This weekend I would like to write to our brothers and
sisters that do not live here. I
have met many of you and have listened to some great conversations. It is joyfully to hear some comments
like these:
·
“I always come back to International Falls and I
come to St. Thomas Aquinas for Mass...”
·
“I loved St. Columban and enjoy coming home”
·
“We have generations of our family that went to
St. Thomas Aquinas School…”
·
“I never lived here, but now we visit each year
to this beautiful place…”.
Praise
God for your relationship and know of our prayer, love and friendship.
In
the last couple of years I have preached and wrote about stewardship: time,
talent and treasure. Our parishes
has used these gifts in history, present and to the future. It is amazing to watch our parishioners
(or those I don’t even see!) how they open their own calendars to serve others,
share talents to help our churches, buildings and needs, and offer their own money. To me, this is a new family in my own
life!
To brothers and sisters in
different locations, I would share about treasure.
In a simple quote: “We have less
jobs, less families, and less money.”
A few thoughts…
First, thank you so much for those
gifts you have already given! Know
of our gratitude to our parishes, as well as our community when you enjoy this
place.
Second, I know that God’s Country
is challenged in our economy. This
effects our churches and our whole community. A simple quote: “Our area has less families, less children,
less jobs and less money.”
Third, as Jesus taught about money
over and over in the Gospels, he showed us how to serve others through
treasure. Today some small gifts
through your treasure could really assist our churches and school. Here are a few:
·
Could you offer a small “plate offering” while
living somewhere else? Through ACH
or checks (to our churches or school) whether small or big, can support our
operations.
·
We will be focusing some goals to see our growth
in our churches (ex. our refurbished stations), buildings (ex. a new roof, better
heat/air conditions), education, faith formation and others. Check our webpage, facebook (Parishes
and School). Do you see anything that
you would like to help?
·
Could you relieve families to allow their
children to our school? Through
scholarships and tuition assistance can support our children.
Fourth, please give a call, send a
letter or write an email (see our numbers and addresses on our bulletin). I would like to grow the relationships
of brothers and sisters through different areas and it is cool to talk, share
or support each other through our Catholic family.
Thank you for your presence in
God’s House and pray for ways your stewardship could mean much for us!
God Bless!
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