Generate Joy! What an inspiration it is for all of us to know that when we support the Annual Partners in Charity Appeal we generate joy in the lives of those served by our many agencies and ministries. And you, in turn, share in the joy of bringing hope into the lives of those we serve. It is why I offer my thanks to God for the prayers and support of the generous people of our Catholic Community of Sacred Heart.
The inspiration for this year's campaign came from Saint Pope Paul VI who reminded us so eloquently ''The world calls for and expects from us simplicity of life, the spirit of prayer, charity towards all, especially towards the lowly and the poor, obedience and humility. ... Without this mark of holiness, our word will have difficulty in touching the heart of modern man. It risks being vain and sterile."
As your pastor, I cannot overstate the importance of this appeal, which supports the work of 28 diocesan agencies, ministries and programs, and serves the people of all our parishes and missions (nearly 280,000 local Catholics), as well as many thousands of people in need throughout Worcester County. It also supports the Deaconate Education program that Tom Tierney is in, preparing him for ordination on June 1st of this year!
The theme of the appeal this year, "Generate Joy," is based on our ongoing commitment to serve the needy throughout Central Massachusetts. Once a year, we commit ourselves to this ongoing work with our Annual Partners in Charity Appeal. We as a parish reflect on God's great generosity and respond with generous giving of our own.
Our parish goal is $43,200.00. We will need many generous donors to reach and hopefully exceed our goal. I know that I can count on wonderful parishioners like you. I am asking new parishioners to step forward and join your resources in meeting our parish goal in assisting the many needs of our brothers and sisters throughout Worcester County.
Please pray for the success of our appeal in our Catholic Community of Sacred Heart and join me in supporting Partners in Charity.