Dear parishioners,

St. Paul’s parish — one of the largest in our diocese — has always been extraordinarily generous to whatever appeal has been presented to us.  I am sorry to report that this year both our number of participating parishioners and our contributions have not yet achieved even half of our last year’s response to the Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Appeal.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports the education of future priests as it did with Fathers Mac Hill, Chris Knight, and Joseph Kuhlman, and currently our seminarian Daniel Maher.  In addition, it provides assistance for our retired priests, many of whom continue to serve in our parishes — we know that well with Father Kelly!

The Appeal also provides support for Catholic Charities throughout the diocese and supports our missionary parishes and mission churches.  Our own parish was once a distant mission from Jacksonville and was supported by the generosity of many from throughout the diocese.  Now we are asked for our support so that faith can grow in our rural areas.

We receive nothing in return except knowing that we provide for the needs of the Church, for others, and for the future — even parishes like ours in terms of future priests.

If you have not yet made a pledge or a contribution, I ask for your support to the Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Appeal.  Any amount will be helpful in counting our number of participating parishioners.  Envelopes will be available in the back of the church and can be mailed directly or put in the offertory.

Many thanks in advance for your thoughtful response.

Yours in Christ,

Monsignor Michael Houle