Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I share with you great news about the Annual Catholic Appeal. Our parish has never historically been super supportive of this campaign and don’t typically hit goal. But I’m pleased to announce that this year, WE HIT GOAL! This is exciting for several reasons; not only have we contributed to the essential ministries and outreach that are provided for by the Diocese of Trenton, but we also have the opportunity to focus on and begin new opportunities in ministry here at St. Charles. That second part will happen in large part due to the rebate that will be given to us for hitting goal with the ACA.
Before I get to the discussion about the new ministry, I just want to explain a bit of how the rebate will work for us this year. Our overall goal for the ACA was $77,000 and we’re currently looking at roughly $78,000 pledged. Using that as a baseline, the rebate works as such: for hitting goal, we get 15% of that back and for every dollar raised above goal, we get back 50%. It’s a good deal and it helps ensure that parishes are not only encouraged to hit goal, but also to give back appropriately to parishes that exceed it. There are some parishes in the Diocese that go significantly over and get a large rebate because of it. For where we stand, we will be getting between $11,000-12,000, which is tremendous.
What’s the plan for that rebate? As I talked about when the Appeal was launched back in February, there’s a definite area of ministry that I’d like to focus on. The Catholic Church does a decent job in preparing couples for marriage. Between Pre-Cana programs, FOCCUS inventories, and meeting with someone throughout for paperwork and preparation, we get them to their big day with a certain sense of confidence that they’re ready. Now, any married couple can likely attest that nothing could prepare you completely for married life, but what the Church does make an impact. But then, what happens? Navigating married life, particularly in those first few years, can be both bewildering and exhausting at times. And I believe, that there’s both great need and an opportunity for our parish to step into that and offer help and assistance to newly married couples. There’s a wealth of experience in the parish and many wonderful couples and families who’ve been through and figured out both married life in general and how faith can strengthen marriages. I believe St. Charles can and should find ways to help young couples continue to grow in their relationship in married life. And I’m excited for the opportunity to begin that process and develop a ministry centered around that.
If you’re interested in joining this ministry or have some ideas, please reach out to me. I want to
plan this out carefully and make sure it’s a success moving forward.
Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan
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