Dear Parishioner:
As believers in Christ, we are inspired to follow His example to love one another. The theme of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, “Living the Joy of the Gospel,” inspires us, as people of faith, to share joyfully the Good News of Christ to those who most need to feel His love as we continue His work on earth as faithful disciples. The Appeal gives us the opportunity to support the good works and ministries that brings hope to many of our brothers and sisters throughout the 23 counties of our Diocese.
The overall goal for the Diocese this year is $6.85 million and our parish goal is $138,839. Our response to the Appeal is one way to share our blessings with our neighbors and to express our gratitude for all the blessings that our most loving God has bestowed on us.
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal will begin the weekend of May 1-2. I know there are many obligations and concerns facing each of you and your families, but please consider supporting the ministries and programs made possible through the generosity of the people of faith. Your gift will support the religious education of our children, the education of our seminarians and deacons, the ministries facilitated by the Office of Social Concerns, and many other vital programs that help to further Christ’s work on earth.
In addition, your parish here at Immaculate Conception is proud of two sons of the parish – Jacob Stinnett, who will be ordained soon to the priesthood, and seminarian Daniel Colby! Your gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal have supported their education!
Let us pray for the success of the BAA and I ask each of you to participate to the best of your ability, always remembering God’s love for us. I am confident that together, with everyone’s participation, our parish will exceed our goal. Any amount we raise over that goal will be returned 100% to be used for our parish needs.
When we exceed our goal, we will restore parts of the face of our 1923 School building (the oldest on campus), by restoring two vintage, hand-made windows and repainting rusty window grates first! (see above)
I thank you for the generosity that you have shown in the past as I pray for our parish family.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Matt