Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

News and Notes: Many thanks to the members of the St. Maria Goretti Finance Council (Rich O’Connor, Joe Bartolotta, Greg Bruno, Dave Geary, and Bob Johnson) for their excellent presentation on the financial situation at SMG at a recent Town Hall meeting (June 16).  In summary, their careful analysis over the last several months found that the decline in OAP/Offertory donations started before the Collaborative formed, that SMG has been forced to draw down its savings to pay our Ordinary bills the last few years, that our Offertory income has started to increase again, and that we need more parishioners to contribute more regularly and more generously in order to put SMG on a more secure financial footing going forward.  To this end, we now have a new Collaborative Development Committee in place, led by Rich Mazzola of OLA and Maryanne Rooney Hegan of SMG.  This group will be working on a Development plan for our parishes during the summer and rolling that out in September. Let’s pray that their efforts and ours will bear much fruit! 

On behalf of my family, I want to thank all the parishioners from OLA and SMG who sent cards and notes expressing sympathy on the occasion of my mother’s death, and who offered prayers for the salvation of her soul.  It has been difficult the last few years for my sister, four brothers and I, trying to care for both of our parents whose health declined significantly at the same time.  Our grief at their passing has been eased by the kindness of so many people, and the assurance of their prayerful support.  Please accept our gratitude for your compassion and generosity.  May the Lord reward you for your goodness to me and my family…and blessings to all of you in the summer days ahead!