I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink . . . Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.
Matthew 25: 35ff
Dear Friends,
There are so many in our world today without food, without shelter, without clothing. With the generosity of the men and women of good will, we pray for the day when there will be enough food for every hungry child; when there will be a cup of water for the little ones of our world, and a place to lay their heads. In addition to the physical hunger and thirst of our world, there is also a spiritual hunger and thirst. Each year, our diocese presents to us an empty cup representing the spiritual needs of our diocese – our hunger and our thirst for God.
We speak of the hunger and thirst in these areas of the life of our diocese.
- Our youth
- The needs of our retired priests (who from time to time come to our parish to help with Ministry, to serve us even in their retirement, sometimes with visibly aching body)
- The formation of our Seminarians
- The ongoing formation of our Priests
- Ministry to our First Nations
- Our Catholic Schools etc.
As a parish, we bring to you again this year an empty cup. Last year, you generously filled it with water. A child drank because of you; our retired priests smiled as they received the cup of water you filled, our seminarians are able to study because of you. I am here today serving in our parish because of the cup of water you gave me.
We hope that each household in our parish would help fill a cup this year. We hope and pray that every household participates. God loves a cheerful giver. A lot of work is done by the diocese through your heartfelt donation. The campaign kicks off in January. Please consider donating this year.
Our diocesan goal for 2020 is $14,400
Our parish goal is not determined yet. We will announce that early next year once we receive the quote for the floor and baptismal font. Whatever we get above and beyond our diocesan goal will be used in the revitalization of our parish. The three things we hope to accomplish in 2020 are these:
- To get a Baptismal font
- Refurbish the floor
- Youth Ministry
1. Baptismal Font: Baptism is the beginning of a new life. We do not have a baptismal font. We have been baptizing with a bowl. Not the best. In fact, it is not dignifying. We want to get something dignifying for the babies and all who will be baptized at the font.
Since we are planning on revitalizing our parish, to get a baptismal font signals the beginning of a new life in our parish. Since the Parish is our spiritual family, it will be very significant if every family participated in this revitalization effort so that as we look at the font, we will know that all of us belong there.
2. The Floor: the ground we walk on is a holy ground. It is the ground that holds all of us. The carpet in our parish is no longer healthy. We desire to refurbish our floor by changing the carpet and refurbishing the terrazzo floor.
3. Our Young Ones: Years from now, many of us will not be here. From heaven, we hope to look down and see that the doors of our parish remain open, and that God’s love will forever be proclaimed. Our young ones are hungry and thirsty for meaning, for hope and for love. We have seen suicide numbers increase a lot among the young people. We want to do our part in helping them. Would you consider helping us to give love and hope to them by donating this year.
Jesus said:
If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones . . . truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.
Matthew 10: 42
Thank you!
Your Brother,
Fr. Obi.