Dear Fellow Parishioners,

Since I became pastor nearly 10 (!) years ago, I said that I would ask for money only when I believed it was absolutely necessary for the well-being of our parish. I did this for two reasons: 1) We have about 8 hours per year in Sunday homily time. I want to spend as much of that time as possible addressing the scriptures. 2) We are all adults, and can make a reasoned and generous assessment as to what each of us can provide in time, talent and treasure to our shared mission.

The season for the 2026 Annual Ministries Appeal is coming to a close. Many, if not most, parishes spend considerable pulpit time every year to address it. Several parishes take at least one entire Sunday homily time to instruct parishioners to fill out pledge cards then and there, and collecting before Mass continues. Unless absolutely necessary, I did not, and do not, want to do that.

The Annual Ministries Appeal supports almost exclusively lay ministries in the Diocese of Santa Rosa including, but not limited to, Religious Education, Safe Environment, Marriage and Family Life, Youth Ministry, legal and human resources services, clergy education and formation, etc. These are services which few parishes can afford on their own, so we share the burden with 41 other parishes, on a proportional basis. Our parish depends upon these specialized services, even though they are not immediately visible in the daily life of a parish.

The goal for each parish is based on parish income and ability to pay.

I have good news and bad news. The good news is that our goal for AMA 2027 will be slightly lower than 2026. The less-than-good news is that we are still roughly $15,000 short of our 2026 goal of $51,300. Any shortfall will be billed directly to the parish, and blow a hole in our budget. (Any surplus will be refunded to the parish.)

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by the Chancery regarding our current shortfall, and asked if I needed any “help.” That “help” would almost certainly include taking Mass time, and having the pastor do a “hard sell.” Based on our success in past years, I still do not believe that is necessary, provided that we come together to meet the goal.

There have been Appeal Envelopes in the pews for a few weeks already, and they will continue to be there. With the envelope, you use cash, check or credit card. You may also designate an AMA donation by writing “St. Vincent AMA” on your check and depositing it in the regular collection. Visiting the rectory office or using the secure rectory mailbox are two more ways to participate.

Thank you for your patience, consideration, and generosity. Next week, we should have the results of the October Mass Count.

 Blessings, Fr. Bill Donahue