I pray for God’s blessings on you and your family as this letter arrives in your home. I kindly ask that you take just a few minutes to read these few words.
In preparing to write to you I re-read 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?”
During its long history the Church has experienced many trials. Yet the successors of the apostles and the Christian Faithful have always looked to Jesus to calm all storms and bring us His peace. What Jesus did then He promises to continue to do for us now in the Church of our time. For this we pray!
With this letter, I formally initiate the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal (AAA) for 2021 in our parish. As a priest for forty years, I can readily testify to the need for this campaign to support financially the ministry that unites all of the parishes in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Ministries such as Faith Formation, Respect and Dignity of Human Life, Marriage and Family Life, Youth Ministry, and many 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. I am counting on you to come through once again for the glory of God.
Our assessment for this year (2021) comes to $69,563.00. In 2020, our goal was $77,714.88. We raised $59,335.88 directly from your generous gifts to the campaign. Well done! We paid the balance of $18,379.00 from our operating budget. Thank you for your special generosity considering the financial stress caused by the pandemic. Nevertheless, let us strive to raise 100% of our goal in 2021. Your donations benefit not only the archdiocese, but also the parish.
For more information, please consult our website at ihmbelmont.org or the letter we sent to you. I hope you will take time to watch the video that shows the Archdiocese standing tall in our current trying times. Please consider making your best contribution and sending it in online or through the mail. On the other hand, you could pledge and spread out the payments throughout the year.
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, make sure that you are part of our prayer army. God bless you! Mary love you!
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor