2020 Stewardship of Prayer Renewal
-
2020 Stewardship of Prayer Witness Talk
-
November 24, 2020
Dear Parishioner,
As we enter the season of Advent this weekend, we do so this year in a very different way than “normal”. Yet, one thing remains the same - Advent prepares us to celebrate Christ’s first coming at Christmas and challenges us to prepare for the Lord’s second coming at the end of the world and at the end of our lives. Because we cannot know when that time will occur, Jesus insists that the best way to prepare is to be watchful. If we do so, we can peer through the darkness and gloom of these times to see signs of the ways he comes into our lives now.
Recognizing that prayer is the foundation of stewardship as a way of life, this season purposefully sets aside time to thoughtfully reflect on our commitment to be good stewards and as a way to heighten our need to stay awake and be watchful.
One of the best ways to be watchful is to recognize the role prayer plays in our lives and to commit to take a step forward in faith. Please read the materials enclosed in this packet and listen to parishioner Jess Kimmet at all Masses on November 28 & 29 (in-person and online) as she speaks of her own prayer life and how it has impacted her personally, as well as her marriage and her children. These resources, in addition to our focus during the parish’s Year of Prayer, will help us enter more deeply into a spirit of prayer, during Advent and throughout the coming year.
Also in this packet is the parish’s Annual Stewardship Report for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. As you read this review of our life as a parish, you will see how much has been accomplished at Saint Pius X through the generous return of God’s gifts by so many faithful stewards in our parish.
The last several months have been a challenge for many. However, I am convinced that by making prayer the center of all we do, our hearts will find peace, allowing us to reflect more perfectly on God’s love and grace and to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord.
Gratefully Yours in Christ,
Rev. William C. Schooler
Pastor