The theme of the 2010 appeal is “God’s Love Shines Through Us – We are a Priestly People”. This theme captures the reality that in actively participating in the work of charity and love, we come together as Disciples serving the Lord and each other through ministry and love. In 2009, 83% of St Charles Borromeo’s parishioners contributed to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Because of your generosity, we received $44,280 (the amount over our goal of $27,954) from the Appeal and those monies were used to repair our antiquated heating system and to begin planning for rehabilitation and rental of St Charles Borromeo School. As we launch the 2010 appeal next weekend please reflect on the words of the Gospel: “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured in your lap. For the measure with which you measure will be in turn measured out to you.” (Lk 6:38).

Lent is the season for almsgiving. How appropriate for each of us to give alms for the poor of our Diocese. Please pray for the success of the Annual Catholic Appeal and prayerfully consider what you can do to help the Diocese and our Parish! This year our goal is to achieve 100% participation of our parishioners. Good Friday – Collection for Holy Land Our Collection on Good Friday will be sent to the Holy Land, where Jesus walked and lived, to be used for maintenance of the Shrines. Please be generous in your support of the Holy Land!