Dear Parish Family,

 

The longer I am here as your pastor, the more I grow in admiration and amazement at what is accomplished here at St. Mary.  I continue to marvel at the generosity of the St. Mary Parish Community.   Thank you!

 

Operating a parish is like running a business; but unlike a business, we must rely solely upon the generosity of our parishioners for our income and resources.  The parish must trust in God that our parishioners will continue to support His church so that we can continue to serve our community.  As your Pastor, it is my responsibility to teach and reinforce what God is asking of you through Scriptures and to help you learn how to live your life as a Faithful Catholic.  When I became your pastor, I promised you that I would give you all the tools and resources you would need to grow in your faith and become disciples of Christ.  I hope I am continuing to live up to my promise each year through my homilies, through the various studies we offer, the formation of groups where knowledge can be gained with discussion, the resources in the Formation Station at the back of church, book giveaways, and through a free-to-you, subscription to FORMED.org.   At least once per year, I try to include teachings on stewardship and what that means in our Catholic lives and to our parish.  Stewardship will be the topic over the next few weeks.

 

My top 3 pastoral priorities are Souls, School, and Space.  This document supports my commitment to those areas of priority and presents to you the very real challenge we have at St. Mary Church and some of the many beautiful blessings and ministries we are given.  We don’t give to receive.  But if we give to God, freely, without reservation, we will receive more than we give in different ways. The Word of God confirms this.  St. Paul writes: “Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work”.  As it is also written: “Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.’ The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness” (2 Cor 9: 6-10) 

 

As you reflect on your annual commitment to the parish, please remember that we are counting on you!  Consider your journey of faith within the church, school, and religious education program.  Consider the memories and the impact this parish, school, and religious education program have had and will have in your life.  Then, ‘Giving from the Heart’ and trusting God, make your decision.

 

God cannot be outdone in generosity. 

 

On November 17th and 18th we will ask each family to place this commitment, in writing on a card that we will use to create our budget for 2019-2020.  Thank you for your commitment, your support, and your resilience!

 

Sincerely,

Fr. Andy Davy, MIC

Pastor