Care for our brothers and sisters is not optional

We begin our Annual Diocesan Ministry Appeal this weekend.  Thanks to your wonderful generosity, we are, once again, the NUMBER ONE parish in the Diocese!  Our goal is 234,080 dollars.  I am confident we can make it!

In our first Bible reading today, the prophet Isaiah delivers unmistakable instruction: “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.” There is no room for hesitation here. Care for our brothers and sisters is not optional — it is a key responsibility of the Christian steward.  Our Diocesan Ministry Appeal is a core way to live it!

God calls us to serve others because He created us for this very purpose. As Jesus says in the Gospel, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. ”When we give ourselves away, we discover who we are meant to be. God’s grace increases within us, and His joy and peace take deeper root in our hearts. This is the beauty of our stewardship way of life.

If you have any doubt, know that even our weaknesses are no obstacle to God. In fact, He often uses them to reveal His glory when we are willing to cooperate with His grace. This should encourage us if we still feel unqualified or unsure about giving.  Learn from Saint Francis of Assisi, our patron saint!

Both salt and light are useless if they go stale or are hidden. Our faith must be lived, not concealed. Act so that others may see the way we serve, how we care for the vulnerable, how we prioritize our families, and above all, how we love God and give glory to Him.  Thank you so much for your generous support of our Diocesan Ministry Appeal!

Fr. Mark Zacker

Pastor