Dear Friends,
On this weekend, I am both thrilled and proud to present to you the results of Our Catholic Appeal (OCA) 2020, which was released by the diocese just a few days ago.
Congratulations to each and every one who participated last year! Your generous support has catapulted us to the “top ten” of significant parishes in the diocese.
Thank You! However, I remain perplexed over the fact that our participation for 2020 was only 39.7%, so we did not make the “top ten” list of parishes in terms of percentage of participation.
Our target for OCA 2020 was $328, 000, and we surpassed that figure with ease. Your contributions speak volumes in terms of your love for our parish and diocese, and I am so grateful for your generosity. As a result, you have been instrumental in touching the lives of so many in Brevard County, throughout our diocese, and beyond. Please see the chart on the next page.
This weekend, as we enter the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are invited to reflect on the Jesus in whom is found all healing and, ultimately, the victory of the cross. The first reading from the Book of Job speaks of the misery and emptiness we all experience from time to time. The answer to all of our brokenness comes from Jesus. He not only expels the demons of our lives but heals all manner of illness; hence, do not be hesitant to approach Jesus who touches every sickness with his healing. Let us join with the psalmist in singing praise to our God (Psalm 147), for he “heals the brokenhearted.” God is not only merciful in his healing but also omniscient; he knows the number of stars in heaven, each by its name, as well as the effect of human drudgery, every illness and suffering. He knows the wounds of every human heart.
Be Blessed!
With love, Fr. John