So here are the numbers. Bishop Matano asked Holy Trinity Parish to give $142,500 for this year’s Catholic Ministry Appeal. 589 households (down from 596) have responded by so far pledging $132,400. This leaves a little over $10,000 to go to make our goal.
Lastly, 28.3% of the parish participated in the CMA. (That’s lower than the diocesan average for parish participation which is 33%)
Our goal ($142,000) is determined each year using a diocesan formula that considers, 1. The number of registered families in the parish, 2. Average mass attendance, 3. Average Sunday collection, 4. Average yearly household income in this region.)
But those are just numbers. The Catholic Ministry Appeal is about people, people in need. We can’t solve all the needs in the diocese here at Holy Trinity. But together, we can make a huge difference in the lives of people we may never meet. Once again, can I show you where your contributions go?
** Seminarians study for priesthood. (yearly tuition averages over $40,000 times 13 sems! That’s $520,000 needed per year.)
** La Casa, safe housing for migrant workers in Wayne/ Ontario Counties
** Food and clothing shelters throughout the 12 counties of our diocese
** Pro-life ministries helping expectant mothers find alternatives to the tragic choice of abortion by providing counseling, medical assistance, baby needs, and support along the journey.
** CYO (coaches and “CASE” training to insure safety for minors)
** Maintaining professional staffing at the Pastoral Office to help parishes with expertise in building maintenance, religious education programs, Youth and campus ministry
** Provides help to college campus ministries to insure a Catholic presence for young students far from their home parishes.
** Financial aid for tuition assistance for Catholic schools.
And much much more!!
So what do we still need? Holy Trinity needs about 100 households from the 1,489 who have not yet stepped forward to lend a hand in this huge parish responsibility. If you’ve read this so far and have not contributed . . . won’t you please help? It might begin with a conversation with your spouse or children, something like “what shall we give to help the spiritual and physical needs in our diocese?”
But then what? How much do we give? Each of us must decide. We priests need to give more for two reasons: 1. we know better than you all the good the CMA does – so we have to help. 2. I get free room and board at Holy Trinity (thanks to you!), so I’ve got some money to give to those who don’t have it quite so easy.
How about you give what one month’s cable TV costs you? That would be a sign to God that the needy are as important to you as watching your favorite TV show.
In the end I know you will do what you are able. God has blessed us with so much. As always (this giving thing never ends!) We need to give back in proportion to what each has received.
This is such a generous parish. I have no worry that we will do our duty.
Bless you each day.
Fr. Tim
2017 High School Retreat “Mercy and Grace”
Camp Stella Maris
Friday, March 24, 7:00 pm. – Sunday March 26, with closing Mass at 11:30 am.
Take a weekend full of laughter, learning, lots of food and recharge for Spring!
Registration forms can be found on the parish website and in the parish office. Cost for the weekend is $75.00 and includes overnight accommodations and meals. Registrations are due to Mrs. Sleeman by Sunday, February 26th.
College Care Packages
Do you know a college student who could use a mid-winter pick-me-up? Would you like them to receive a box full of goodies from their parish family? Registration forms are available on the parish website and in the Parish Office.
Registration includes a request of $5.00 to cover shipping costs and are due to Helen Sleeman by Sunday, February 26th. On that date, the youth group will be getting packages ready for shipping! What a great way to share some love this February!
