Pastoral Services Appeal for 2009

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today we launch our Pastoral Services Appeal for 2009. Your contributions to PSA supports many programs and services throughout Orange County.

10% of PSA funds go to Catholic Charities of Orange County to support their vital programs that serve the poor and those in need. From material assistance such as rentals to other needs such as counseling Catholic Charities serves a wide variety of people who could not otherwise find help.

The Catholic Deaf Community also benefits from PSA funds, which help them to be full participants in special liturgical and social environments. The Church is for all people, including those with special needs.

Jesus said, “I was in prison and you visited me.” Members of our parish also participate in the Catholic Detention Ministry. Using over 400 volunteers, this ministry provides pastoral care to thousands of inmates in eleven facilities at the city, county, and federal levels. There are Bible studies and sacramental preparation for persons in these institutions.

In the current economic climate many agencies and governments are cutting back on services. All of us know that public schools are often subject to these cutbacks. Our Catholic schools have been “an advantage for life” for many Americans, both Catholic and non-Catholic. With the difficult economic times there is an even greater need to support our Catholic Schools. PSA provides grants to schools, mostly those serving parishioners in multiple languages, who have a critical need for assistance for technology, capital improvements, staff and volunteer education programs and other urgent needs.

Vocations to the priesthood must be a priority for the Church because the priest is the minister of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Clergy formation for qualified candidates for the priesthood and diaconate receives funds from PSA to assist in seminary tuition for future priests. In addition there are programs of discernment, education and spiritual formation for permanent deacons. We have a parishioner from St. John’s who is currently enrolled in this program.

All of these programs, services, workshops, and education are supported by you when you pledge to PSA 2009. This is your way of showing that you are a part of this Church in Orange County. We are all on this spiritual journey toward God’s kingdom. I encourage you to join us in making this year’s PSA another success, always remembering that by participating you are sharing in the Church’s mission for the salvation of souls.

Fr. Hildebrand