St. Mary's 

of the

 Immaculate Conception 

 
From Rev. Anthony Ekanem MSP
 
Today’s first reading tells us the story of Samuel and God’s numerous attempts to speak with him. It wasn’t until Eli told Samuel that it was God who was calling did he finally understand. At Eli’s suggestion Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
The Gospel tells us the story of the first disciples’ meeting with Our Lord. They didn’t know it was Our Lord until John the Baptist pointed out, “Behold the Lamb of God.”
Sometimes we don’t immediately realize when or how God calls us. How does He call us? God calls us in our work, in our dealings with others, in our self-sacrifice for strangers, and for the people we love.
We have felt God’s call strongly and our courage has been put to the test through the events of the past year, from the effects of natural disasters and civil unrest to the global pandemic. I know that for many of you the hardship continues. I know that many people are still suffering.
But through it all, we remain united as a family; we remain united in Christ. We recognize in the vulnerable and the needy, the image of the suffering Christ who reaches out to us and calls us to help each other. As Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for Me.”
It is in this light of self-sacrifice and love of neighbor that I appeal to you once again for your generosity in contributing to the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal.
Some of you may have received a letter from Cardinal Dolan explaining the appeal. But allow me to briefly explain the goals of the fund.
 Where will the money go?
1. To support financially-stricken parishes, many of which are struggling to service the faithful
2. To support feeding programs and other essential human services.
3. To support our Catholic schools and various faith formation activities.
4. To contribute to the education of new parish priests.
5. To care for our retired priests who continue to pray and make sacrifices for us.
6. And, as we learned from 2020, to set aside funds to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
 
The total goal of the Archdiocese for this year is $21 million. Our parish goal is $35,500. So each family will be given the opportunity to make a one-time gift or commit to a monthly pledge. You can make your donations online through www.cardinalsappeal.org.
I understand that your situation may have changed and I invite you to prayerfully consider a contribution and participate in this year’s appeal. For those of you who will participate for the first time, and for those of you who have been participating in our online Masses, thank you very much for your effort and commitment to remain connected with the parish. Your participation is vital to the success of the Cardinal’s Appeal. Again, you can make your donations online through www.cardinalsappeal.org.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. I know that with God’s grace, all things are possible and with Him, we can achieve all things.