Generosity…
You may know the Knights of Columbus for their tootsie roll drive for the mentally handicapped or their roses for life or the carnations they offer on Mothers Day. At St. Ann, you also know them as the folks who are selling the scrip coupons in the back of church, or ice cream at the parish picnic. What you do not see is their charitable nature. Quietly, behind the scenes, they do a lot to help this parish.
I want to thank them in your name for their recent generosity to the parish. They provided the stipend we gave to Mrs. Heather Vento who spoke to our parents as a part of our Family Life program. They helped defray the costs of a hymnal for the children – replacing the “Singing our Faith” with “Choose Christ”. They are helping to subsidize the upcoming Confirmation Retreat for our 7th and 8th grade students preparing for the sacrament. And like many of you, they are also a Sponsor to the St. Ann Dinner Dance. In your name, let me say a heartfelt THANK YOU from a grateful parish…
Bob Beckring and I attended an orientation meeting for the upcoming Annual Catholic Appeal on Tuesday night. Though it seems like we just finished last year’s appeal (that was in August) and recently completed the Visitation Drive, as well as the hugely successful Faith for the Future Campaign (thanks again for your amazing generosity), on a parish level, we begin planning for the appeal which begins in about a month. The success of the appeal is only brought about through prayer. This year’s theme is “Do this in memory of me.” In the video Archbishop Carlson said: If we pray about it, we are asking God: “What does God want to do in the world through me?” If we listen for the response, then how can the appeal not succeed – because we’re doing what God wants us to do.”
So I ask you to begin to pray about this year’s appeal. Here is the ‘official prayer’ of the ACA..
Lord God,
We thank you for the untold blessings You have bestowed upon us. We offer these blessings back to you.
We lay before You the labors and fruits of the Annual Catholic Appeal. We pray that our sole desire be to serve Your holy will.
United as Catholics, let us be reminded
of our baptismal call to follow our Lord Jesus Christ in His service to others.
We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen