The Covid-19 Pandemic has disrupted many things, including the 2021 ShareLife Appeal. With our churches shut down during the Lenten Season, we were unable to effectively communicate with parishioners or to follow our regular schedule of official collections.
Revenues have dropped drastically just as more and more people turn to ShareLife member agencies for assistance. We struggle to serve families under pressure, isolated seniors, the unemployed, the lost and the alienated, the poor and the homeless. The needs of our brothers and sisters in developing nations have doubled and tripled over the past year. The world is crying out for help.
During this month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, you and I are called to be the hands and the heart of the Lord. We are challenged to put our faith into action, to love those who turn to us as Christ has loved us. As we read in the Letter of James (2:15-16) … If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?
How much should we give? I won’tstipulate an amount. That’s a personal decision. But I will remind you that our gift to ShareLife should be a sacrifice. It’s not enough to dole out the loonies or toonies from the bottom of pocket or purse. We should be prepared to give up something we want but don’t need for the sake of those who need everything and have nothing.
2021 PARISH GOAL = $220,000
PARISH TOTAL TO DATE = $138,000
Drop your gift in the donation box at the doors of the church
Mail your gift to the Parish Office
Donate online via our parish website
Msgr. Paul Zimmer
Pastor, St Clement Catholic Church, Etobicoke