To all of the good people and friends of St. Catherine of Siena Parish,

Over the past few weeks, I have been sharing information regarding the Faith to Move Mountains Campaign in our parish bulletin. Please carefully read the final two initiatives of the Diocesan portion of this graced effort listed below.  It is my hope that all of you will see how great the need for your prayers and support are to this endeavor:

Catholic Schools: With a 99% overall graduation rate and 95% of our students pursuing higher education each year, our Catholic Schools strive to enable our youth to live faith-filled lives as educated and morally responsible Catholics. Funds from the campaign will be used for strategic programs and initiatives that will help to build a stronger future and encourage more families to enroll their children in Catholic schools amidst an increasingly secular culture:

• Foundation for Student Achievement (FSA): Providing additional sponsorships for “seats” at a school reflecting the total cost of educating the student, which has risen to nearly $7,000 each year.

Mission Schools: Supporting our “Mission Schools,” which serve underprivileged children from ethnically diverse communities with limited access to a quality Catholic education.

Catholic Alumni Partnership (CAP): Providing administrative and operational support to continue building the CAP program, which has already raised more than $100,000 for tuition assistance, technology upgrades, and local campus needs for Catholic Elementary Schools since its launch in 2013.

Social Services: In response to the call of Pope Francis, our mission is to be a “Church of the poor” by providing care and assistance to individuals and families in need throughout the Diocese. As a vibrant Catholic community, in collaboration with our parishes, this endowment fund will enable us to work in faith and in charity to provide vital support in the following areas:

Grants: Awarding grants to parishes and Catholic Social Service agencies to respond to the increasing needs of those struggling in their communities.

Diocesan Parish Counseling: Providing professional assistance to parishes with a critical need for counseling services among their parishioners suffering from addiction, loss of a loved one, divorce, and other mental health issues.

Community Services: Enhancing the network of partnering social service agencies, including St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities, in all four counties of the Diocese.

Next week, I will be happy to share details about how the campaign funds will directly impact our community here at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. In the meantime, anyone is welcome to approach me before or after Mass with any questions you may have.  

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

God bless,
Father Angelito