FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK……

FEBRUARY 22, 2004

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

    This weekend is our Annual Bishop's Appeal kick-off that we've all been anticipating for the last couple of weeks.  All of us have been thinking, praying, and, in some cases, discussing with others what amount we will pledge this year.  We know that all that we have --- even our finances --- is a gift from God.  This weekend at all the Masses you and I will be asked to seriously consider the pledge we're going to make for 2004 in proportion as God has gifted us this new year.

    In today's Gospel Reading, Jesus tells us:  "GIVE, AND GIFTS WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU, A GOOD MEASURE, PACKED TOGETHER, SHAKEN DOWN, AND OVERFLOWING, WILL BE POURED INTO YOUR LAP.  FOR THE MEASURE WITH WHICH YOU MEASURE WILL IN RETURN BE MEASURED OUT TO YOU." (Luke 6:38)  God will never be outdone in generosity.  If we are generous with Him, He, in turn, will be more than generous to us.  This fact is very re-assuring to us who are often cheated by the commercial world when it comes to spending our hard-earned money.  It seems that so often we pay more and get less in return.  With God, however, it's just the opposite!   

    Last week in my letter to you I outlined some of the ways that the Diocese of Monterey has helped us here at Old Mission San Miguel Parish this past year with some of our needs.  I mentioned just a few of the programs from which we benefited (e.g., ministry training, office personnel training, etc.).  I ask you to study the brochure you received today entitled "TOGETHER IN FAITH" for a more detailed explanation of where your generous pledge will be used.  Today I'd like to talk about how we will use the rebates generated by your generous pledges.  100% of your pledges after meeting our 2004 Diocesan Assessment of $8,700.00 will go to support Sr. Loretta's ministry with the poor in our parish as well as the building of our badly needed parish hall.  I can't think of any more worthwhile and urgent projects than these.  Your generous pledge today will help realize these important goals we've set for our parish in this new year of 2004.  God bless you as you give. 

                                                            Sincerely yours in Christ,

                                                           Fr. Ray Tintle, OFM
                                                           Pastor