I pray for God’s blessings on you and your family as this letter arrives in your home. I am sending one to every family on our mailing list. Clearly, I would not do so, unless it was important to our work here at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. I kindly ask that you take just a few minutes to read these few though inadequate words.
In preparing to write to you I spent some time re-reading St. Mark’s Gospel, chapter 4:35-41. We find Jesus and the Apostles at sea in a turbulent storm. The Apostles are frightened and believe the boat will sink, though “Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.” The Apostles cry out to Jesus, wake Him, and He responds by calming the storm. Then Jesus says: “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
The Church is sometimes called the Bark (Barque), or ship, of St. Peter, because of this Gospel account. During its long history the Church has experienced many trials. Yet the successors of the Apostles and the Christian Faithful continue to look to Jesus to calm all storms and bring us His peace. What Jesus did then He promises to continue to do for us now. That is the key thought we use in our interpretation of the Gospel.
With this letter I formally initiate the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal (AAA) for 2019 in our parish. As a priest for almost forty years, I can readily testify to the need for this campaign to financially support the ministry that unites all of the parishes in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Marriage counseling, youth ministry, religious education, the Catholic Press, charitable institutions, our seminarians, our retired priests, and much more, benefit from your donations. There is a tremendous harvest awaiting the response of faithful laborers. Each is called to do his or her part.
Our assessment for this year comes to $83,531.04. Last year our goal was $89,301.00, of which $73,973.00 was raised directly from your generous gifts to the campaign, and $15,328.00 came from a series of weekly collections over several months. It is financially better for us if donations come directly through the campaign, which requires a little more attention at the beginning of campaign. Pledges can be arranged to be paid out on a monthly basis until all paid up. Enclosed you will find further information (also available at the entrances of the church; in the pews; or in the parish office). Please consider making your best contribution and mailing it in today. On behalf of all those who benefit from your kindness I express to you my sincere and heartfelt thanks. If you are able to donate or are unable to donate, be assured that you are part of our prayer army that fervently prays: “Thy Kingdom come! Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” God love you! Mary bless you!