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January 27, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The feast of the presentation of the Lord takes place forty days after Christmas and within it we find the revelation of God. In Today’s gospel reading, Simeon names Jesus salvation and light. From the past to present times this mass has been referred to as the “Candlemas,” due to the tradition of the faithful bringing candles to be blessed that will be used throughout the coming year.
As we continue our mission of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, I want to thank all of you who have responded to our annual Diocesan Service Fund (DSF) drive over the years.
For 2020, Cardinal DiNardo has assessed our parish DSF goal at $84,000. DSF supports more than 60 ministries and programs that serve the faithful of the Archdiocese and us here at St. Hyacinth. From Catholic chaplains at the hospitals and the Port of Houston, to religious education training for our teachers (who pass on their faith to our children), to outreach to seniors, to youth ministry, to soup kitchens, to Catholic Charities ministry to the poor and disenfranchised, and to training for seminarians, deacons and priests, the DSF provides funding for people and program that serve us all. It’s truly our baptism calling for generosity as the Cardinal tells us “Bring Your Greatest Gifts To The Lord”
DSF also offers disaster relief and food programs for the poorest among us, the Catholic Chaplain Corps that provides ministry in hospitals so that every Catholic patient has access to spiritual and sacramental care. Your DSF gift is in an extension of yourself and it is put to great use in bringing joy to so many people both here at the parish and throughout the archdiocese.
DSF participation enables us to impact the lives of thousands of our Archdiocesan brothers and sisters through the evangelizing, healing, nurturing and pastoral ministries of the Church. Being Disciples of Christ leads us naturally to the act of helping those who stand in need. These realities, discipleship and generosity, make up the fabric of the Christian life in which each day is lived in a personal relationship with our Lord, because each day is lived in love. Our dedication is expressed in deeds of service and support.
In the coming weeks, the Church will be asking that everyone take a moment to complete your DSF pledge envelope. Remember that your pledge can be paid in installments throughout the year. Any amount is most welcome. The DSF is a good and holy work and it is a way for us to continue our mission work here in our own diocese. When you have your pledge envelope ready, you can place it in the offertory, mail it or drop it by the office, or go on-line and donate electronically. Simply go to www.archgh.org/dsf and in three simple steps your pledge can be completed. By supporting the ministries of the Church we nurture and enrich our Archdiocese and we carry out the design of God; indeed, we bear lasting and living fruit.
I’m often asked how much should a family give to DSF. That’s ultimately up to you to decide but maybe I could suggest that you consider giving at least $1 a day (a $365 yearly pledge) to support DSF. Remember that you don’t have to pay it all at once. You can spread it out through the year, and there are options for credit card payments or bank drafts. But please do make a pledge of any size. I know these are tight economic times for all of us, but generosity has always been a hallmark of the people of STHY. Let us prayerfully discern God’s call so that we too might join with the faithful throughout the archdiocese to follow the Lord in this great work.
God Bless,
Fr. Reginald Samuels