26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Last February was the beginning of our Annual Catholic Appeal campaign for 2018. Unlike the tithing renewal that we will do each November, in which we commit ourselves to a weekly tithe to the support of our parish, the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) is our opportunity to consider the needs not just of our own parish, but of Catholics across the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, many of whom are not only our “spiritual” brothers and sisters in Christ, but are also literally our brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, as well! Who will provide for the priests that visit them in the hospital? Who will provide for the education of new priests for their parishes? Who will provide for the training of deacons and lay ministers within our Archdiocese? Who will fund the specialized ministries such as pro-life ministry, outreach to the disabled, and outreach to those who are incarcerated? We have the opportunity to be the hands and heart of Christ! The Annual Catholic Appeal Foundation represents nearly one third of all operating funds available to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Without the ACA, the vital work of the Church would not be possible.

The assigned goal for our parish for this year is $48,000. In meeting our goal, we are meeting our obligation to support the ministries of the Archdiocese. But in surpassing our goal, we are also helping ourselves since all of the paid pledges in excess of our assigned goal are rebated directly back to our parish to be used in funding projects right here at Our Lady of Fatima!

At this point, our pledges total $56,525, meaning that we have exceeded our goal and have a potential rebate of $10,525 if everyone makes good on their pledge. We have already received a rebate check in the amount of $630. Of the total pledges, there is an outstanding balance of $9,195 that needs to be paid by early December. If you made a pledge to the Annual Catholic Appeal, please plan now to fulfill your pledge by December. If you have not made a pledge, it’s not too late to do so. The average ACA pledge in our parish this year has been $329, but all pledges are welcome and appreciated, regardless of the amount.

A special “Thank you” to those parishioners who have joined me in making and fulfilling a pledge to the ACA. For those who have not yet made a pledge for 2018 and would like to do so, pledge forms are available at the entrances of the church and at the parish office, or we will mail them to you upon request.