Did You Know?

Over the past several months, we have seen an extraordinary increase in the generosity of our Parishioners! The weekend Offertory is up from past years, the response to the special Collection for Youth Activities was an astounding $5,000, our St. Vincent de Paul Conference and Community Food Bank have seen significant increases, and at the final count for the Annual Catholic Appeal we are at 140% of our Parish Goal: almost $188,000 – a large increase from last year! And, we have also received some wonderful bequests – gifts from Parishioners, who by Will and Deed, have remembered our Parish and entrusted us with part of their Estate to continue what they have been doing throughout their lives! “. . .that through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God!” All of this is taking place in times of “economic uncertainty” and rising prices in our Country! We have always known and appreciated the exemplary generosity of our Parishioners – and our Parish – and this, as has been noted many times, in a very middle-class Parish! This is not about “financial success” or worldly achievement. This is about glorifying God in all that we do – to be the very best stewards with all that God has entrusted to us, in order to do His Will and to extend His Kingdom of love throughout the world! This past Wednesday, in the First Reading at Mass St. Paul spoke about the generosity of the Christians in Corinth and the “why” of generosity: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is more than able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 An old Priest, reflecting on his ministry of many years, said that he was always astounded at the incredible ‘flow of graces’ which passed through his hands – and that all that he had to do was to keep his hands open!

Please know that we, your clergy and Parish Staff, appreciate your extraordinary spirit of generosity in all things! You yourselves are a sign of the flow of God’s abundant love through all of our hands!