The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four canonical gospels. We witness Jesus proclaiming the kingdom of God and calling for his disciples to follow him. In this gospel, Jesus devotes his time to making how those who have been broken by spiritual and physical illnesses. Jesus does not shy away from the dark places within humanity but seeks out those who are in most need of his light.
This Sunday is DSF 2021 Sunday and our mission is to spread 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 2021, Cardinal DiNardo has assessed our parish DSF goal at $80,000. 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 calls us to “Walk in the Light of Christ”
DSF 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.
Today, the Church will be asking that everyone take a moment to consider your DSF support for the year. Envelopes can be found in the Narthex of the Church. Any amount is most welcome. 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 https://www.archgh.org/ways-to-give/diocesan-services-fund-dsf/ and in several simple steps your pledge can be completed. 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.
Our parish is required to meet our goal, whether paid by us individually or paid from our general operating parish funds at the end of the year. For the 2020 DSF St Hyacinth missed the DSF fundraising goal by $15,360. This shortfall is paid out of the general operating funds of the parish.
For Ash Wednesday (February 17th) here at STHY we will be offering one Mass and three Liturgies of the Word services with ashessprinkled on the crown of the head. Mass time is 8:00 am; Liturgy of the Word services with ashes sprinkled on the crown of the head: 6:00 am, 12:00 Noon, and 7:00 pm. These liturgies will require our entire ministry teams’ presence, so please make sure to sign up.