From the Pastor’s Desk by Fr. Terry Kerner,
Next weekend (June 14/15) the St. Vincent de Paul truck will be at St. Alphonsus parking lot for donations of clothing, books, linens, and small appliances. To also raise funds for Camp Ozanam, St. Vincent’s summer youth program, pop bottles and cans will also be collected. All Family of Parish members are encouraged to support SVDP at St. Alphonsus – St. Clement. We often refer requests to them when we are asked for assistance. They meet many needs for the needy in our area. At the same time the Food Bank at St. Maria Goretti receives our continual and generous donations throughout the year. These two sources of assistance for the poor and needy are our parish’s most important outreach efforts. I am proud to say that St. Kateri has always been most supportive of their charitable works.
Later this month on the weekend of June 21/22 we will host along with St. Maria Goretti a missionary representing the Propagation of the Faith. His diocese is in India and most grateful for the opportunity to share his story with us. I will be hosting Father over the weekend and hoping that someone could volunteer to shuttle him back and forth for the masses in our two churches. His schedule is such that he can speak at all the masses in both parishes on the same weekend thus saving the cost of unnecessary flights. Let me know if you can help.
In August we are looking to have a Blood Bank for the four congregations in our Family of Parishes. We have volunteered to host this service and might need some volunteers in some capacity. Meanwhile, start “enriching” your blood with healthy foods. The drive will be open to all in the community, and we will let you know the details when we have them.
I want to thank all who are able to contribute to the Offertory. We are currently doing very well in that weekly support for the parish. As you know from your own home life there is always something to repair and maintain. Many visitors over the year have commented on how beautiful our campus is and how clean and well-kept are our buildings. We have our staff to thank for that. Let them know when you see them.
On a final note, the parish Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) is doing very well. Just into its third week we are at 59% of the $48,000 target. That is a credit to all who are doing the best they can to make the annual drive successful. You can be proud to know that every year we have one of the highest participation rates in the Archdiocese. I truly appreciate everyone’s generous support.
Have a safe and healthy summer!
