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13
 Nov 11
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Offertory Program

Dear Parishioners,

I hope you're enjoying the snow, because if it is starting this early, I can only imagine what January is going to be like!

A few years ago we ran an offertory program with the intent of raising awareness of the financial needs of the parish, to try to get a grasp on what we could expect for offertory income so as to budget better, and most of all for each of us to review how we fulfill the commandment of the Church to "help the Church in its needs" by sharing the resources God has blessed us with.

This year we are once again going to do an offertory program for the same reasons. It is a time for reflection on how each of us financially supports the Church, which is a practice that goes all the way back to the time of the Apostles ... that is, to the beginning of the Church itself. Our church relies entirely on your generosity and the sacrifices you make in your own budget.

I lovingly remind you that the financial support you give to the church is between you and God. It's not about the many factors and facets that make up the parish and its life, it is between God and you. What we find most frequently in the Bible as a guideline are references to "tithing". In Biblical times this was most widely understood as a percentage of a person's income (most commonly 10%), as opposed to a fixed amount. Seen in this light, as a percentage of income, helps to make it more clear that God and His Church are part of my budget - as opposed to a $1, $10, or $20 dollar bill given in the collection basket every once in a while.

Next weekend, we will begin a program that asks everyone to reflect on the amount they give in the offertory collection. Below are provided some questions to help you prepare for the process. I ask you to pray about this, and consider it in the presence of God. I know that God will provide, and I know that it is through you that He will do so. I also want to express my gratitude towards you as we work together through the process.

God bless you and have a good week, Fr. Jared

06
 Nov 11
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Divorce and Annulments

Dear Parishioners,

Over the past few months various things have taken place or been brought to my attention that make it clear to me that there is very little accurate understanding of the teachings of the Church in regard to marriage, divorce and annulments. Beginning soon, I would like to explain, via this space in the bulletin, different aspects that seem to be the most confusing, so that we may all gain a clear comprehension of what it is the Church teaches, what is expected of those who are married and those who have been through a divorce, and what an annulment really means. Hopefully the written articles will culminate with a talk and Q&A that I would like to host. I believe that this topic has great importance for all of us; especially in our times when there is so very much confusion.

Some of you have been asking about the new parish directory; we are finishing up the final details of the configuration of it right now. The estimated time of delivery for the finished product is the middle to end of December. I hope that all of you are receiving the pictures that you ordered, and I hope that you are satisfied with the outcome.

The time for the implementation of the new English translation of the Roman Missal is now only 3 weeks away. We have already begun singing the new words to the Gloria, Holy, and Memorial Acclamation. When the time comes, we will have cards in each and every pew that will contain all the new words that the people speak, so that everyone will be able to follow along easily. In the meantime, printed below are some of the parts that are changing, so that you can start to become familiar with the new translation. We also still have several copies of the Lighthouse CD "A Walk Through The New Mass Translation" available in the side lobby.

God bless you and have a good week, Fr. Jared

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