I want to introduce our Stewardship and Pastoral Services Appeal Ministry members who have worked collaboratively in the last few months reflecting and discussing Stewardship and PSA for our parish community and have crafted a presentation for this year’s Pastoral Services Appeal. They are: Marnie Banner, Connie Donovan, Pawel Kalczynski, Bob Lyles, Pat Mannion, Debbie Mogensen, Deacon Jose-Luiz Rodriguez, and Bill Thackery.

One of the most exceptional parts of Saint Angela Merici is the feeling of belonging:  We are part of something much greater than any one person.  Our Church connects us as neighbors, as a community, as a People of God and followers of Christ.  We have much to be grateful for at Saint Angela Merici.  The dedication of our people, the gifts, time, talent and treasure that is shared so generously have created a faith community that is vibrant, alive, and filled with the Spirit of Christ. 

Your pledge last year has allowed our Diocese to continue to foster the many ministries of Faith Formation, Outreach, and social and community activities.  We were also able to continue to support our own work as well realize the dream of a Canopy Cover for our Gathering Area in the Plaza.  Thank you!  The Diocese of Orange has set our PSA goal for 2011 at $104,000.

This year, we propose that our parish funds earned be used to support the Spiritual and Personal Growth of our Youth (Youth Ministry). At our Third Parish Assembly held in October 2010, Youth Ministry was cited as a very high priority in the minds of many of parishioners.  As a result, the Stewardship and PSA Ministry felt it was important to encourage and support our youth in ways that will foster their spiritual, religious, and Catholic identity.  In addition, it has long been the dream to reconfigure the front entrance of our church on Walnut Avenue making it more inviting and welcoming to our visitors and parishioners.  The proposal envisions a Prayer Garden with a Memory Bench for the Unborn, a Statue of Saint Angela Merici and the removal of the tower (which was not retrofitted).  The cross would be preserved and placed with the statue of Saint Angela Merici as part of the landscaping. The statue, bench, and initial cost for the demolition of the tower have already been donated so, we are well on our way to making this project a reality!

It may seem daunting that we would “dream up-and-above” what some may think is beyond our reach, however, it is the belief of the Stewardship Ministry and myself that Saint Angela has consistently been generous stewards when certain endeavors or projects for ministry and the life of the parish are warranted. So, it is important to listen to your heart as we begin PSA 2011.  Your pledge is very important to the work and ministry and the growth of our parish.  This year our presenters are Marnie Banner and Kelly Spies.  They will share their own personal faith journey and how Saint Angela Merici has enabled them and their families to embrace more intimately their Catholic-Christian identity. 

Remember, as you reflect on your pledge, the Diocese is offering various incentives that will foster immediate financial support back to Saint Angela. They include our willingness to complete our assessment-goal within the first month, the use of the On-Line Pledge via the Diocesan website, as well as not only the dollar-amount pledged, put the number of parishioners that make a pledge. As you can see, there is a great opportunity for us to fulfill our Parish Goal and begin to realize the funds earned through PSA immediately!

Your response to God’s generosity will  certainly be evident in the experience of Church at Saint Angela Merici.  Please pledge.  Pledge now.  Pledge to make a difference.  Pledge to witness to your gratefulness to God and the desire to see us continue to faithfully fulfill our Gospel-mission as a Parish Faith Community.

Fr. Michael Dwight