Dear Parishioners,
Psalm 116 is one of my favorites. It reads, “How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise and I will call on the Lord’s name” (Psalm 116:12-13). The Lord is so good and the Lord has been good to you and me. Our lives are not perfect, but if we stop and reflect, God’s goodness is everywhere. With this in mind, the theme of our Annual Stewardship Renewal is “Gratitude.”
I am so grateful to our Stewardship Council for all they’ve done to bring our annual renewal to where it is. Led by Chairperson Joe Hladik, the council’s members are Zane Quible, Karen Schieber, Haley Annuschat, Angela Vivar, Tim Trojan, Mike FitzGerald, and Carol Schmitz. This group does so much behind the scenes to keep a stewardship way of life front and center in our parish. I am grateful!
Another under-the-radar ministry in the parish is our Stephen Ministry. Led by Mary Ellen Holley, Stephen Ministers accompany people in need by praying for them and with them and by listening. Specifically trained by a national program, Stephen Ministers are available to help when called upon. I am grateful for these men and women and the important role they play in the parish.
A final, largely unseen group featured in this newsletter is the Parish Office Volunteer Ministry. Our parish office can be a busy place with visitors stopping by, meetings, phone calls, and preparation for events. Our volunteers help the parish staff keep the work of our parish moving forward. If you have a few hours a week to help, I hope you’ll consider this ministry.
I have so much gratitude for these ministries and so many others. We have much for which to be grateful. As we move ahead in our Annual Stewardship Renewal, I hope you and every member of your household will make your commitments in the area of time, talent, and treasure. Thank you!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Brian O’Brien
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church