Last spring when I talked about the new situation our parish is in and the resulting need to make some changes so that we can continue to do Christ’s work, not a few parishioners asked me afterward, “What can I do?” Over the summer I suggested each week some ways parishioners could invest their time and talents, and some people responded and trained for work in parish ministries. Now, in our Sacrificial Giving Renewal, I’d like to spell out my answer to that “What can I do” question for every parishioner who has an income, student to retiree. You can – should – do these things:
(You’ll see people wearing the button at the right, and you may see people dropping cards with that image into the collection basket: those are parishioners who have chosen to give electronically.)
It may simply be impossible for enough parishioners to give enough to keep our present level of services. If we discover that’s the case between now and Christmas, there will be some changes beginning in January. As I mentioned two weeks ago:
The Pastoral Council and Finance Council will be monitoring carefully what parishioners can give between now and Christmas. If it appears we can support our present level of services, we will. (Our target for the weekly collection, to make up past deficits and lower giving to date, has to be $27,565 – an average increase in giving of $11 per week per household.) If that appears impossible, the shape of our parish will begin to change dramatically. We will maintain the core of our life: worship of God, care for the poor (as we are able), and support for parents in forming their children in the faith. How we do that will come clear over the next few months. More in this article.