I find myself saying on every Labor Day weekend – “Can you believe that summer is over already!” While summer is over in the sense of outdoor swimming pools and beaches we know summer doesn’t officially end until September 22 this year, so we still have time to enjoy God’s gift of the beauty of summer. Don’t put those BBQ grills and patio deck chairs away just yet! And one of the great things I enjoy about Labor Day weekend, it kicks off the college football season. Go Irish! But just as on Memorial Day weekend that unofficially starts the summer season, we don’t want to forget there is a reason for this holiday. On Memorial Day, we remember those who have died defending the ideas and principals of our nations. Labor Day, started in the 19th century honors the American labor movement and the contribution that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of our country. Our Church, through the teachings and proclamations of several popes and American bishops promote the dignity and rights of workers, as well as fair and just salaries. So on this holiday weekend, let us not forget those who are un-employed, under-employed, and all who struggle to make ends meet.
As I did last year on the weekend after Labor Day, I will be speaking at all the Masses next weekend to share with you the annual fiscal report for the fiscal year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. I will share with you some of the highlights and good news for the past fiscal year as well as some of the budgetary needs for the current fiscal year that just started July 1st. As always I am so very grateful for the sacrificial support you have given to Our Lady of Mercy as well as the sharing of your time and talents in our various ministries and outreach programs. The weekend of September 15th and 16th will be our annual stewardship commitment weekend for your financial support of OLM through the Sunday collection. In the week prior to commitment weekend you will receive in the mail your commitment card. As you review the materials and consider the needs I will outline next weekend, I ask you to prayerfully consider your weekly or monthly contribution, and if possible make a small increase to help us reach our goals for the 2018 – 2019 fiscal year. Please bring your completed commitment card to Mass the weekend of September 15/16. We will have cards in the pew in the event you forget your card.
Again, Fr. Mark and I are so very grateful for the spiritual support and affirmation you have given us, and we have seen that support by the increase in the Sunday collection for the year. Please be assured that we remember you and thank God for you in our daily prayers!
Have a blessed Labor Day weekend!
Father Don