Understanding the Beatitudes and Annual Charity Appeal

02-16-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

Our readings today call our attention to Jesus the teacher as He shares what we call the Beatitudes. A call to what it means to be blessed – to be poor, hungry, weeping and hated. Wow! That does not seem like what we signed up for, does it? Being blessed ultimately is being in a right relationship with God and dependent on Him. So the poor, hungry, weeping, and hated in a special way have to rely on the Lord.

So often we can be so self-reliant that we are not truly giving ourselves to the Lord. The exercises of fasting, almsgiving, and living simply all help us properly order the good things of life. You often hear me say you don’t know you need a savior until you need a savior; and that often happens when we find ourselves in a real struggle with poverty, hunger, sadness, rejection, and even failure. The answer is Jesus and coming to a deep understanding that no matter what, we are a beloved child of God. That is our intrinsic value; so the more we surrender and trust, the more blessed we become.

The annual Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) begins this weekend throughout the Diocese of Phoenix. It is the annual appeal to support over 70 ministries, charities, and organizations here in our Diocese. Everything from helping unwed mothers, feeding the hungry, supporting poor parishes, education, and forming seminarians, as well as a list of other amazing works of Charity done in the name of Christ and our Catholic Church. The theme this year is “Hope Does Not Disappoint.” I always see this as an opportunity for the greater Church, all the parishes/parishioners to come together and make a powerful impact helping others to know they are blessed – loved by God and His people. The overall goal of the CDA is $9.97 million dollars. Our parish goal is $135,552.00 and 30% of the dollars we raise above that amount comes back to us for our local charity and development. I ask everyone to consider a gift in the amount that is right for you. Sacrificial and generous giving does make an impact in our lives. Envelopes are in the pew and if you have given before you will receive mailings. If you have already made your commitment gift – thank you. The Charity and Development Appeal is a great hope to many – it does not disappoint.

Last week we shared the opportunity to become part of a faith-sharing group during the season of Lent. I encourage you to consider this as a possible way of growing in your faith; connection to Jesus, God’s Word, and our community. Christ in our Neighborhood is just that – a way to meet with others for an hour and reflect on the Sunday scriptures. We can even help you start your own group with neighbors or people you know here at the parish. For more information, see the center page of the bulletin. Be open to the way the Lord might want you to listen to Him and share your faith with others.

Lent is approaching and is just a little over two weeks away. Please consider signing up for How to Lent through our parish FORMED service. It will be a daily reflection for Lent sent to your phone/computer to help you make the journey. Let the Lord touch you this Lent.

Peace and Hope in Him,

Fr. Fred