May 17, 2009
An Appeal
Over the last month or so, you may have gotten a letter in the mail with an appeal to give to the Diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal.
Over 200 parishioners sent their pledge cards into the diocese and to date the people of St. Brigid’s have pledged $48,100 toward a goal of $125,319. Thank you to all who responded to the appeal.
This weekend we’re taking time at mass to educate folks about what happens to the money they donate. We don’t usually
pre-empt the preaching time for such an “infomercial,” but the various charity and teaching institutions of the Diocese put into action the words of Jesus in today’s gospel:
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
So, as the friends of Jesus, we act in as many loving ways as we can. I’m inviting you to consider the Catholic Ministries Appeal as a way to share love. Jesus’ example of laying down his life for us encourages us to sacrifice too. The Catholic Ministries Appeal doesn’t ask us to give up our lives, but just give in some dollars.
And what is the money used for?
Charities...including housing for seniors and those physically disabled, mental health outpatient services, meals on wheels, parish outreach, maternity services, senior services, HIV/AIDS services, supplemental food program, chemical dependence services, crisis center....Education...53 elementary schools and 3 high schools... Formation...the Seminary which trains priests, deacons and lay people, Faith Formation Office which coordinates religious education, pre-Cana, baptism preparation... Pastoral Outreach...College Campus Ministry...Haitian, HIspanic, African-American ministries, Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Hospital Ministry, Prison Ministry, Respect Life ministry....
Ok, I’m running out of room here, But you get the idea. I give to the appeal because it’s a way I can share what I have to put Christ’s love in action. If you haven’t made a contribution this year (or ever), please take a moment to consider why not. Then consider how you could overcome that objection and make a pledge.
