A Note From the Pastor: July 6, 2025

I want to thank you for a good start to the Annual Catholic Appeal. The following is an update (as of Friday, June 27th):

St. Thomas : our assessment amount is $52,761. The current amount pledged is $21,500 (41% of the assessment). We have received responses from 15% of our registered families.

St. Philomena : our assessment amount is $104,538. The current amount pledged is $38,847 (37% of the assessment). We have received responses from 10% of our registered families.

Over the years (and recently too!) I’ve spoken with parishioners who say something like, “I like my parish and am happy to support it, but I do not feel the same connection with the Archdiocese”. That’s a response I’ve been given as to why they choose not to contribute to the Annual Catholic Appeal. My response to that is, “If you like your parish, please contribute, please do your part. Why? Because your parish makes the contribution on your behalf, if you choose not to. In other words, it hurts our parish financially, when parishioners choose not to support the ACA.”

And to that point, I understand how feel a stronger connection with our own parishes. That’s normal. But as Catholics, we are more than just people of a particular parish. That’s one of the beautiful things about our Catholic faith: we are part of something more than just our immediate community and the things that happen within the four walls of our church.

I ask your help with this cause, so that the parish does not bear the burden. As I asked in the letter I sent to you, consider a gift of $365 (the equivalent of $1 per day). I remind you even though you make this pledge, you can break it up into monthly installments.

On a different note, I want to point out to you a couple up-coming events/offerings (in English).

On Thursday, July 10th, Dominican Friar, Father Lawrence Lew (whom you’ve perhaps seen on EWTN) will be at St. Philomena for Mass (at 6:00pm) and a presentation to follow, regarding the depth of the Rosary, especially as it fosters hope. Please register at ShrineforMary.org.

Then, starting Thursday, July 17th, I will begin a 6-part series called Beloved. This series is intended to uncover “the mystery and the meaning of the sacrament of marriage. What if marriage is more than you think it is? What if God has woven into the very fabric of your humanity a purposeful need and desire that can only be fulfilled in your marriage? Beloved invites all.” The dates (Thursdays) are July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 14, Aug 21, and Aug 28. The sessions will occur both at St. Thomas (10:00-11:30am) and St. Philomena (6:30-8:00pm).

Yours in Christ,

Father Todd O. Strange