Not Equal Gifts, But Equal Sacrifice
Members of the St. Lawrence Advance Commitment committee are set to host a gathering for parishioners on Wednesday, December 6 th in 3 separate gatherings throughout the day (beginning at 1:00, 5:30 or 7:30 PM). This gathering will allow our parish and campaign leaders to set an early pace for the campaign. Each person who attends the gathering will receive a commitment card and instructions to return it before our parish Celebrate the St. Lawrence Legacy 2006 g athering after all masses December 16 th and 17 th, when we formally announce the combined amount of advance commitments.
During the Advance Commitment Gathering, Father Beitans will challenge leaders to set the pace in prayer and sacrifice. Information regarding creative strategies in giving will be offered at this time.
After all participants receive their commitment cards (along with instructions on when and where to return them), everyone will be encouraged to form his or her decision privately with family members at home.
Remember that the Advance Commitment Gathering will take place on Wednesday, December 6th. If you’ve not already confirmed your RSVP, please contact Etta Sweat in the parish office at 546-4065 or by email wayett1935@sbcglobal.net as soon as you can. Food and refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there.
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| Families Share Their Story of Sacrifice "We cannot stand idly by, enjoying our own riches and freedom if, in any place, the Lazarus of the twentieth century stands at our doors." Pope John Paul II It is perhaps most fitting to begin with our spiritual leader’s inspiring contribution to this mission, Father Beitans. I think it is easy to forget that he, like the rest of us, will have to retire at some point and support himself for many, many years to follow. He has been blessed by humility, modesty and the love he has for our Church, and has offered a contribution of $20,000 to kick this mission off.
Nancy Rayl, parishioner, feels strongly that these improvements are needed. She has donated her time as a leadership team member for the campaign working with the Youth Ministry team and the Visual Communications team. “Fr. Conen Hall is what most outsiders see of St. Lawrence. I want to be proud of our facilities when CYO teams and our own families come to FCH, as well as meet the needs of our students and parishioners. Besides, as cafeteria hash-slinger, I'm in this building three days a week!” Because Nancy has inspirationally shared our mission with her mother, her mother, an 86-year old widow who lives in Florida and is not a parishioner of St. Lawrenc, donated $100.00 in an effort to jump-start the campaign.
Steve and Carol Overstreet have 3 young children. Carol is very involved in the school, girl scouting, and several parish ministries. The Overstreets have not yet decided how much they will donate to the campaign, but they would like to stretch their money as far as possible. Steve’s employer offers a matching gifts program. They have already asked whether their donation to this campaign qualifies and were told the employer will match their donation. Many companies offer a matching gifts program. This is a great way to increase your donation dollars.
The Prayer Leader team is an important part of our capital campaign. Team leaders, Beth Curtin, Nancy Meiner, and John Williams, have assembled a dedicated group to pray for our parish and for the volunteers donating their time and talent to the Leadership Team. The Prayer Leaders take an hour out of their week to pray for the campaign. Several members also pray the rosary during the week. Prayer is something that every parishioner, regardless of financial status, can give to the campaign. |
