Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

News and Notes:  This weekend at OLA, parishioners are speaking at all four Masses concerning the Increased Offertory Program that is underway in their parish.  As I said last weekend, OLA Parish must increase its regular Offertory collection to continue to meet normal day-to-day expenses.  All parishioners are asked to participate in this important effort.  How can you help?  All registered families have been mailed a brochure describing our Increased Offertory Program.  It details the parish’s financial condition, contains a financial statement depicting our income and expenses, and includes suggested guidelines for increased giving and instructions on how and when to participate.  Additional brochures and envelopes are available in the Church and at our Office Building.  Along with the brochure is a Commitment Envelope that includes the same guidelines for giving.  Please fill out the inside portion of the Commitment Envelope completely, and select an increased Offertory amount that is best for you or your family.  Bring the Commitment Envelope to Mass next weekend (November 1-2) and place it in the regular Offertory collection basket.  Your new level of weekly support should begin at that time.  If you will be out-of-town or unable to attend Mass next weekend, please mail the envelope to the parish office or place it in the collection the following weekend.  Some food for thought:  A parish community is a reflection of each of its members.  Our generosity determines what our parish can do for others.  A small sacrifice makes a big difference.  I have increased my weekly offering to both parishes.  At this time, I invite all OLA families to consider doing the same. 

I wish to announce that Jacqui Driscoll has resigned from her position as Religious Education Coordinator for Grades 1 and 2 at St. Maria Goretti Parish in order to focus on her family and other responsibilities.  Jacqui has done a superb job of organizing our two-year First Holy Communion program, and communicating effectively with the parents of our young children.  We are indebted to her for her hard work and dedication to upgrading our faith formation program for our little ones.  Thank you and best wishes, Jacqui!  I am happy to announce the appointment of Donna Hegan to Jacqui’s former position.  Donna brings years of experience as a catechist and Director of Religious Education to her role.  She joins Nate Marsella (grades 3-6), Steve Gannon (grades 7-8), and Mike McDuffee (grades 9-10) as grade level Coordinators at SMG.  Join me in welcoming Donna to our faith formation team.   Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!