Question of the Week: In our Gospel this Sunday, Jesus speaks of blessings and woes. What is surprising and unexpected about what he teaches us?
DSA: Diocesan Services Appeal
Our annual DSA begins next week. “You Are My Chosen Witnesses” (Isaiah 43:10) is the theme, which follows closely the bishop’s “Be My Witnesses” initiative. Our goal is the same as last year: $142,806.82.
DSA goes to support many ministries and services that go beyond what any one parish can offer. Faith Magazine features many of these efforts, including the formation of future priests, such as Deacon Brett Ivey pictured here.
We are really blessed this year to have seven ordinations to the priesthood! That has not happened in over 30 years! Praised be God! Your DSA dollars supported this!
Money
Money is a curious thing. We need it to support our family and provide for our future. We definitely need it in the Church to do the ministries the Lord calls us too. When we look at the teaching of Jesus, we see that he often addressed the issue of money, like in our Gospel this Sunday. “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours… Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”
Jesus is going to refer to the material blessings of the Old Covenant as curses, and the curses as blessings!
He often would point out the danger of money. “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus did not say it was impossible, but he used an image that would convey the same sense: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” That ought to make all of us pause and think carefully about our own stewardship. God has gifted us. How well are we using those gifts and talents for God’s Kingdom and the mission of Jesus?
The diocese and every parish needs its members’ financial support. There is no other income source! The Church is a beggar. I and the bishop are counting on you to support both the parish and the DSA. God bless you! — Fr. Bill
School Meeting About Enrollment and Growth
We had a good turnout this past Tuesday of parishioners and school families wanting to know more about the current status of St. Thomas Classical Catholic School, its growth, the financial challenges that such growth brings, and the funding the school currently receives. Next year we will be a full preschool through twelfth grade school!
The full presentation can be viewed online. Here is the link for those interested: sta2.org/church/from-the-pastor/school-update-with-fr-bill
We are forming Marketing and Fundraising Teams to promote and grow the school. If you have gifts in these areas, or simply have a heart wanting to help, please join in. Alicia Frenette, our business manager, will lead the Fundraising Team. Our new Director of Communications, Cory Lakatos, will be the contact lead for the Marketing Team.