In different ways, ‘much can be done’

January 17, 2019

180. There are no uniform recipes, because each country or region has its own problems and limitations. It is also true that political realism may call for transitional measures and technologies, so long as these are accompanied by the gradual framing and acceptance of binding commitments. At the same time, on the national and local levels, much still needs to be done, such as promoting ways of conserving energy.

These would include favoring forms of industrial production with maximum energy efficiency and diminished use of raw materials, removing from the market products which are less energy efficient or more polluting, improving transport systems, and encouraging the construction and repair of buildings aimed at reducing their energy consumption and levels of pollution. Political activity on the local level could also be directed to modifying consumption, developing an economy of waste disposal and recycling, protecting certain species and planning a diversified agriculture and the rotation of crops. Agriculture in poorer regions can be improved through investment in rural infrastructures, a better organization of local or national markets, systems of irrigation, and the development of techniques of sustainable agriculture. New forms of cooperation and community organization can be encouraged in order to defend the interests of small producers and preserve local ecosystems from destruction. Truly, much can be done!

Source : Laudato Si'

Msgr. Michael Souckar

St. Andrew Church

Exercising Stewardship

Dear Parishioners of Saint Andrew:

As we know, the three pillars of Catholic stewardship are prayer, service and generous giving. I take this opportunity to thank you for your faithful exercise of Catholic stewardship for the good of our parish and encourage your support of the ABCD and our carnival.

Next week at all Masses I will speak on the 2019 Archbishop’s Charities and Development Campaign (ABCD). As you know, every year Archbishop Wenski asks Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Miami to support works of education, faith formation, justice and mercy. As Archbishop Wenski has said: “The ABCD, which supports our community through life-changing programs and ministries, is a way for us to put our faith into action. Every gift opens the door to a better tomorrow, a better life, and a more hopeful future”. Approximately 33% of the monies given to the ABCD go to the education and formation of future deacons and priests as well as lay leaders. We at Saint Andrew Parish have welcomed several seminarians over the past years and know first-hand these dedicated men of faith who will be our future priests. We have experienced the good realized by supporting the ABCD. Approximately 25% of the ABCD monies are used for evangelization and faith formation. This includes religious education programs, youth and young adult ministries, as well as missions and social advocacy programs. The balance of the ABCD funds (approximately 42%) are dedicated to assist less affluent parishes and parish schools, along with social ministries and works of mercy. I am asking every individual or family of the parish to support the ABCD. If you have not contributed in the past, please consider doing so this year. Every gift is appreciated and is used to further the Church’s mission to foster faith, hope and love among the Catholic faithful and in the broader community. This week I ask you to consider how much you will give to the ABCD.

You can make your contribution securely online (as I do) by visiting www.adomdevelopment.org/abcd or by writing a check and using the designated envelopes which will be available next week.

Either way, please be sure to identify yourself as a parishioner of Saint Andrew Parish.

The Tenth Annual Saint Andrew Carnival will be held February 7-10, 2019.

It is hoped that this year’s Carnival will be the best ever. I ask all parishioners to pray for the success of the Carnival and for the safety of all the workers, volunteers and attendees. You might also pray for good weather! In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for you to volunteer during the Carnival. It is a wonderful occasion to serve the community and also to get to know better your fellow parishioners. Volunteer information is found elsewhere in today’s bulletin as well as on the parish website. I also ask for your financial support of the Carnival. A listing of needed items is also found in the bulletin. Raffle tickets are already available for purchase. Please encourage your family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers to purchase a raffle ticket (or more) and to attend the Carnival.

In whatever ways we exercise Catholic stewardship, we do so with a sense of gratitude for the many blessings we have received from the Lord. Like the miracle at the wedding feast of Cana, Christ takes the simplicity of what we can offer (water) and transforms it by his love beyond our expectations (wine). I thank you for your continued prayer, service and generous giving to support our parish, the Saint Andrew Parish Carnival, the ABCD and all of our efforts to be the community of faith the Lord calls us to be.

May the Lord continue to bless you and your family with His love!

Msgr. Michael Souckar