Fr. Greg's Pastoral Letter-January 20, 2019

Dear Sisters and Brothers –

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Five times in the last year, either one of your fellow parishioners or I stood before you and asked for your support toward the 2018 Archdiocesan Annual Appeal (AAA).  It was the first year in six that we ran the AAA as an appeal separate from our parish finances appeal (requested by the Archdiocese), and their assessment was steep: $230,240 (20% percent of the previous year’s income in specific categories).  I have great news–the AAA cycle ended on January 9, and together we contributed $207,596!

That is extraordinary!!!

I am deeply, deeply grateful for your generous support of the works of our local Church.  Your generosity ensures scholarships for Catholic schools in the Mission, adult education in East Palo Alto, training for our catechists for our youth, and much more.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I would like to take this opportunity to share more results of your generosity.  Since July 1, St. Ignatius parishioners have contributed to the following in second collections and special appeals:

• Casa de los Pobres of Tijuana blanket appeal:   $4,975

• Catholic Relief Services, which works with organizations around the world to help poor and vulnerable people:   $3,975

• Neighbor to Neighbor, our outreach to our own parishioners in need:   $573

• Jesuit Refugee Services, which serves refugees and other forcibly displaced people:   $7691

• Peter’s Pence, the Pope’s charity:   $3,541

• ADSF Priests Retirement:   $3,761

• Retirement for Religious, particulary women’s communities:   $4,484

• St. Ignatius Parish Sanctuary, helping the refugee family we accompany:   $1,500

• St. Patrick Seminary:   $2,054

• World Mission Sunday, which helps the Church in the missions around the world:   $2,567

This is in addition to Sunday and online collections, to our annual appeal, and to the AAA.  Again, extraordinary!

I am reminded of what my novice director often told us in his remarks on prayer, encouraging us to give time to the Lord: “We cannot outdo God in generosity.”  I believe that this wisdom applies to the ways in which we share any of our resources.

Admiration and gratitude fill my heart, and I pray once more in thanksgiving to God to be part of this community that sees itself as part of the world and Church beyond our doors. Thank you.  May God continue to bless you in your goodness and your kindness.

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr. Greg