The Courage to Love…
It is an apropos Theme for this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. Perhaps each generation has the same response as they age – the world seems a bit colder, a little sadder, a little less like the world they grew up in. As I age and see more grey on the top of my head than ever used to live there, I realize what an act of courage it is to continue to love, to continue to hope, to continue to believe that God is not done with me, nor done with this world of ours, despite the gloom and doom brought to our attention in the nightly news and the daily papers.
This theme resonates strongly with me – and I hope with you as well. God is NOT done with us, either in this corner of the world called St. Ann nor the other parts of the Archdiocese. Rather, there are still new initiatives of grace, more outreach to the struggling poor, more chances for us to live the corporal works of mercy. If I have the courage to love – to continue to open my heart to the cries of ALL my sisters and brothers, then how can I not open my heart to serve them as well?
You know the drill. Volunteers will be in the back of the church with pledge cards for you. Take a moment to fill yours out, either before or after masses this and the next two weekends. Let the sharing of your treasure be an expression of the courage in YOUR heart to love. And know that any donation, no matter how small or large, continues the work of the Kingdom. (As an aside, St. Ann teachers receive Tuition assistance from the Catholic Appeal. The Newman Center received $68,000 last year. What a difference your support makes for us!) Be courageous this year.
Speaking of your support, thank you for the amazing outpouring of Sponsors for the Dinner Dance. I continue to be amazed by your generosity. Some great oral and silent auction items have also found their way to the rectory. If you have a donation and are waiting for your chance to bring it up, NOW is the time. And, if you plan on joining us for the Dinner Dance on Saturday, April 30th, and have not sent in your reservation, please do so at your earliest convenience.
Finally, we are always in need of volunteers the week before and the week of to prepare for the great event. Alan Zagurski needs a few good men (and/or women) to strip the wax off the old floor and put down a few layers to spruce things up. And Kate Flatley and Co. can use the help in decorating and setting up the silent auction items. Contact Pat Marstall or Kate Flatley to be put on a list for either or both groups…
PS…All are welcome to attend the Confirmation Mass for our 7th and 8th grade students this Monday (April 18) at 7:00 p.m. in our church.