This weekend we observe our annual Bishop’s Appeal. We’ll watch the Appeal video at all Masses, and anyone who hasn’t already made a pledge to the appeal will be given the opportunity to turn in a pledge card alongside your normal envelope in the collection basket.
Most of you are familiar with the Appeal since it has been in place for many years in our diocese. It is an important source of funding for our diocese and is essential for balancing the diocese’s operating budget. (I have sat on the Diocesan Budget Committee for the last couple of years and can assure you that I have a newfound appreciation for what a lean budget the diocese operates on.) The diocese uses the appeal to fund the many ministries and services that support the work of our parishes, everything ranging from the administrative services of the Diocesan Business Office to the pastoral services of the Secretariat for Education and the Office of Family Life, to name just a few. All parishes, including ours, depend on this support in order to serve our mission effectively. Additionally, as many of you are aware, anything that we raise over our goal (which is $173,458.48 for this year) comes directly back to our parish, and this is an important part of our own operating budget.
We ask all parishioners to support the Appeal to whatever degree you’re able. (As a reminder, all school families receiving the Active Parishioner tuition discount are expected to support the Appeal.) Even if you’re not in a financial position to make a contribution to the Appeal at this time, I’d ask that you fill out a pledge card indicating a $0 pledge amount so that we know that you are supporting the Appeal and the works of our diocese with your prayers. (If you turn in any pledge card with any amount, including $0, then you will be spared the follow-up contacts!)
For more information – or to donate online – visit https://diocesefwsb.org/aba/. Thanks for your support of the Appeal, and please keep the work of the diocese in your prayers in a special way this weekend.