Pastor's Note on the ADA

At all Masses last weekend, Elena Agostino and Jeff Perrone introduced this year’s Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA), “One Parish, One Diocese, Together in Christ.” The ADA appeal unites each parish into one diocesan family for the common cause of supporting the local Church—growing it and proclaiming the gospel to all people. The question is often asked why we need to support the Diocese and the Bishop in this appeal.

In these uncertain economic times, people look to the Church more than ever for spiritual direction, leadership and support. Indeed, the numbers joining our local community at Holy Spirit Parish continue to grow, giving witness to the increasing need for people who are trying to make sense of their lives. It is our call as Church to be the compassionate presence of God to the world and to those in need.

While most often, it is the local parish such as Holy Spirit Parish that provides the majority of ministries and services to the community, the parishes rely heavily on the guidance and support of our central diocesan offices. Our own Diocese of San Jose, the local Catholic Church in Santa Clara County, supports each parish in accomplishing their mission. Each year, the local parishes support a campaign that provides for the diocesan operational expenses. The 2012 ADA, “One Parish, One Diocese, Together in Christ,” provides us with an opportunity to sustain the mission and ministries of the whole Diocese of San Jose, as a church of compassion reaching out to all.

As the video from the Bishop showed, the ADA funds provide for clergy and seminarian training, the marriage tribunal, personnel and finance departments, development of lay leadership, youth and young adult ministries and many other pastoral services.

As Vicar General, I have a greater vantage point than most, of the importance and significance of the work the chancery offices do to support the parishes. This year, in particular, I have witnessed first hand the incredible work of the Finance Department and the Office of Building and Facilities. Specifically, Bob Serventi and Ian Abell have worked very hard to acquire and renovate our new parish of Our Lady of Refuge. They have worked tirelessly alongside us in renovating the church and getting it ready for the opening next week. It has been nothing short of a miracle to accomplish this project in less than six months. We could not have done it alone. The staff of the diocesan offices, along with many other staff from other parishes, have joined us in this herculean effort. In so many ways, the establishing of this new parish has been a powerful example of how our ADA enables us to grow the local church “One Parish, One Diocese, Together in Christ.”

How can you help? Please prayerfully consider giving a gift to the ADA based on your personal situation. By sharing your gifts, you can help meet our goal.  Everything you need was sent to you in the mail, but is also here at Church. Our parish community is striving to provide assistance at the same level as last year. Please consider pledging the same gift you gave last year. If you did not have the opportunity to give last year, then maybe you can consider a gift this year. What is most important is that each parishioner participates and supports the work of our diocese. Participation similar to last year would be fantastic!

If you are new to our Diocese or our Parish, please do not hesitate to contact us, or stop by our table outside after Mass during the appeal. We will answer any questions that you may have about the ADA campaign, our Stewardship process, or the parish at large.

I plead with you to talk about this appeal with your family and commit to something today. Please complete a pledge today, then send the pledge, enclosed in the envelope provided, back to the parish today while you are still thinking about it. Remember, if you are not able to give a financial pledge because your personal circumstances do not allow it this year, then please send in a prayer pledge; then please genuinely pray each day for, not just the success of the appeal, but for the successful growth of our Church in Santa Clara County, that more people return to God by recognizing Christ as their savior and partake of the gifts of the sacraments.

If the message of Christ is to be proclaimed, and the world is to know Christ, then who else other than us should proclaim it?! If not us, then who?  If not those who claim his name as “Christians,” then who? It is us and the ADA that helps continue our wider mission of growing the Church as “One Parish, One Diocese, Together in Christ.”

May God bless you and your families throughout this year ahead.

God bless,
Fr. Brendan