SS. Philip & James

A LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord,
 
In the midst of the helplessness in which we find ourselves, I reach out to you to ask your assistance. Our school is operating on a remote instruction basis and our faculty is fully engaged with our students and parents to deliver the diocesan curriculum and fulfill the spiritual needs of our children. While we count on our scheduled tuition payments for the balance of the year, we also recognize the significant financial impact of curtailed Sunday contributions.

We currently operate an Auto Debit Contribution program and at this time there are 106 parish families with weekly auto debit contributions and another 115 families who are doing the same on a monthly basis. The contributions from these families provide 26% of our Sunday income. Based on our review of Sunday contributions we are forecasting a shortfall  of $20,000 per week.
 
As you are aware, we are totally dependent on your generosity to fulfill our financial obligations. Therefore, I am asking you to continue to support our parish through any of the offertory options listed below.     
                
In order to fulfill the many obligations of our Parish we have engaged an online contribution service through Parish Giving. This organization is owned and operated by John Patrick Publishing who provides our Sunday Bulletin. We have researched other service providers and have decided to join in with more than 100 parishes in the Archdiocese who are utilizing Parish Giving.
 
In addition to your consideration of Parish Giving, we ask that you consider the following ways to practice stewardship at Saints Philip and James:

• Families who are currently enrolled in our Auto Debit Program will remain the same and will not be automatically transferred to Parish Giving. If a family chooses to make a change to the new online service we ask that you contact Michael McCafferty, our Parish Business Manager, at mmccafferty@sspjparish.net for coordination of the changeover date.
• Many families have opted to fulfill their stewardship through an Auto Pay system which provides a “Bill Pay” option through their bank.
• For those families who choose to solely use their Church envelopes please note that they can always be dropped off at or mailed to the Rectory.

We hope that the new online service is something that you will consider for your support of Saints Philip and James Parish. Please know that we are very appreciative of your support for the many good works of our Parish community, the center point of which is the daily celebration and adoration of our Lord’s Real Presence in the Most Holy Eucharist.
 
With God’s help, I am confident that we will continue to grow as the Eucharistic People of Saints Philip and James Parish. Please know that you are valued and prayed for each day.
 
Gratefully in the Lord,
Reverend Joseph C. Dieckhaus, JCL
Pastor