From the Pastor’s Desk…

God loves and rewards the generous giver.

In one of London’s hospitals, there was a patient who asked the nurse to call a priest for him. After the priest came, anointed the man and gave him the blessing of the Church, the patient asked the priest how he could repay him for his services.  Being informed that the priest was currently involved in renovating his Church, the patient resolved to cover the entire cost of that investment in memory of his deceased mother. 

If we have generous and unselfish concern for others, God will reward us a hundredfold!

 (This is a true story as told by Bishop Michael Barber S.J.).

As you know, we have begun  our Annual Catholic Appeal along with all the other parishes of our Archdiocese.  Last weekend, we received a brochure entitled “COME, FOLLOW ME… and share the Word”, which contains detailed information regarding the Appeal.  Today, at every Mass, we will make our commitments after listening to the recorded homily of Cardinal Cupich. We can give a onetime gift or make a pledge over the next six months. Instructions on how to fill out the pledge card will be given at each Mass. Those who received their pledge form in the  mail, could opt to complete it and send it directly to the Archdiocese or bring it to Church.  Our Archdiocesan-designated goal is $35,129.  Funds collected in excess of this sum remain in our parish to cover our needs.  Thanks to all those who already sent their pledges to the Archdiocese amounting to $5,600.  The success of the Catholic Appeal depends on the participation of all parishioners.  I urge you to give generously to this year’s Appeal so that the money returned to us by the Archdiocese can be used for needed projects in our parish.

I, too, am participating in this year’s Appeal; I know that in helping the Archdiocese, I am simultaneously helping our Parish.

God bless!

Fr. Richard Milek