Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

May the Lord give you peace.

We have begun the 2023 Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal. The hope is for the Archdiocese to raise $21,000,000. Our contribution toward that goal is $73,000. Last year we surpassed our goal due to a very generous gift. It is my hope that we will be able to reach our goal for 2023.

The theme of the 2023 Appeal is rooted in Psalm 2: “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” As I sit at my desk this afternoon, there are several migrant families seeking assistance in the rooms on the lower level and the first floor. These are folks who seek refuge in God through us. We at St. Francis are blessed to have come to know these families. Many children here have journeyed great distances to find a place of peace, hospitality, and community. One dimension of the Annual Appeal is to help address the needs of these families. We do our part here through your generosity. The Archdiocese depends on similar generosity to assist Catholic Charities.

Another source of refuge for all of us is the Word of God. This Appeal seeks to deepen the efforts of the Church to embody and preach the Gospel. Your financial assistance enables the possibility of the Church to meet the hunger for the Word throughout our Archdiocese. Again, finding refuge in the living and effective Word of God is the heart of our way of life. Please give as you are able to give. Any amount is appreciated. You can pledge an amount and give over time. You can also give online by clicking here.  (We just want to be sure that it is linked to St. Francis of Assisi!) Please consider your financial situation and determine if or what you may be able to give. Know that, if you are on the mailing list, you will get letters until you give or return that you cannot give at this time. Please pray for the success of this Appeal. I thank you for your consideration of this request. I also ask our virtual community to consider giving to this Appeal.

I am grateful for your commitment to St. Francis and grateful for your help.

Thomas M. Gallagher, ofm