Thank You!

by David Lins  |  11/07/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

This weekend’s Gospel touches on the poor widow who contributes all that she has to give. I feel there is no better time to thank all of you who financially contribute to our parish.

I’ve worked side by side with incredible Catholics (your parish staff) for almost six years. They work hard. They are deeply aware of the importance of their work. They are completely cognizant of the sacrifice that makes their work possible.

Speaking for myself, I would not get to do this if it weren’t for your contribution. Sure, I could volunteer a few hours a week. But due to your generosity, I put forty hours or more into Our Lady of Joy every week.

What do I do with this time? I’ll share this not for recognition, but because I believe you deserve to know what you are supporting. (Keep in mind—in addition to supporting staff like myself—you are keeping the lights on, the scorpions at bay with pest control, toilet paper stocked, the website working, air conditioning running, the church cleaned, program supplies purchased, sacraments without cost, unleavened bread and wine in stock, and 48,712 other things...)

Some of my responsibilities include: write this weekly article, direct adult RCIA Program (the process by which adults join the Roman Catholic Church or complete their sacraments of initiation), lead a weekly adult Bible Study (10AM in the parish hall on Mondays), direct the Coordinator of Children’s Catechesis, direct the Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, develop and execute on budgets for all these departments, respond to emailed questions about the Catholic Faith, plan annual Advent and Lenten Parish Missions with the best Catholic authorities available (Patrick Madrid on December 6th & 7th at 6:30PM!), coordinate weekly staff prayer, attend all staff planning meetings, develop and coordinate staff retreat days, and much, much more. And I could not do all this without you and your generosity. On behalf of the staff, the religious, and the clergy—thank you.

Questions? Comments? Reach David at dlins@oloj.org.