Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
True disciples have an “attitude of gratitude.” We know we are blessed on this earthly pilgrimage and celebrate the gifts we have been given by God. As a faith community we are blessed, individually and collectively, as Parishioners of Saint Andrew Parish. We have endured much the past few years; pandemic, shifts in the secular culture, and social difficulties. The Church - specifically the Parish - is where we find the Sacraments, and where we visit with the True Presence of Jesus Christ to comfort, console, praise and give glory.
Our Baptism calls us to be the best disciples we can. We are the visible sign of Christ in our midst. Striving together in His Name we can do amazing things. We do this by offering our prayers for one another, serving the community, and supporting the mission of the Parish. These bring everyone into deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We value the opportunity to grow in faith and share what we have learned by spreading the Good News! Through our many ministries we put into action the truth stated so well by Saint John the Apostle, “If God so loved us, we also must love one another” (1Jn 4:11).
Mindful of our Baptismal call, I invite you to respond to Saint Andrew Parish’s Stewardship Program: Jesus we trust in you. Please review the contents of this brochure and prayerfully consider how you and your family can play an active role in continuing the work of Jesus Christ through our parish community. Our goal is to increase our Sunday offertory contributions in order to being Jesus Christ to as many people as possible and to grow formation opportunities. In today’s economy, this is no easy task, but I know that you can and will respond to this call.
On February 10 and 11, we will have a special Commitment Weekend, inviting you to become part of the community of believers who thank God for their blessings by making a financial commitment to the pastoral ministry of Saint Andrew Parish. “Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Cor9:8)
Many of our Parishioners are very generous in their offertory making an appropriate sacrifice to the Lord. Surprisingly some do not give at all. My hope is that every person and household, make a financial commitment to the Parish, responding as a “cheerful giver.” We desire to see the Parish thrive and grow in our Programs and Services to the Lord. Living as a disciple means participating in the Mission of the Parish. Your generosity, along with prayer and service, demonstrate your commitment as a disciple.
In Christ,
Fr. Jim Gigliotti, TOR
Pastor, Saint Andrew Catholic Parish