Catholic Services Appeal Weekend (October 26-27)

This weekend is an important one for the Diocese of Austin — it is the launch of the annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). This year's theme is "Together, we make a difference." This appeal impacts thousands of people in our diocese. Our own parish is directly supported by the CSA. With the funds we raise, our diocese will be able to do the following:

· Give spiritual guidance through religious education and sacramental preparation programs

· Help people grow closer to Christ through retreats held at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center

· Repair, maintain, and build new facilities

· Offer tuition assistance for children to attend Catholic schools

· Strengthen families through the diocesan Office of Life, Marriage, and Family, which offers pre-marriage programs, classes in natural family planning, and much more

· Care for our active and retired clergy

· Hold conferences and retreats for young people to grow in their faith

This weekend we read the Gospel of Mark, which presents us with the powerful story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who, despite the discouragement from the crowd, persistently calls out to Jesus for mercy and healing. This act of faith and persistence is a testament to his belief in Jesus’ power and compassion. Like Bartimaeus, we too must have faith and persevere in our endeavors. Supporting the Catholic Services Appeal is a way for us to persist in our faith, to continually reach out and help those in need despite the challenges we may face.

Your generosity can be the miracle someone has prayed for, the answer to their cries for help, just as Jesus was for Bartimaeus. Imagine the joy you bring to others as they grow close to Christ, have their marriage restored, or receive the funds they need for their child to attend Catholic school — these things are all made possible by the CSA.

We are most effective in showing our love for God and others when we work together. Make your gift to the CSA by visiting austindiocese.org/give and know that in doing so, you are helping those most in need.

Please know that you are in my prayers and may God bless you!

Ad Jesum per Mariam, 

Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III, Pastor