First of all, thank you for your financial generosity to this parish and also I am grateful for your continued involvement with the different ministries we have going on, AND YOUR PATIENCE WITH THE livestream. Secondly, this is an important weekend as I want to take a few minutes to ask for your financial support for the Heart of a Shepherd campaign.

This campaign is near and dear to my heart as it is one where all the parishes of the diocese are uniting in financial support of renovating the living quarters for the seminarians and helping priests. Those seminary rooms have not been touched since I went there in 1970. Electricity needs are very necessary and so is the plumbing. The priest Pension fund needs a financial boost, and some priests have educational debts that they fear cannot be paid on a priests’ salary.

So, this Bishop has asked all parishes in the diocese to help this cause … SO, we are asked as a parish to help the seminary and to assist priests! This is a good thing!! AND ……. In doing so….and this is the sweet part … out of every dollar you “pledge” to helping seminarians and priests / $.65 cents remains at IHM for our local capital project which is buying a NEW HYBRID ELECTRONIC PIPE ORGAN.

We help others and we also receive some help!

Since March I have personally met with 34 donors who all have supported the campaign with a pledge. Their response has been positive.
Today, we celebrate this initiative with an invitation; an invitation to every parishioner to unite with joy and gratitude for the gifts God has given you and support this campaign with a pledge.

In meeting with the 34 donors, our parish has already raised $422,490.00 toward this effort. That is just incredible, and it speaks to the generosity of our people.

Our target goal is to raise $525,000– or more – and I hope we can get there today through your generosity in making a three year pledge of something.

65 cents of every dollar raised will stay here for our own parish.
So, if we get to our goal today of $525,000.00, 65% remains here at IHM and that is enough money to buy the planned organ with some money leftover to do some sanctuary renovations.

ALSO, for every dollar raised above our target, 80 cents will stay with the parish. We are already well on our way to our goal. So if your generosity this weekend GOES OVER THE GOAL that will help us totally refurbish our church interior and move the tabernacle to its central location as was originally designed for this church.

At this time, I ask one member of each family to reach for a campaign card and pencil.

Today, whether at home or here in church this campaign is to receive a prayerful decision from every individual and family.

Now that you all have cards, you can see that I also have a card that I will fill out along with you. [HOLD UP YOUR OWN CARD]

I have made my own commitment to this effort, and I invite you to consider what a sacrificial gift means to you and your family. Our seminarians need your support.

1_On the front of the card, please print your name, address, phone number and email on the left side. (PAUSE)

2_As you fill your card, please check one of the following: ⋅ “Yes!” if you are making a pledge today. (Pause) ⋅ “Amen!” if you have already made a pledge to The Heart of a Shepherd Campaign. Thank you! (Pause) ⋅ “Blessed” if you would like to increase your total pledge. (Pause) ⋅ “Praying” if you are still thinking about your decision. Please include a phone number so we may reach you. (Pause) ⋅ “No” if you are unable to participate at this time. Please be sure to update your contact information so we have updated records.

3_For those making a pledge today, please select one of the suggested amounts on the right hand side. We are requesting commitments that are fulfilled over three years. Please check the box of your desired gift or add your own amount. (PAUSE)

4_Remember also that these gifts do not need to start now. You may start in a few months or at the end of the year. Please also note that date in the space available. (PAUSE)

PLEASE GIVE THIS YOUR MOST PRAYFUL CONSIDERATION!!! OUR SEMINARIANS NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

In a few minutes, I will have the ushers and volunteers come around to collect your pledge cards.

I thank you in advance for your generosity.

Ushers and volunteers, please collect the cards. Thank you so much for your support. We look forward to sharing with you an update on our progress next week.