Dear Church,
Each year at this time, we launch our Catholic Appeal and you have the opportunity to hear all the ways in which the Archdiocese’s Central Ministries assist our parishes, schools and the greater community to carry out their mission. You may have seen the Catholic Appeal video on Catholic TV, or even received a letter in the mail from Cardinal Seán detailing the work of our Church.
As your pastor, let me take a moment to talk about the direct impact your gift has on our parish and school. This past year, our parish has relied more than ever on so many ministries funded through your generous support of the Catholic Appeal.
Our parish received accurate information and comprehensive guidance from a Pandemic Response team. Their support was critical to reopening our Church and school safely and they were able to recommend supplies and resources for cleaning to ensure a safe space.
We received tools and resources to reach out to parishioners through virtual evangelization so that our ministries continued and even thrived in this new environment. The Transformed in Love marriage preparation ministry saw an increase in attendance in this new format, serving nearly 1,200 couples through virtual sessions.
Our Catholic schools took on remote-learning when everything first locked-down, ensuring learning continued for our students. Then in September, they re-opened with in-person classes. All this was possible through tremendous teamwork with the Archdiocesan ministries. Their rapid response and expertise in mitigating risk were essential.
The public health crisis has brought us a greater awareness that we need to take care of each other and of the importance of working together.
I understand that these are challenging times for many of you, but if you are able, I ask you to join me in support the Appeal by making a commitment of your own. If you have already responded to a letter or email from Cardinal Seán, thank you. If you haven’t had the chance to give, envelopes are available, or you can go online to make your donation at bostoncatholicappeal.org. Under Parish Credit, please be sure to scroll down to Stoneham, St. Patrick.
I can assure you that your participation has an immediate and lasting impact. Thank you!
Fr. Mario