Dear People of God,

I hope and pray that all is well with you and your loved ones as we celebrate the Pascal Mystery of our salvation!

As the pandemic has ravaged our planet, so much has changed. Sorrow, frustration and anger have become part of our lives on every level. Economic uncertain- ty has added stress to individuals, families, businesses and even our beloved Church. Some folks have crumbled under these bur- dens and lost hope.

Yet, this is not unique to our day and age with Covid. It is THE STORY OF FAITH. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus show us this reality. They were leaving Jerusalem in despair. Then with the “breaking of the bread”, their hope was restored. By this familiar return to routine, the disciples were given the gift that enabled them to be Jesus’s witness- es.

It is this backdrop that frames our Annual Catholic Appeal.

Since 1976, our Diocese has asked all parishes to provide critical financial support to more than thirty ministries that individual parishes could not sustain. Here at St. Dennis, Diocesan ministry assists with the pastoral care of our Spanish speaking members.

Further, the many departments of our Diocese provide us with guidance and direction for all of our parish ministries.

Since I became Pastor, our parish has always been a shining example of loving stewardship to our Church. Never have we not made our appeal goal.

This includes last year during the pandemic.

Our Bishop has asked us all to prayerfully reflect on how God wants to use us as instruments in support- ing the various ministries of our Diocese. Sacrifice is never easy. It is even harder during the pandemic because we already sacrificed so much. None the less, this tradition is what makes us who we are.

Based on our proud heritage, I have no doubt that we will be Disciples of Christ and Witnesses of Hope” once again.

May God continue to bless you and reward your sacrifice for His Church!

Father Jim