Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Each year our Bishop initiates the Diocesan Appeal in order to support the work of the entire Diocese of Rockford. There are many offices that minister to the spiritual and corporal needs of the Church. They need our financial support in order to fulfill their mission. Our parish participates by meeting a target amount of giving so that we can share in the salvation of all of the souls in our 11-county Diocese.
One of the offices that receives funding from this appeal is the Vocations Office. We are extremely blessed to have a man from our own parish entering the seminary this fall toward ordination to the priesthood for the Diocese of Rockford. It is easy to see the effect of our sacrificial giving when one of our very own needs our assistance. One percent of your annual household income is a good benchmark for how much you should pledge. If each family contributed one percent of their income we would meet our parish target easily and even receive a refund for exceeding the target amount.
Please be generous in giving to this annual appeal. We are blessed to be part of the Diocese of Rockford in the universal mission to save souls for God. Your participation ensures that Our Lord’s commission to make disciples of all the nations will continue until He comes again.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 