Last week, we launched our Pilgrimage of Faith Campaign. I have been asked to put in the bulletin my personal testimony about Pilgrimage of Faith Appeal.
Many may not have been aware of this: your Pilgrimage of Faith donation helped me to become a priest here in our diocese. When I arrived in 2012, I was to go to the seminary in Edmonton to conclude my studies. Where was I going to get the money for the school fees, to pay for room and board? For us international seminarians, we pay more: over $30,000 a year. The bishop said to me: “We rely on the generosity and love of our people expressed in their pilgrimage of Faith donation. We will get you to the seminary, I hope.” The next month, I was off to school. Since I had completed most of my studies in Nigeria, I stayed only for one year there. It was a special gift to me to be able to study at St. Joseph Seminary and attend lectures at Newman Theological College. And I survived the cold 🙂 I met great lecturers and was introduced to books, authors and theologians that have helped shaped my life and ministry. You made it possible for me. In a real and concrete way, your Pilgrimage of Faith donation helped me to become a priest in the diocese of Nelson. Nelson has become my home. Here I will serve and offer my love.
Through the Pilgrimage of Faith, our diocese continues to train more seminarians and provide funding for key ministries in these areas: Office of Faith Formation, Seton House Retreat Center, First Nations Ministry, Marriage Tribunal, Catholic Schools, Social and Pastoral Programs.
This year, for St. Ann, our diocesan goal is $36,150. our parish goal is $25,000 which will go towards Youth Ministry to complete the $50,000 needed to hire Youth and Young Adult Ministers and all that is involved in the ministry for the year. Through Pilgrimage of Faith last year, you helped raise $43,000 and our parish received $11,061.24 from the Diocese.
For St. John Vianney, our diocesan goal is $14,400. Our parish goal is yet to be determined. Our parish goal will be used to procure a baptismal font and refurbish the Church floor and change the carpet. The present carpet is no longer healthy. We do not want our parishioners falling sick. Last year, you helped raise over $14,000. Our parish received $6,549.75 which was used to reroof the parish hall.
Please speak with Fr. Obi or Melinda Edis if you have any questions. In the coming weeks, we will Institute a Committee to oversee this year’s appeal. We will announce their names and you can speak with any of them after Mass in the foyer or in the hall. We hope that all our families and households will
particulate this year.
Someone once said, ‘when I write a cheque, I’m writing it to Jesus and I know the purpose for which I donate will be fulfilled.’ Like the Magi, your donation is your gold to Jesus Thank you!
If you wish, you can donate on-line at:
Or e-transfer to: