As your pastor, my first and most profound concern must always be the faith life of our members. Faith lives and grows in our hearts because of the Lord’s generous gifts to us, but sometimes worry and anxiety over personal and family needs can overwhelm our appreciation of what is – and always will be – our greatest strength. The present moment is, perhaps for many of us, just such a time.
For almost four years I have written to you asking you to consider the stewardship support and many of you have been extremely generous; for this generosity, I am constantly grateful. We have built a magnificent complex for generations to come.
All of this was accomplished in times of positive economic growth for our country. And while the gifts of your time and your talents are beyond pricing, your faithful financial support has always been there, generous both to the parish and to those who live in poverty and pain.
Sadly, the shocking economic downturn of the last months has created an atmosphere of fear and brought painful losses to many, even a number in our usually comfortable community. Our support for each other was never more necessary, and our trust in the God who connects us never more needed. I do indeed believe that God will renew our hopefulness as long as we open our hearts in faith.
Most of you have seen in the bulletin that our weekly financial support has dwindled over the last months. After the first quarter of the fiscal year we find ourselves $34,000 short of our budgeted need. While we are doing everything possible to cut back on spending wherever possible, I truly need your help.
I realize that a number of you are also financially stressed. I would never ask you to do anything that would threaten your personal or family security.
What I am asking is that you would see this challenging moment as something we share as a community. If we face the problem together, I know the Lord will bless our efforts. All of us are generous to what we value most highly and I know that for many, faith shared and celebrated is the most valued gift.
If you are in a position to do so, please offer your parish an extra gift in regular support or on a one-time basis. If you are able to do so but have not made a financial commitment, I pray that you will find that your generosity will enrich and renew your connection to the Our Lady of Lebanon parish.
I am enclosing no pledge cards or commitment forms. I believe you will again respond from your hearts. If you wish to include a note in your envelope or by mail, I will welcome your words.
Perhaps the Lord will inspire some special “angels” among us.
God bless you for all you do.
God strengthen all of us in this difficult time.
Fr. Alfred