SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Catholic Relief Services Collection will take place on the weekend of July 12 and 13. CRS is the official international relief and development agency of the Catholic Community in the United States. This important annual collection provides an opportunity for Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with poor people overseas by providing support, and addresses the root causes of poverty, on the basis of need-not race, creed, or nationality.

The mission of CRS to provide humanitarian relief and development assistance to the poor and marginalized in over 100 countries around the world works through regional offices within the U.S. to support Catholic individuals, parishes, and diocese like ours. In recent months we have partnered with CRS to offer emergency disaster relief to people in China, Myanmar, and Haiti. The work of CRS in our Diocese aims to assist those who strive to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and make decisions as consumers, voters and advocates for the promotion of more just and peaceful societies. With your assistance we continue to raise the consciousness of all people, especially our local youth and young adults so that they will carry on our efforts to be of service globally as one truly Catholic family.

The CRS collection theme Jesus in Disguise reminds us of the presence of Christ. Last year in our Diocese, this collection generated $116,244. This outpouring along with CRS’s yearly Lenten Operation Rice Bowl donations helped rebuild the lives of over 800,000 made homeless in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami and is currently helping with relief efforts in Myanmar, China and Haiti. Your continued generous support of this collection builds the Church’s international social ministry while making positive changes to systems that contribute to injustice, hunger and war around the world.

With gratitude for your continued dedication and generosity, and with assurance of my prayers, I am

                                                            Sincerely yours in Christ,
                                                            +Gerald M. Barbarito
                                        Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito
                                                            Bishop of Palm Beach

To find our how to be more involved with CRS, please contact the CRS Diocesan Director at 561-775-9524.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION

Sometimes we hear but do not see. We may hear “the cry of the poor” but to see their plight, to truly appreciate their need, we need to respond both in our giving and in our hearts and prayers. That is stewardship.

Dear Friends,

As you will notice, we have decided, after consultation with Law Enforcement Officials and responding to a growing diocesan wide practice, that our financial status will not appear in our weekly bulletin. This is in response to a greater realization of the need for protection of lives and finances.

We will give a financial status update quarterly to the Parish.

Sincerely,

/s/ Michael W. Edwards
Very Reverend Michael W. Edwards, V.F.

WE NEED EVERYONE TO OFFER THEIR FAIR SHARE IN
SUPPORT OF OUR FAMILY OF FAITH.

WHY A WILL?

Without a will, your property and assets will be distributed according to the state laws of descent and distribution. Since that will probably not be your wish, plan to have your will written. You will save estate settlement expenses and unnecessary confusion for your family. A will is your final opportunity to practice good stewardship of your possessions. Remember St. Helen Church in your will.

WHAT IS A “CHRISTIAN” WILL?

This is commonly referred to as a Will that includes your church as a beneficiary. After considering the needs of your loved ones, you include God by making a bequest to your parish. Would you be recognizable as Christian in your Will?

CAN MY PARISH BENEFIT?

Thoughtful provisions in Wills have permitted many parishes in the past to make major improvements, reduce burdensome debts, acquire special equipment, enhance teaching programs in CCD, and in general, leave the parish a better instrument for furthering God’s plan here on earth.

Return