2016 Diocesan Annual Appeal

Dear Parishioners:

Today we join parishes throughout the Diocese of Scranton in launching the 2016 Diocesan Annual Appeal: “Living Faith, Serving with Mercy.” The theme is taken from the Extraordinary Jubilee of the Year of Mercy, as Pope Francis explains:

Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy. These words might well sum up the mystery of the Christian faith…As we can see in Sacred Scripture, mercy is a key word that indicates God’s action towards us…Love, after all, can never be just an abstraction. By its very nature, it indicates something concrete: intentions, attitudes, and behaviors that are shown in daily living. The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us. …As the Father loves, so do his children. Just as he is merciful, so we are called to be merciful to each other.

Each year at this time, we are asked to renew our commitment to support the local Church, and the greater community by sharing God’s gifts with those in need.

…“God is love” (1 Jn 4:8, 16). This love has now been made visible and tangible in Jesus’ entire life. His person is nothing but love, a love given gratuitously…The signs he works, especially in favour of sinners, the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and the suffering, are all meant to teach mercy. Everything in him speaks of mercy.

Pope Francis quotes St. Luke: 'The Evangelist reminds us of the teaching of Jesus who says, ‘Be merciful just as your Father is merciful’ (Lk. 6:36)…Through the Annual Appeal, we are not asking for ourselves, we are promoting justice and peace and giving people the opportunity to more fully live the Gospel. All our blessings are gifts given to us from God to be blessings to others.

The Annual Appeal video highlights stories from people who benefit from YOUR gifts to the Annual Appeal: You may wish to view the Diocesan Annual Appeal video online at www.AnnualAppeal.org. We enjoy giving gifts, even when it requires going out of our way to do something considerate for another -to sacrifice. When you sacrifice to give a gift to the Appeal, you bring your faith to life.

Show that you are Living Faith, Serving with Mercy by supporting the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Everything we do as Christians is meant to draw us together in unity for the sake of proclaiming Jesus through our imitation of his life. Your generosity in funding the Appeal allows us to care for and encourage those who answer the call to religious life; educate the next generation of the faithful in our parishes and our Catholic schools; freely share the message of the Gospel; support the vibrant holiness of our parish communities; and strengthen our commitment to social justice issues while feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and comforting the dying.

Last year, together, our gifts to the Appeal raised more than $5 million for Diocesan ministries. This year, the overall goal is to raise $5 million.  Our Annual Appeal Parish Goals are:

Nativity BVM: $34,000.00
St. Mary: $13,000.00

I ask every family, every individual to join me in making a gift, no matter the amount. All gifts are needed and appreciated. I am confident, if we join together and thoughtfully consider a gift amount that’s comfortable for you, we can reach our parish goal. Remember, the parish receives a 75% rebate for all funds we raise above our goal.

Funds from the Annual Appeal directly help our parish through programs offered by the Office for Parish Life. Through the Appeal, additional funds are also made available for Parish Outreach Programs to serve our community.

Past donors to the Appeal will be receiving a letter from Bishop Bambera this week. First time donors may take a pledge envelope from the thermometer poster display in our church or respond during In-Pew Commitment Weekend. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge over several months or make a one-time gift. Pledges may be paid in installments either by check or by credit card.
On behalf of all who benefit from your generosity, thank you for your past gifts to the Appeal and for your consideration this year in supporting the 2016 Diocesan Annual Appeal, Living Faith, Serving with Mercy.”

Fr. Pat