What is this week’s gospel saying to us?

The parable of the talents confirms that we have been entrusted with gifts and talents from God, and they are to be shared and returned to God multiplied.

"For whom much has been given, much is expected.” This is not just a quote, but a way of life. In everything we do, don’t we hope that we have shared such that we would hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant”?

When we share from that place that is beyond ourselves, and we truly look into the eyes of another person without counting the cost to ourselves, we truly become His eyes, His hands and His feet. We can transform our ordinary life into one that is extraordinary. We can change a life. We can make a difference. Our legacy and the spirit of generosity, will care for those who follow us.

This advent season there will be many opportunities and requests for giving.

As a parish community, in completing the John Paul II Center, we have embarked with faith to make a difference for generations to come. Our goal is to provide a place for our youth and children to know church as being more than a building, but a place where they find support, as well as for those in our community who hurt, grieve, desire to grow, need a

safe haven, or who are longing for a place to belong -- a place where we can offer the homeless a meal, a place to stay. These are not just needs now, but rather for generations who will follow us.

Every gift, every pledge, every stretch beyond what is comfortable will make this community effort come to fruition. Join us as we strive to raise the necessary funds. If all families in our community make a sacrifice according to their abilities, we could multiply the harvest.

As of today, about 600 families have brought us nearly half way to our goal of 5 million! Wow! Clearly, they did not bury their treasure, they have given from their heart. Imagine: if another 600 or more families take that step of faith and pledge an equal amount, we will reach our goal.

You can make a difference. Your sacrifice matters. Your ordinary can be extraordinary. Don't leave it to others. Find it in your heart to go beyond, to pull from your depths, to give without counting the cost.

Contact the parish office, go online, and make a pledge -- pledges of all sizes help us achieve our goal for generations to come. You can designate your pledge through United Way, as a matching gift with your company, or as a year-end donation.

In this month of remembrance, you may also designate your pledge in memory of a loved one. There are many memorial opportunities. Did your loved one like to prepare holiday meals, or love the gathering of friends and family around a table of food? Our memorial list includes many opportunities to remember someone with a donation to help with the kitchen portion of the building, as an example.
Together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.
Join us.

Mary Byrne Hernandez

Co-Chair CCOP Capital Campaign