign tonight and I’m probably 1/8th done. What are all these letters? Year-end letters I am writing to acknowledge your contributions to our parish families…I’m pausing to write this because I am so very touched.
At both of my beautiful parish families, we have people who are so generous, so thoughtful…I just don’t know what to say. I see your gifts and I am so touched by them. From an early age, my Dad and Mom modeled to me that giving to the parish is a duty and they showed us that, not just through their words, but also their example.
Running a parish can be a really challenging mission at times: there are so many things that need to be done and moving from crisis to crisis fundraising is no way to function. Thanks to your generous hearts, both of Our Parish Families are doing well and I am grateful beyond words.
Obviously, we can use any help you can offer. If you are reading this and do not traditionally give, I want to ask you to consider doing so. According to Matthew Kelly’s book “Dynamic Catholic,” most American Catholic Churches find 80% of their funding comes from 4% of their parish population. In my experience, this is accurate. Think then of what a big difference we can make if those not giving commit to giving $10 or even $5 a week: this could fundamentally change us for the better. Please pray about it.
In the meantime, I am working hard at both parishes to learn the ins and outs of how we function and different ways we can use the gifts you give us well. I promise you that I am painfully aware that every penny we get is a gift someone worked hard for and it is important to me that we be prudent stewards of those gifts.
So…thank you. With all my heart. I am blessed beyond measure to be a part of two generous and loving parish families.
Now, on to an unrelated note: Last week we were going through a few boxes we found in our office reshuffle at Holy Family. One of the boxes had all these amazing liturgical items from the 1930s-1950s. I am already thinking of a nice display to see these wonderful prayer books.
I found a breviary that I assume belonged to Fr. Bush. Within it was a prayer card for a funeral and I kept it so that I can see if anyone in either parish family is related. The prayer card is for Frank W. Welch, born 1876, died 1950. If this is your family, please let us know at Holy Family and we will be sure you get the prayer card. In the meantime, I am treating it carefully and holding it, and said a prayer for his soul!
Do not forget, all through this week, we celebrate Catholic Schools week! We are so blessed to have a school as part of our Parish family. It really is a gift the Lord has given us that we can be a part of leading so many beautiful young souls deeper into knowledge and love of Our God and the world He gave us. Please say a prayer of thanksgiving and protection for our school and let our teachers know how grateful we are for their faithful and loving work.
So…that’s the update. I pray that God warm our hearts with His love in this cooooold season!
