At the point of my composing this pastor's column, I have received no direction from Bishop Taylor on taking up a collection to support relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Irma. I will therefore encourage all of us to make a donation to Catholic Charities USA for this purpose. You can either google Catholic Charities USA and donate online, call 1-800-919-9338 to donate, or send your donation to 2050 Ballenger Ave., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA. 22314. It is good to know that 100% of our donations will go to relief efforts.
While there are many in our parish who give so generously in times of emergency and in other normal times, I must say that the number of fundraisers (which have wonderful food and sometimes entertainment) have been happening close together since we hit September. I am concerned that some, or all of them, will not do as good as they otherwise could, because of their close proximity to one another. I am not asking (or begging) you to attend all of these, though that would be nice, but try to support as many as you can afford, as much time and effort goes into putting these together and making them go. Consider inviting your non-parishioner friends to join you at some, or all, of the fundraisers you attend. Coming up this Friday is the Men's Club "Chicken Bake" which has two seatings (5:00 and 6:30 p.m.) and includes a delicious meal and the offering of my homemade ice cream. Then, the following Saturday, October 7, the Knights of Columbus are having an "Oktoberfest" which will include a delicious German meal catered by "Home Plate" and entertainment by our own Bill Lamoureux and some singing buddies. Your consideration of participating in one or both of these events is VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. Remember, in both of these instances, you are getting something for yourself and giving something to people in-need through charities that benefit from the proceeds from these events. Given time restraints, the tickets for the "Oktoberfest" will only be made available before and after Masses next weekend, September 30 and October 1.
While there are many in our parish who give so generously in times of emergency and in other normal times, I must say that the number of fundraisers (which have wonderful food and sometimes entertainment) have been happening close together since we hit September. I am concerned that some, or all of them, will not do as good as they otherwise could, because of their close proximity to one another. I am not asking (or begging) you to attend all of these, though that would be nice, but try to support as many as you can afford, as much time and effort goes into putting these together and making them go. Consider inviting your non-parishioner friends to join you at some, or all, of the fundraisers you attend. Coming up this Friday is the Men's Club "Chicken Bake" which has two seatings (5:00 and 6:30 p.m.) and includes a delicious meal and the offering of my homemade ice cream. Then, the following Saturday, October 7, the Knights of Columbus are having an "Oktoberfest" which will include a delicious German meal catered by "Home Plate" and entertainment by our own Bill Lamoureux and some singing buddies. Your consideration of participating in one or both of these events is VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. Remember, in both of these instances, you are getting something for yourself and giving something to people in-need through charities that benefit from the proceeds from these events. Given time restraints, the tickets for the "Oktoberfest" will only be made available before and after Masses next weekend, September 30 and October 1.