As we celebrate our national Thanksgiving Day this week, I join with you in giving thanks to almighty God for the many blessings that He has sent each of us. As Catholics we live in the spirit of thanksgiving, because the word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving” in the original Greek. We are most thankful for the gift of the Father’s Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
our Redeemer and Savior. I invite you and your families to join me on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22nd, for the Holy Mass at 9:00 a.m. Someone recently remarked: “Now that you are no longer a lame duck . . .” you will need to make some decisions for the long term rather than the short term. Yes, I agree. Nevertheless, I can’t do that alone. I am
counting on your support of time, talent, and treasure to further the kingdom of God in our midst. Now is a crucial time in the history of the Church and in our little parish for an authentic renewal built on our steadfast Faith in Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. I am ready and willing.
As the head of this household of Faith, I am just beginning to take a serious look at our spiritual and financial wellbeing. There is an integral link between the two. If we firmly believe, we will gladly give our all to Christ.
1. CURRENTLY, I MUST BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THE URGENT NEED TO INCREASE OUR REGULAR SUNDAY COLLECTION. I do not exaggerate this important need. Our regular Offertory collections fund the normal operations of the parish. Therefore, if you are in a position to do so, would you kindly increase, even double, your weekly contribution. If everyone responds to this call, then we will advance toward greater financial strength in service of God and neighbor. This weekly increase is vital to our present and our future. I
thank you in advance as I hope that you will respond to this sincere appeal. This is not about me, but about the parish we love, our spiritual home, our shared mission in the Lord.
2. I consider our services to people paramount. Recently, I hired back Patrick Lobo to re-organize and re-mobilize our extensive ministry to those in care-homes and the homebound. I want to be sure that those who want to receive the sacraments, but just simply can’t get to church because of age, infirmity, or illness, will know that they can
count on us to bring the sacraments to them, especially Holy Communion. For some this Holy Communion is their last. We call this last Holy Communion Viaticum, which means the Eucharistic Christ is with a soul on the road that travels between earth and heaven. There is always a need for more volunteers. Please contact Patrick Lobo at the parish office if you are available.
3. In addition, next year I will have to inform the Archbishop whether we are in a position to support an assistant priest to expand our sacramental ministry and reach out in other ways to young and old. Can we afford him? Can we afford not to afford him? At this point the budget is very tight. Only you can make this possible with the grace of God. Let us keep this intention in our prayers.
4. Many are aware of the need to restore our sixty year old church. It was consecrated by Bishop Hugh A. Donohue on November 30, 1959. I understand that this has been much discussed. She is becoming a little shabby and needs attention. You might say she could use a lot of TLC. After speaking to the Finance Council, I have decided to delay this important project until I get to know you better; and I am sure that we are on solid financial ground. I am well aware that this project will require much planning and a capital campaign if we are to do it right. I’m sure that you want it done right all for the greater honor and glory of God.
5. Finally, I ask you to help us complete the 2018 campaign for the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. We have less than two months to collect or receive in pledges about $13,500.00. At the current rate we will not reach our goal unless giving increases. Thanks to those who have already contributed. If we don’t reach our goal, we will need to take the money out of our regular income. We can’t afford to do that, especially now. Let us get this paid off by
Christmas. All extra funds will come back to us. This special campaign each year pays for the services all the parishes use, for example, the expensive training of priests, works of charity, the Catholic newspaper, and various other services. I can testify from my recent experience in the seminary that the Archdiocese has fine seminarians, who are ready to lay down their lives like the Lord in service to the Church. No money from this campaign has
ever been used to pay off lawsuits for whatever reason. I am glad to be your pastor. You are fine people with fine families.
I appreciate all you do or have done for the Lord as the People of God. I sincerely entrust all of our endeavors to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In my heart I sing out: “O Mary my Mother to thee do I flee; in all my afflictions I hasten to thee. Thy heart is so gentle, so loving, so mild, thou canst not reject thy poor suppliant child.” I beg the Immaculate Heart of Mary, like a little boy at her knee, to open our hearts to respond to her Divine Son.
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor