“Faith Renewed—Mission Sustained”

Dear Parishioners,

        A parish is sustained by people who quietly and faithfully give of themselves. We see this every week in our parish life. We see it when people gather for Mass, when children are formed in faith, when volunteers prepare a meal, when someone is visited in a time of need, when music lifts our prayer, and when parishioners offer their time, talent, and generosity for the good of others. These moments do not happen by accident. Prayer, service, generosity, and the shared commitment of this parish community make them possible.

        As we celebrate Mission Weekend and launch our fall stewardship program, Scripture powerfully reminds us of our true calling as disciples. In the readings for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Prophet Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew offer vivid images of God’s vineyard—a sacred space planted with deep love, meticulously tended, and entrusted to us as caretakers. We do not own this vineyard; we are tenants called to nurture the gifts, talents, and resources God has generously bestowed on us so they bear good fruit for His kingdom. True stewardship is our active response to this divine trust, a commitment to move beyond complacency and cultivate a vibrant, fruitful faith community through service, evangelization, and sacrificial giving. As Saint Paul beautifully encourages us in the second reading, we are to approach this mission without anxiety, anchoring our hearts in prayer, gratitude, and a shared focus on whatever is true, honorable, and gracious. 

        This week, I invite each household to take time for reflection and renewal. Reflect on what this parish means to you and your family. Reflect on the ways your faith has been renewed here. Reflect on how our shared mission is sustained through the gifts, service, and commitment of parishioners.

        As part of that reflection, please take a fresh look at your offertory giving. Consider whether your current gift reflects the role our parish plays in your life and the mission we are called to carry forward together.

        This coming weekend, during Renewal Weekend, I am excited to see the new commitments and renewed offertory support that will help sustain our parish in the year ahead. Every household’s prayerful response matters.

        For many families, the best next step is setting up a recurring online gift. It is simple, consistent, and helps the parish plan responsibly throughout the year.

        Thank you for the many ways you help renew faith and sustain our parish's mission. Let us step forward together with renewed hearts, ready to yield a rich harvest for Christ and to faithfully fulfill our part in our parish's vital mission here at St. Joseph Fullerton.

In Christ,