As we begin the Lenten Season we are reminded that one of the traditional Catholic Penitential Practices is almsgiving - a sharing of our treasures with others in need. One of the ways we can share with others in need is by participating in our 2021 Diocesan Catholic Appeal. This year’s Appeal is entitled: “Where Charity and Love Prevail.”  Monies collected from our annual Diocesan Appeal helps to financially support: (1) Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations (Education of Diocesan Seminarians – this would directly support our seminarian Travis Kahle, Priest and Deacon formation), (2) Catholic Charities (Adult advocacy programs, Respect Life Ministry, Jail and Prison Ministry, Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries, Miriam House for women and Children), (3) Catholic Education (Catholic Schools, Catechetical Formation, Parish Religious Education Programs, Home School Formation), (4) Discipleship & Family Life (Parish Evangelization Programs, Catholic Youth Programs, Hispanic Ministry, Marriage and Family Life Programs, Young Adults and Campus Ministry, and Persons with Disabilities Ministry) and (5) Cathedral Liturgies & Preservation (Divine Worship Programs and Care for our Diocesan Cathedral).     

First of all, I want to thank all our parishioners who have contributed in the past years to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Secondly, I am also asking that all of us prayerfully consider contributing to this year’s Appeal to help support our Diocesan Ministries and Services. All registered parishioners will receive their ACA pledge card in the mail. Additional pledge cards are in the Church pews and in the Parish Office. Our parish assessment/goal for this year’s Appeal is $14,364.00.  Over the past year and half I have personally witnessed the great kindness and generosity of so many wonder parishioners within our St. Mary’s Community. Therefore I am confident that we will reach our parish assessment/goal if everyone would prayerfully consider contributing to this year’s Appeal. To learn more about this year’s Appeal, visit https://www.acatoledo.org/

Be assured of my prayers for you and your families during this Lenten Season. Thank you and God bless. Love & prayers, Fr. John