November 30, 2020
Dear Saint William Parishioner,
No one could have ever guessed how the year 2020 would play out in our nation, our Church, or our lives. We find ourselves distanced from so many things that were normal, routine, and comfortable to us. In the 32 years I have been a priest, there has never been a year like this year.
In spite of all of this upheaval, I have been reminded time and time again that nothing is wasted by God. I have been able to witness creativity, determination, and community building despite these challenges. I have seen people rely on their faith more than ever. I have also seen those return to their faith with more fervor than ever before. We came to you at the beginning of the pandemic to help Saint William get through the first months of turmoil and you did. Through it all, God’s love and mercy has been and will continue to be our guiding star.
I’m reaching out today because we have been provided with another matching gift challenge! A group of parishioners have generously stepped up to help us end the year in a big way. If our parish can raise $200,000 it will be matched dollar for dollar by our generous supporters. Though we have been able to resume public Masses and have seen an increase in attendance, our offertory is not at our pre-COVID amount. Raising this amount would most certainly put us in a much stronger financial position as we continue to navigate these difficult times.
Please prayerfully consider a financial gift of $100 or more to help us meet our match. Not only will your gift automatically double, but this gift will help us overcome our income deficit and can also be considered tax deductible if received by December 31st! Please note your gift is for the Matching Gift Opportunity. An envelope has been enclosed for your convenience.
Thank you for joining this challenge and helping Saint William continue to be a guiding star for so many during these turbulent times. Please know that Fr. Leo, Msgr. Louis, and I are praying for you and your loved ones during this Advent and Christmas season.