CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Today we begin our annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week and specifically of our own Saint Joseph’s Parish School. For over 75 years Saint Joseph’s has provided Christian education that is excellent, vital and Catholic. We are training leaders for tomorrow.

We congratulate our excellent faculty and staff, both those who serve today and all who served in the past. Their dedication and strong abilities have helped countless children grow into Christian adults over the years. This year’s Distinguished Graduate Award goes to MARY ANN BACH. Over the years she has assisted our Parish School in many capacities, including service on the School Advisory Board and the Parents’ Club. Mary Ann and husband, Bill, have a son, Billy, who will graduate this year. Congratulations, Mary Ann, and thank you so much for everything!

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL BEGINS TODAY!

Today throughout the Archdiocese all pastors have been asked by Cardinal George to promote the Annual Catholic Appeal. This endeavor aids many of the ministries and outreach programs of the Archdiocese of Chicago. This year’s theme is based on Christ’s call to his apostles: “They left everything and followed him.”

Our generosity benefits schools serving in disadvantaged communities; preparation of volunteers to conduct Parish religious education programs; recruitment, education and formation of lay ministers and deacons; the continuing education and on-going spiritual formation of priests; parishes and schools in disadvantaged communities which need capital grants; Catholic Relief Services for care given to foreign lands; ministries that provide comfort, care and counseling to those in need; programs promoting the dignity of all life from conception to natural death.

The Annual Catholic Appeal also benefits our Parish, since everything contributed above our target goal comes back to us. The rebates from the 2009 Appeal amounted to over $13,000.00. This money has been placed in our Parish Building Fund to help pay for the repairs that must be made to our school building. This facility, we must remember, is not only used by school students and personnel: each week 300 Religious Education children are taught by their catechists. Countless sports events and other gatherings are held there as well.

This year our goal is $36,456.48. I know we can exceed that goal, as we have done in the past three years, thus ensuring a much-needed rebate to Saint Joseph’s. Please join me in making a sacrificial gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal. You will help our Archdiocese, and you will help Saint Joseph’s. As always, thank you for your wonderful spirit.

Saint Joseph, pray for us, and let us pray for one another!