2022 CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Immaculate Conception Church,

I ask you once again to graciously consider a gift to our Immaculate Conception Church annual Christmas Appeal, which runs from today until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, 2022. This will be the tenth year for the appeal, which has enabled our parish to become much more financially stable. It accounts for a quarter of our overall needs as budgeted for this coming year. Last year, through your generosity, we raised the largest sum ever: $327,000.

This year, I have set our goal for the Appeal at $275,000. I did so based on the budget we project for this fiscal year, and being mindful of the extraordinary events in recent years that have impacted some personally. Over the last few years we have eliminated some fundraisers to focus on just a few, with the Christmas Appeal being the most important. We rely on the Christmas Appeal for our ongoing operational needs along with building and system repairs. While the Maintenance and Development fund will cover some of the repairs to our venerable aging buildings, we will have to make up the balance from the general operating budget.

It is important that we continue to be good stewards of this treasure which God in His Providence has entrusted to us. To that end, I ask you to consider a generous gift this year.

I also ask that every member of our church contribute to the cause. Why is it not enough that we simply meet or exceed our goal, whether it be through the generosity of one donor or a hundred? Why is it so important that everyone contribute? Because each and every one of us owes a debt of gratitude to Almighty God, Whose Providence truly “provides” for us. It is God Whom we want to please by this Christmas Appeal, and God Himself is moved by generosity: "Everyone as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) It is significant that our Appeal begins soon after Thanksgiving and concludes on the 12th day of Christmas, two events which remind us of God’s generosity and the need for our own.

Giving shows appreciation and gratitude. As important as it is that we achieve the monetary goal, it is also important that we reach the spiritual goal of a church united in expressing gratitude by the fact that everyone contributes something. Whether it is from the few coins of a child’s weekly allowance, or a few dollars earned by a young teenager’s chores, or a few hours’ pay from a young adult’s job ... however great or small in terms of dollars and cents, it can all be of even greater measure in terms of numbers of souls expressing thanks to God.

You may use a Christmas Appeal envelope to mail your donation or place it in the collection basket. You may also give online at www.icaohio.com/christmasappeal, or on mobile through Venmo (Group Name: @icaohio or Immaculate Conception Norwood). Please be sure to indicate your donation is for the Christmas Appeal. If you wish to discuss your donation, please contact Kathy Lawson at kathlawson78@gmail.com or (513) 731-8771.

Your generosity will help to continue providing for the financial stability of Immaculate Conception for generations to come. Pray about this request and please respond as generously as you can. Please also pray for the success of this Appeal. I shall offer the High Mass on the Sunday within the Octave of the Feast of the Epiphany for your intentions, in gratitude for your generous support.

Praying that God may abundantly bless you this Advent season, I remain faithfully yours in Christ,

Fr. William Jenkins