From Father Rudi May 2019

Thank you to all who have made a commitment of financial and prayerful support to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. We thank you for your generosity and your response to the call of Stewardship as a Holy Way of Life.

If you have not made your commitment yet, it is not too late. If you have not yet done so, we ask that you make your commitment today in order to provide the resources needed to continue vital diocesan ministries. We are counting on you to respond to this year’s theme, Companions on the Journey, which reminds us all that the journey to Heaven is one of accompaniment, encouragement, and walking alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. It reminds us to share our gifts for the benefit of others who need your assistance. Please make your commitment today by filling out a pledge envelope located in the pew and dropping it in the collection basket, mailing your form, or dropping it by the office. Our parish goal is 100% participation and $386,030. You can also give your gift online at www.catholiclubbock.org/dca .

Last week someone left this anonymous note as their pledge form. The note reads as follows: “Unfortunately I no longer feel comfortable tithing here after finding out the CRS Rice Bowl was used in opposition to fund abortion and contraception for women in Africa.”

Let me clear up a few things. First, Catholic Relief Services, an organization of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is a pro-life organization dedicated to preserving the sacredness and dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Their stated Catholic values are that “Catholic Relief Services is a manifestation of love for our brothers and sisters around the globe by the Catholic community of the United States. We protect, defend and advance human life around the world by directly meeting basic needs and advocating solution to injustice.”

As a part of the Universal Church, Catholic institutions are our partners of preference in our work. To reach all those who need our help, we also participate in humanitarian initiatives undertaken by a wide range of groups, such as governments, other faith communities and secular institutions. Although some positions and practices of these institutions are not always consistent with the full range of Catholic teaching, CRS’ association with them is always and only focused on activities that are fully consistent with Catholic teaching. Furthermore, CRS neither facilitates, endorses nor enables any violation of those teachings. CRS and its board of bishops and laypersons have a careful review system to ensure fidelity to Catholic moral teaching and to ensure that all funds under CRS’ direct control are used only for purposes complying with that teaching.

“If we, each, doing our own part,” the Holy Father teaches, “do good to others, if we meet them doing good, and we do so slowly, gently, little by little—we will make that culture of encounters that we need so much. We must meet one another doing good.” But our commitment to and belief in helping the poor, the hungry, the sick, the vulnerable, and the refugee in a way consistent with Catholic teaching—and modeling those values to others—remains unchanged.

Secondly, we must all be mindful of the 5 Precepts of the Catholic Church which include 1) Attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, 2) Confession of serious sins at least once a year, 3) Reception of Holy Communion at lest once a year during the Easter season, 4) Observance of the days of fast and abstinence, and 5) Providing for the needs of the Church.  As we consider precept 5, we are reminded that the faithful are obliged to help with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability. This includes the needs of our Diocese.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6—11, St. Paul tells us: “Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.”

I am continually blessed and humbled by the generous spirit that is demonstrated continually throughout the year by our parishioners. As we are blessed, we have been able to bless so many others in our community, surrounding communities and beyond our borders.  As God has given us everything we need, let us make a return to Him.
Fr. Rudolf Crasta