It is CSA time again. Those at the Cathedral saw the Archbishop’s video last weekend and we will be bringing the message to O.L. of the Rosary and St. Moses in the next few weeks. As you may know, funds raised through the annual Catholic Services Appeal benefit people across the Archdiocese of Detroit and beyond in immeasurable ways: helping men discern God’s call to the priesthood, and supporting such things as Parish nursing, Catholic schools, and campus, young adult, and Hispanic ministries.
The blessings of the CSA have touched many here in our cluster too and the ministries, programs, and services the CSA funds have made a direct difference for us. How? All three parishes in our cluster attended the Amazing Parish conference; our new Catholics initiated in at Easter were helped through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), St. Moses has received $12,000 through the Parish Empowerment Fund (PEF), we get a subsidy to support us at the Cathedral, and many of our parishioners have been impacted by the Black Catholic Ministries offered through CSA funds.
Archbishop Vigneron is reminding us that our Holy Father is inviting all Catholics to renew their personal relationship with our Savior, as “the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” In this spirit, the theme of the 2017 Catholic Services Appeal is Opening Doors to Encounter Christ.
As the theme suggests, Jesus encourages us to examine our lives and reflect on how we may experience a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. At the same time, He also asks that we open doors so others may also have this personal encounter with Him. As the Archbishop says “No one individual or parish could possibly accomplish all of these good works themselves! Truly, the CSA transforms our diverse family of believers into, in the words of Pope Francis, a ‘band of joyful missionary disciples.’”
I am encouraging all parishioners to pledge a gift to this year’s Catholic Services Appeal. If we exceed our target, 100 percent of the excess will be returned directly to our parish. We plan to use these funds to offer more adult ed., expand our ministry opportunities, and make needed repairs to our facilities. However, if we do not meet the target, the shortfall will be taken from our general fund.
I ask that you prayerfully considering your CSA pledge, and bring your completed pledge card to Mass next weekend or drop it by the parish office. You may also pledge your gift to our parish’s campaign online at this site. Thank you ahead of time for giving.
God Bless,
Fr. J.J.