Fr. Frederick Edlefsen

Many blessings to all of you as we journey into September. Special blessings to our youth and their families in the CCD catechism program, as they learn more about the truth and beauty of our Catholic faith. Many of them will be preparing for sacraments as well, especially First Confession, First Communion, and Confirmation. Also, blessings to the adults who are joining OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). They too are preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion at the Easter Vigil Mass.  

September is Commitment Month at Our Lady of Lourdes. I invite everyone to consider increasing their weekly or monthly Offertory (first collection) Giving to keep our parish financially sound, so we can continue our Mission to welcome people into God’s Grace through Mass, sacraments, faith formation, marriage preparation, serving the needy, and a hospitable and welcoming parish community.  

In a financially healthy parish, funds raised during regular Sunday Offertory (first collection) should cover operating costs. Otherwise, the parish would need to dip into “unrestricted savings” to pay for basic operations. Over the past two years, our parish has been operating in the black because of our generous parishioners who support us through offertory giving. However, as our expenses continuously increase, I encourage everyone to increase their regular offertory (first collection) giving – especially through our secure online giving option with Parish Soft. Just press the GIVE button on our website or use the QR code in the pew, bulletin or at the church entrance. Peace and blessings to everyone, in Christ!