Reflection for May 3, 2015- fifth sunday of easter

Greetings in the Risen Christ,   

 This weekend, May 2nd and 3rd, is our Diocesan Stewardship Appeal.  This year’s theme is ‘Many roads; one path.”  My hope is that every one of us will take part in this diocesan stewardship effort, so that we will be able to continue the mission that Christ entrusted to us.  Let us meditate on sacred scriptures, “Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18).  The Diocesan Appeal is an opportunity for us to express our love to God and His church in deed and truth.

Rightly so, you may ask, what are the programs and ministries supported through our offerings?  This weekend at every mass, we were shown a video, created by the Diocese, in which we were shown the different programs and ministries supported through our contributions. 

I am a priest today because of your support for our diocese.  As you learn more about the many good works of our Diocese, I ask you to prayerfully consider participating by being good stewards, who for the love of God share their gifts of time, talent and treasure with God’s Church.

This year, the parish goal for Diocesan Stewardship Appeal is $50.052.00. This amount is easily achievable if most of us give even just a little from the heart.   When we are unable to fully meet our goal, the parish budget needs to make up for the difference; and yet any amount we may be able to collect that is above and beyond our goal will be returned to us for our own special use.   

I pray that our parish will be generous with the coming Diocesan Stewardship Appeal, and that there will be an extra amount for the parish to help fund our ministries. May the Lord in His love and mercy bless you for your generosity.