St. John Paul II Parish

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This week, I write about our participation in the Legacy of Hope campaign. Like the Forward in Faith campaign a generation ago, this is a fundraising campaign of the diocese to ensure that we in the Catholic Church in Worcester have the resources we need to live and spread the Gospel and the reign of God and fulfill the mission of the Church.

The need for the campaign in general, and defining the most critical needs right now in particular, have been discussed for years, so it is not something done on a whim and without deliberation. For example, it was at least four years ago when I served as a dean on the presbyteral council (an advisory board for the bishop) and remember the discussions. Specifically, I remember us discussing how tough a time it is to ask people to give, but it is also a crucial time in the life of the diocese when the funds are so needed. We also pointed to other dioceses which had very successful campaigns because the people of God are so generous when responding to real needs which are clearly articulated. In this spirit, the diocese has made it clear that the campaign will fund the following needs:

• Priests' retirement
• Parish-based charitable outreach (such as our Food Pantry)
• Parish-based re-evangelization
• Tuition assistance for Catholic schools
• Repairs to the Cathedral of St. Paul in Worcester, the church which belongs to all of us

• The new bathroom in Notre Dame church
• A new staircase from the new upper parking lot down to the existing lot at St. Mary
• Repairing and repainting windows at Notre Dame church and LaSalle hall
• Ramp/walkway connecting lower parking lot at St. Mary to the side door of Trinity Catholic Academy and the basement of the Ministry Center/Food Pantry
• Repainting the front of the Ministry Center
• Repair siding, shingles on roof and bulkhead of St. Mary church
• Repainting and repairing St. Mary rectory, particularly the front porch
• Pay off some debt to the diocese, getting credit for $3 for every $1 we pay
• Other maintenance needs

I want to thank the parishioner who is our chairperson for the campaign, Mr. Ray Fournier, and his wife Nancy, for all they have done. Ray is a stalwart member of our Knights of Columbus council, and he and Nancy are always at the 4:00pm Mass on Saturdays. I also want to thank all those who volunteered to help with things like mailing invitations to meetings. This is important work, and as a pastor it is wonderful to have such people always ready to pitch in because they love God and God's people.

If we have not already done so, let us prayerfully discern what God is calling us to give to this campaign. Remember, this is a four-year commitment, so a donation which may be impossible as a one-time gift becomes very possible if given over time. For example, my cell phone bill is around $80 a month, which translates into $3,840 over four years. Even rounding that up to $4,000, I know I can give this over four years, and probably more.

Keep in mind that the money we give to the Legacy of Hope campaign should not be money we take away from our stewardship to the parish or the Partners in Charity campaign. Also keep in mind that we are not called to give to the point where we impoverish ourselves. As St. Paul says, 'For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have; not that others should have relief while you are burdened' (2 Corinthians 8:12-13).

We can never outdo God in generosity. For everything we think we are giving up, we always get back -- in some way -- so much more. Everything we have and all that we are comes from God and belongs to him. It is only on loan to us to be used for his purposes for the spreading of the Gospel and reign of God.

As always, your stewardship, your generosity, your sacrificial giving is never taken for granted but always deeply appreciated. What you give is a sacred trust which we as a parish and diocese, and I as a pastor, honor with our whole hearts.

If you have any questions, you can call Ray Fournier at (774) 318-8928 or send e-mail to ray4nier49@aol.com, or contact me at (508) 765-3701 x103 or krcardinale@gmail.com.This week, I write about our participation in the Legacy of Hope campaign continuing with our in-pew kick-off this weekend. Like the Forward in Faith campaign a generation ago, this is a fundraising campaign of the diocese to ensure that we in the Catholic Church in Worcester have the resources we need to live and spread the Gospel and the reign of God and fulfill the mission of the Church.

Notre Dame Church - 446 Main Street, Southbridge, MA
St. Mary Church - 247 Hamilton Street, Southbridge, MA

Welcome!
If you are new to our parish, please introduce yourself after Mass to a member of our staff, so we may better serve you. 
¡Bienvenido! Si usted es nuevo en nuestra parroquia, preséntese después de la misa a un miembro de nuestro personal, para que podamos servirle mejor.

Rev. Kenneth Cardinale Pastor/Párroco ext. 103 krcardinale@gmail.com
Rev. Carlos Ardila ext. 104 carlossardila43@outlook.com
Sor Rosa Maria Campos, RODA Asistente Pastoral ext.107 SrRosaMaria.stjp2@gmail.com
Mrs. Madeleine Brouillard Business Manager 508-765-3701 ext. 105
MaddieB.stjp2@gmail.com
Deacon Juan Guzman juangzmasr53@gmail.com
Mrs. Bev Loconto Parish Secretary 508-765-3701 ext. 110
BevL.stjp2@gmail.com
Mrs. Margaret Farrand Rental Coordinator 774-318-8083 MargeF911@aol.com

Mailing Address:  279 Hamilton St. Southbridge, MA 01550