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[v.4] 2026-March-1, Lent 2nd Sunday ●● _ Genesis 12:1-4a ●● _ Psalm ●● _ 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 ●● +Matthew 17:1-9 ●●
The
Gospel of the Transfiguration we have just heard is mysterious—but it is good
news. Our Savior Jesus who would one day be crucified on Mount Calvary is
revealed in glory on this mountain where he is transfigured. The disciples are
given hope before the Cross – and shown that suffering does not have the final
word. Jesus is truly the Son of God, and He will be raised in glory.
This
hope strengthens us. And that hope takes concrete form in how we care for one
another.
Annual Appeal 2026: Why Your Gift Makes a Difference in Archdiocese and Locally Here at Lourdes!
I
am Father Jim Ferry, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, and I invite you to join me
in supporting the 2026 Annual Appeal of the Archdiocese of Newark.
I
am grateful for the way the Lord works through you—quietly and faithfully. Our
parish is a reminder that God’s grace often moves through humility and
generosity that does not seek attention.
Today,
I ask for your financial support of the 2026 Annual Appeal. I have made my
gift, and I invite you to prayerfully consider making yours.
Jesus
tells us, “You are the light of the world.” Light does not exist for itself. It
exists so that others can see. It guides and brings hope.
That
is what your generosity does.
Here
at Our Lady of Lourdes, your giving ensures that the sacraments remain
accessible—from Baptism through Confirmation, Marriage, and the Anointing of
the Sick. Regardless of a family’s ability to pay, we welcome children and
families for religious education and sacramental preparation. You sustain
worship, pastoral care, and the daily life of our parish.
The
Annual Appeal extends that same spirit of mercy beyond our parish. It supports
seminary education and the formation of future priests. Years ago, gifts like
yours helped support me in the seminary, as well as Father Jim Chern and Father
Bob Suszko. We remain grateful.
Your
support also strengthens college and university student campus ministry,
provides Masses for the deaf and hearing-impaired, and sustains Catholic
Charities, which offers food, shelter, job training, education, and care to
those most in need.
This
kind of giving is often quiet—but it changes lives.
There
is also a local benefit. Over the past ten years, our parish has received more
than $200,000 in grants and assessment assistance through the Archdiocese.
These funds helped with necessary building repairs, construction, and parish
stability.
Catholic
Charities also rents our school building at 100 Valley Way. The rent they pay
provides more than half of our parish operating budget. The teachers and staff
of Mount Carmel Guild Academy educate children with autism and special learning
needs. When Catholic Charities is strong, our parish is strengthened.
Our
parish goal for the 2026 Annual Appeal is $37,192. If we reach that goal by
June 30, we will receive a $12,000 assessment savings that remains here to
support parish life.
The
Appeal is an invitation to begin again and to give generously. Every gift
matters. Every act of mercy counts.
Together,
may we continue to be a light for others—a parish where mercy is lived and hope
is strengthened.
Thank
you for your faith, your generosity, and your prayerful support. Please know of
my prayers for you and your families.
Our
Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
And now, we will show the official three-minute video from the Archdiocese of Newark for this year’s Annual Appeal. [Click Here for Video]
Closing Summary:
Before you leave today, I invite you
to take a few moments to read the letter [Click Here for letter] that is in your pew. It explains more
clearly how the Annual Appeal supports both the wider Church and our own parish
family here at Our Lady of Lourdes.
Your generosity does make a real
difference. Because of your support, we have been able to remain financially
stable, to care for our parish buildings responsibly, and to continue serving
our community with confidence and hope.
If you have supported the Annual
Appeal in the past, thank you. If you have never participated before, I invite
you to consider joining in this year. Every gift, whatever the amount, helps us
share the responsibility of sustaining our parish and supporting the mission of
the Church.
Thank you again for your faith, your
prayers, and your generosity.
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