This is my homily/presentation March 2, 2025 to promote the Annual Appeal with the Archdiocese.
For video presentation of this go to:
___ Click Here for English Version __
___ Click Here for Spanish Version __
If you would like to contribute, information is available in the pews. You can also contact me at
FatherJimFerry@lourdeswestorange.org
Or call (973) 325-0110
To donate online, visit rcan.org/sharing
[slide_00 Gospel] One of my seminary professors once remarked that this passage from the Gospel must have come from St. Joseph and Jesus’s carpenter’s workshop. After all, it speaks of splinters and wood—things that carpenters would have encountered daily. We try to keep splinters out of our bodies, especially our eyes. A carpenter and a carpenter’s son would have understood not only the challenge of removing splinters but also the need for assistance to see clearly. Likewise, we need God’s grace to help us see clearly in our daily lives.
[slide_01] This Sunday, we are promoting the Annual Appeal. Coincidentally, I also want to clarify some terminology. The Annual Appeal focuses on our mission—the mission of charity that we undertake as Christians and Catholics. However, there is another collection that sounds similar, beginning with the letter "A as in alpha"—the Assessment Collection. This collection also involves financial support to the Archdiocese, but it serves a different purpose.
The Assessment Collection
covers maintenance expenses, which help sustain the Archdiocese. For example,
part of our assessment funds the upkeep of the cathedral basilica in Newark and
provides support for property management services. These services assist
parishes like ours by ensuring that buildings are well maintained. Currently,
as we prepare to lease our convent to a new tenant, a lawyer is drafting the
lease for us. Thanks to the assessment funds, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish does
not have to cover legal fees, as they are already accounted for in our
contribution to the Archdiocese.
On the other hand, the
Annual Appeal is not about maintenance but about our mission. It supports charitable
efforts that extend beyond our local parish. I want to thank you for your
continued generosity and invite you to join me in supporting this year’s Annual
Appeal. I have already made my contribution, and I encourage you to do the
same.
When we give regionally, we
benefit locally. The Annual Appeal serves the Archdiocese of Newark, which
includes Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Union counties. But first, let me remind
you why we give locally.
[slide_02,
why give locally / faith]
Why
Give Locally?
Your parish contributions allow the Catholic faith to be
passed on through the sacraments. Young people are baptized in Christ, prepared
for penance, confession, confirmation, marriage, Holy Orders, and Anointing of
the Sick. Your generosity helps cover the cost of religious education, which
tuition fees alone cannot sustain. We are also blessed with many volunteers who
give their time freely to support religious education at Our Lady of Lourdes.
Thank you for your dedication—you are ensuring that the sacraments, worship,
and education remain accessible to all. We never turn anyone away due to
financial hardship.
[slide_03] Your local giving also supports the needy.
Consider the example of Holy Week. On Holy Thursday, Jesus washed the feet of
His disciples and told them to do the same for others—an act of humble service.
Similarly, your Holy Thursday donations support the St. Vincent de Paul
Society, which aids the poor in our community. At Christmas, your generosity
provides for those in need through our Giving Tree project, ensuring that the
most vulnerable receive assistance.
[slide_04] Why
Give Regionally?
The Annual Appeal extends our mission by funding seminary
education and forming future priests, including those serving in our own
parish. I myself was educated through the Annual Appeal—your generosity helped
pay for my tuition at Immaculate Conception Seminary. Father Bob Susko, our
weekend assistant, continues to work in administration there.
Additionally, the Appeal funds campus ministry,
supporting young Catholics at nine colleges within our Archdiocese. Before
coming here, I served in campus ministry at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Thanks to your contributions, my ministry was provided at no cost to the
university. Your support ensures that priests continue to serve students at
Montclair State University, Rutgers-Newark, Kean University, and other
campuses. Note that this funding does not extend to Seton Hall University,
which has its own sources of support. Instead, these contributions sustain
Newman Clubs and Catholic outreach at public and non-religious
universities.
The Appeal also provides for Masses for the disabled,
ensuring that worship remains accessible to the hearing-impaired and others
with special needs. It funds Catholic Charities, which offers food, shelter,
job training, and educational programs for those in crisis.
[slide_05] How Does This Benefit Our Parish?
You may be wondering: How does giving to the Annual
Appeal benefit Our Lady of Lourdes?
Because of your generosity, our parish has received over
**$200,000** in grants and debt relief from the Archdiocese over the past ten
years. This includes:
- **$105,000 in direct grants** for building repairs
- **$50,000 in assessment reductions** over the past two
years
- **$36,000 in additional assessment reductions**
- **$66,000 in forgiveness of unpaid bills** to the
Archdiocese
That’s a total benefit of **$207,000** over the past
decade.
Additionally, **Catholic Charities rents our school
building**, and their rent covers **50% of our parish budget**. The Mount
Carmel Guild Academy, which operates in our school building, serves children on
the autism spectrum and those with special learning needs. Your contribution,
no matter the size, supports both our parish and the broader Church.
[slide_06] Our
Goal for This Year
Our **goal for this year’s Annual Appeal is $33,208**. By
reaching this goal before **June 30**, our parish will receive **a $12,000
reduction** in assessment costs. This benefit is available to all parishes that
meet their goal by June 30.
If you would like to
contribute, information is available in the pews. You can also contact me at
FatherJimFerry@lourdeswestorange.org
Or call (973) 325-0110
To donate online, visit rcan.org/sharing
Thank you for your prayerful
consideration and for supporting our parish. Together, we continue to build on
over 110 years of faith and service at Our Lady of Lourdes.
[slide_07] Thank
you for your prayerful consideration and generosity. Together, we continue to
build on 110 years of faith and ensure
Our Lady of Lourdes remains a thriving spiritual home for generations to come.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us !
Now, we will watch the official video from the
Archdiocese. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you!
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