As the Diocese of Orange presents the Pastoral Services Appeal (PSA) this year, I cannot help but realize that in the middle of an economy that is in crisis, we like Jesus cannot possibly respond to every need, to every request, to every financial endowment. In the past two years, the generosity of our parishioners has supported the ministries of the diocese as well as enabled us to begin to move forward with the construction of our School Lunch Pavilion this summer, and complete the installation of our security system, in order to assure a safe and secure environment for all our parishioners. We are grateful for your support in these endeavors.

It is a difficult time. Many of us have found ourselves re-evaluating our financial and personal priorities. Some of our parishioners have lost their positions. Careers have been altered, financial investments have been compromised, and our lifestyles have been drastically altered. The experience of the economy has also affected us as a diocese and a parish. This year, I am not going to ask you to make a pledge for a major project. What I am asking you is to reflect and pray, about the possibility of still pledging to the Pastoral Services Appeal in the best way you can. Perhaps you cannot pledge as much as you have in the past. That is fine. What I would ask is that you consider pledging within your means to help us maintain the services and ministries of the diocese and at Saint Angela Merici. In light of the economy, the diocese has not raised the parish assessment for any parish, so our goal is the same as last year: $108,000. Once this pledge-goal is reached, all financial support is rebated back to us at Saint Angela. In the past we have taken the fast track to meet our diocesan goal. I am not sure that is possible this year, but I have personally experienced the generosity of our people at Saint Angela Merici, and I believe in some way you will consider supporting us however you can. I am grateful for your consideration and even more thankful for your continual support in all the endeavors we have accomplished and your continued willingness to dream together as we reach out and strive as a parish at Saint Angela Merici to be a Community of Faith, who like Jesus in today’s Gospel, is not willing to lose sight of what the reign of God could mean.

Fr. Michael Dwight