Dear St. Paul Family and Friends,

By this time, you may have already received the summary of your financial contributions to the Church. I personally hand signed every single one of them, even though we can use electronic or stamp signature. Please take my hand signature as my gesture of gratitude to your generosity. I am aware of the hardships of the time made worse by the pandemic and inflation, but you still found it in your heart to support our Church out of love. Thank you.

I also want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to use your envelopes. Its use does not only allow us to easily and accurately record your contributions, but also your attendance in our masses and other liturgical celebrations. They make your accounts active. Know that all this information is confidentially recorded for your benefit. We use them as basis for letters of recommendation (e.g., for school and grant applications, for baptismal/confirmation sponsorship, etc.), for processing your child’s enrollment to catechetical formation, and for many others.

I also want to emphasize how important it is to register. The first step to becoming part of any parish is through registration. If you are new to the parish, or you have already become a young adult, we ask that you please register and create your own account with the office. Your account information allows us to understand the demographics of our parish, and consequently plan for suitable and responsive programs and activities.

Know also that being active in the Church is not limited to sharing your treasures. Your time and talents are also needed and valued. Getting involved in ministries is not only good for the Church but for you and your families as well. It strengthens family relationships, cultivates our character, builds our faith, and deepens our love for God. Testimonies of active families are featured in our bulletin for the whole month beginning this week. We hope you can find inspiration in their journey.

Jesus in the Gospel this weekend called Simon, James and John, to follow him and become fishers of men. Jesus’ leadership style is to always involve others whom he calls disciples and friends. In the same manner, your active participation in the life of the Church is indispensable. Without you, “the apostolate of the pastors will frequently be unable to obtain its full effect; where lay responsibility is absent, the Church is incomplete.” (Apostolicam Actousitatem nos. 10, 21)

I cannot do this on my own. I need you.