I hope that you and your loved ones are well as many in our community continue to recover from the recent rainstorms.
 
It is time again to ask for your support for our Annual Ministry Appeal (AMA) which begins this week. Hopefully you have received my letter as well as one from our Bishop and some informational materials introducing this year’s appeal, “We are the Body of Christ.” The AMA is an important fundraiser which supports our Catholic Community at San Agustín and our Diocese.
 
Last year we set our parish goal at $100,000 and you generously raised $120,037. Of this $20,800 went to our Diocese to support diocesan ministries and the remaining $99,237 stayed with our parish. I want to assure you that all the money was spent prudently on supporting our parish ministries, faith formation staff hire, church heating, plumbing, irrigation and ventilation repairs, indoor and outdoor electrical upgrades needed to comply with fire and safety standards, additional costs for janitorial supplies and church cleaning, and all new fencing around our upper parking lot.
 
I am thankful to the Finance Council for their advice and support in making sure that your generous donations were used wisely. There is still much more to do. Please do your best to participate by making a pledge in any amount, no matter how small, it will make a difference to our parish and be greatly appreciated. You can make a one-time donation or spread it over eight months. Enclosed is a brochure outlining the ministries supported by the AMA and a pledge envelope. Please mail or drop your pledge envelope to the parish office or put it in our collection basket at Mass.
 
This year we have set our goal again at $100,000 with a requirement to contribute $24,000 to the diocese. I will not ask you to do something that I am not prepared to do myself. I will personally put my check of $1,000 towards the AMA. It is once again our only fundraiser, and it is so important for the support of our ministries and the upkeep and maintenance of our wonderful parish.
 
Please consider donating to our AMA this year as we continue to build the Body of Christ.
 
With deep gratitude for your kindness and support and blessings to you and your loved ones,
 
Fr. Seamus