November 23, 2009
My Dear Friends in Christ,
I am very pleased to announce that St. Marguerite d’Youville will begin a formal Youth Ministry program this January. The establishment of this important Ministry is an exciting milestone in the growth of our parish – one which, in combination with our Religious Education Program, will create a comprehensive foundation for the faith formation of our young people.
There are a number of details that the Youth Ministry Planning Committee is working on, including leadership, programming, logistics, and funding. As this will be a self-supporting Ministry, the Committee has identified three primary sources of funding to ensure a sustainable program. One of these is the Youth Ministry Seed Fund, which will provide start-up funds so that the program can begin in early 2010. The Committee’s goal is to raise $10,000 for this fund by December 31st.
I realize that for many in our parish, the current economy has taken a tremendous personal financial toll. If this is the case for you, please consider donating your time and/or talent to the planning process that is currently underway. You are needed and you are welcome to participate in whatever capacity works best for you. Please contact the Youth Ministry Planning Committee at youthministry@stmdy.com.
For those of you who have been financially blessed during this time, I would ask you to prayerfully consider making a one-time gift to the Youth Ministry Seed Fund. You can mail your gift to the Parish Office in the enclosed envelope, or simply drop the envelope in the basket at the next Mass.
Please know that whether you give time, talent, or treasure, your gift will be a good investment in the future of our young people, our Parish, and our Church.
In his 2009 World Youth Day message, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI encourages us all to “undertake a path of preparation together.” It is my fervent hope that we will undertake the path of preparation for our Youth Ministry together, so that our young people will feel the presence of caring, supportive relationships, and will experience the Good News in the flesh.
God bless you,
Father James Harrison
Pastor