From the Desk of Fr. Jim - January 19, 2020

ANNUAL APPEAL UPDATE
On behalf of your parish family, I would like to express our gratitude for the initial response to our Annual Appeal. As I stated in my letter last fall, the appeal is how the business of the diocese gets done. The various curial offices budgets are supplied through this appeal, as well as the many outreaches that are returned to the individual parishes. As far as I am aware, most dioceses in the United States operate in this or a similar way, and it works fairly well, although it is far from perfect.

Christ the King has a goal of $36,575 for this year’s appeal. In the first 4 months of the appeal, we have received a total of $28,480.00 with a total of 147 donors. This is a very strong response from our parish families, and it is much appreciated. This means that we are in need of an additional $7,750.00 in order to make our goal. Last year we had a total of 174 contributors, which is close to 50% of our families, and we would love to surpass that number this year. It is normal for parishes in the Diocese to have around 30% to 35% participation, so I commend the family of Christ the King, but there remains a challenge for us as well. Increasing this to 60% or higher participation, we would see an increase of around 35 families. If the average donation of $200 continues, this would bring in additional monies, which would put us over the top and include a very nice rebate to the parish.

As a reminder, all gifts that come in over the goal are returned to the parish 100%, and are not subject to the normal diocesan tax that is paid on normal contributions. As the Christmas season has come to a close, and tax season is still a couple months away, this is a special time for an additional push. If you have not yet contributed to the annual appeal, please pray over this, and consider making a contribution. Any and all contributions are much appreciated. I would also like to mention the listing of names in our bulletin in thanksgiving. Everyone that returns a response card, whether making a financial contribution or a spiritual contribution is listed as a means of saying Thank You! The names are listed in order the gift was received by the diocese, and if you have not yet seen your name, due to the number of families that have responded, please be patient and you will be listed soon. If you do not wish to be mentioned for any reason, please let the parish office know, and your name will not be listed.

This year is a special year for Christ the King Parish as well. We are excitingly looking forward to the appointment of our own priest after many years being served through St John the Baptist in Marshfield. This is an opportunity for our parish family, but it comes at a cost, as we will be responsible for taking care of the priest appointed in all ways, financially, materially and spiritually. As you are aware, we have embarked upon a capital campaign in order to construct new parish offices and a rectory. In so many ways, parish life is reflected in our personal lives. Just as we invest in our personal businesses and farms, without a guarantee, we move forward in trust and faith. How much more so should we approach our faith life and our spiritual home? The responses to our survey were overwhelming positive, and for that reason we are moving forward with this project. Please continue to pray for the continued growth and vibrancy of our parish family. This project is separate from the annual appeal, which will continue coming up each year, while the capital campaign is a 3 year challenge.
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In closing I would ask especially for your prayers for this effort. Nothing that we do in the church or family has any value if not supported first and foremost spiritually. Even if you are not able to make a financial contribution at this time, every- one can make this an intention in prayer, and this will be repaid with eternal dividends when we leave this world. God bless.
Fr Jim

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