Saint Michael Parish
Welcomes You
ANNUAL DIOCESAN APPEAL
One in Hope, One in Mission
Our Annual Diocesan Appeal, "One in Hope, One in Mission", is now underway. Many of you have generously donated to the Appeal last year will receive a personalized packet from Bishop Bonnar in the mail. We will have additional brochures and pledge cards in the pews. The Annual Diocesan Appeal is the major solicitation in support of Catholic Charities and the Ministries of the Diocese, seeking to raise $4,000,000 throughout our 80 parishes in the diocese. Last year, our parish collectively raised $155,000. I am eternally grateful to everyone who made a gift last year. Our parish goal this year is $103,000 (our goal is in direct relationship with a percentage of our annual offertory, making it obtainable). I am asking everyone to prayerfully consider making a gift to the 2025 Annual Appeal. If we were able to add additional parishioners to the list of generous donors this year, the difference that could mean to our brothers and sisters in need in the area would be amazing. More information will be presented in the coming weeks.
In preparation, I ask that you keep everyone served by the Appeal in prayer and open your heart and mind to the work of the Appeal, using the Appeal Prayer below.
Thank you,
Father Lavelle
It’s understandable that the apostles were frightened after Jesus’ crucifixion. An angry mob had just demanded His execution. As His followers, could they not be next? But Jesus came to comfort them amid their fear, doubts, and suffering. The locked door they hid behind could not keep Jesus from tending to their needs. Twice He says, “Peace be with you.” The He breaths the life-giving breath of the Holy Spirit on them saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” In their need, Christ not only brings the comfort of His presence, but He also brings the strength of the Holy Spirit. His disciples are transformed from feeling like abandoned followers, quaking behind locked doors, to empowered preachers to whom Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Locked doors are no match for Jesus. What are our locked doors? Fear of intimacy with God, and what that intimacy will require of us? An overscheduled life, full of much activity but not much meaning? Spiritual boredom or the lack of energy or desire to go deep with God? No matter what our “locked doors” are, Jesus can walk right through them, bringing His peace and strength to sustain us. Jesus gave us His Church so that we can feel His presence. Let us build up this wonderful gift by supporting the Annual Diocesan Appeal, which brings the light of Christ to our brothers and sisters.
APPEAL PRAYER
HEAVENLY FATHER,
As we journey together as pilgrims
of hope, we give thanks for the many
blessings you have bestowed upon
the Diocese of Youngstown.
Guide us as we walk in faith, and
strengthen our hearts to share
generously for the work of the Church.
Through our support of the Annual
Diocesan Appeal, may we help bring the
light of Christ to those in need, fostering
hope and healing in our communities.
Bless all who give, and inspire us
to be living signs of Your love,
as we continue our shared pilgrimage
toward Your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
AMEN.