Catholic Sharing Appeal
April 2010
Dear Friends,
We, who are sisters and brothers in Christ, must always look to the future with trust in God’s Will for us. As a people called to live Jesus’ Gospel message, we recognize that we are not owners of the Catholic Church, but stewards of a precious treasure we are challenged to preserve and pass on to future generations.
With this in mind, the Diocese of Wheeling - Charleston once again offers all of us an opportunity to be generous to the annual Catholic Sharing Appeal. This year’s theme is Gospel Giving, with an overall goal of $1.25 million, and a goal here at St. Michael Parish of $48,130. Funds raised throughout the diocese will benefit families and communities through many statewide ministries and initiatives. There are many different levels at which you can participate, and I do encourage you to participate to the best of your ability.
At the parish level, Gospel Giving will enable us to meet some pressing needs in our community. Once we achieve our parish goal, we will receive 50% of every dollar contributed. Here at St. Michael Parish, we will use the proceeds of this campaign to address the following projects:
• Interior and exterior lighting for our parish property
• Our stewardship initiative
Gospel Giving is a venture in stewardship. With the careful use of our individual and collective resources, we will be able to establish a mutual benefit as a praying, celebrating, and caring community, one bearing witness to God’s grace in our lives.
I appeal to you to extend yourself, to make a sacrifice in answer to this opportunity for ensuring a bright future for our parish and our diocese. Please reflect prayerfully on your personal response. May all we do be to His Glory and for the true good of His people, now and for generations to come.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Jeremiah F. McSweeney
Pastor, St. Michael Parish