Dear St. Catharine Parishioners, The one constant during the pandemic is that our parish never stopped “reaching out.” Whether it was the donations of food, or our recent appeal for supermarket gift cards for St Mary’s, or our own food pantry, or providing a dinner for 100’s at the homeless shelter, or sending a work crew to Paterson to build homes through Habitat for Humanity, our parish has continued to reach out to those in great need. That is our mission and ministry and you make it possible. As we approach the Christmas holiday, a time of generous, selfless giving, I am reaching out to you for our local needs in trying to run the parish. A number of people have asked me how we are doing financially, I chose to focus on what we were getting through Faith Direct as well as a chosen few, who would mail or drop off their donations on a regular basis. Truth be told we have reached a point where I have to ask for help. As always I need to trust in you. I do not know the effects of COVID-19 on your household’s finances. But I am asking, if you are in a position to do so, to give a special gift this Christmas. You can use Faith Direct (click here), parish envelopes, or utilize this link (click here), which will allow you to give online, a one-time gift through Faith Direct without becoming a member. I thank you ahead of time for your consideration and trust in your normal generosity as you reach out to help us so we can continue to help others. In the midst of these challenging times I pray we can all welcome “the light of the world.” Merry Christmas and thank you for all you do. Yours In Christ, Father Tom |