When we become familiar with Scripture, we soon realize that specific messages are on repeat: Be unafraid, rejoice in all things, be still, and give thanks. Though they are all a different amalgamation of words, all phrases are grounded in the same truth: God cares!

Let’s take a deeper look at God’s consistency. Why should we fear not? Because God has pledged to protect us. Why should we rejoice? Because God claims us as his offspring, and like any good Father, he wants his children full of joy. Why should we remain still despite our day-to-day anxieties? Because our God is always slow to anger and generous with his gifts of mercy and peace. Why give thanks? Well, the answer to that question should be obvious. God’s blessings and graces are countless – more remarkable than the stars in the sky and more numerous than even the atoms in the universe. We do not have enough time in all our lifetimes combined to give adequate thanks to God, whose light conquers any darkness!

Today, in addition to celebrating the Feast of Christ the King and Thanksgiving in a few days, this week marks the end of the Church’s liturgical year. This timing is an excellent opportunity to reflect on our efforts to live out the Good News of the Gospel through the works of our parish. So, where do we stand in our efforts to advance Christ’s Kingdom? Our parish has a lot to celebrate – starting with some exceptional parishioners and staff who engage in pastoral ministry, outreach, teaching, liturgy, music, food prep, care for the campus, and much more. Our faith formation with elementary families and middle schoolers, sacramental preparation, men’s, women’s, marriage enrichment ministries, and parish offerings all have Jesus at the center of every detail. Investing in a new outdoor area and patio provides additional space for parishioners to gather and grow in faith-based friendships. We remain committed to our parish’s Discipleship Pathway FOUR: BELONG, BELIEVE, BECOME, and BEYOND – as a means to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus and connect with others. We need your unique gifts to help us move forward; please discern where the Lord is calling you to serve His Church and people. With so many opportunities in liturgical ministries, outreach, teaching, and assisting, try something out, and join us in doing God’s good work! Reach out to me, and together, we can assess your spiritual gifts and find a good first step for you to serve the parish and our community!

Alongside the investment in our people in service, the renewal of our parish also requires a financial investment. We have committed to investments in our excellent staff, exceptional spiritual offerings, and discipleship formation, worship space and facilities, communications efforts, and parish campus. We are proud of these investments and have witnessed tremendous growth as a parish community.

We have a robust plan for the year ahead, which requires funding, and at this time, our current offertory is not projected to meet our expenses. This past June, I shared our 2022-23 fiscal year budget, which included a $120,000 projected shortfall (https://olphparish.org/july-17-2022-financial-communication/) and invited you to review your commitment to OLPH with a first gift or the next step in giving.

I’m grateful to the 50 families who responded with a nearly $50,000 increase. Thank you, I understand these times are trying, and your gifts are sacrificial! The gap has closed a bit, yet we are still 41.5% short of our needs. As I shared with you in June, we will need to make changes if we cannot close the remaining $70,000 shortfall.

Lastly, as we close out this liturgical year, our Finance Committee would like to share a summation of the 2021-2022 fiscal year via our Finance Committee page, https://olphparish.org/olph-finance-committee/. If you have any questions about our finances or stewardship of donated funds, please get in touch with me (MTriplett@archbalt.org), our Parish Administrator Lisa Sliker (lmsliker@gmail.com), or our Finance Committee members (https://olphparish.org/olph-finance-committee/).

With deep gratitude, I extend my thanks to all who call OLPH their spiritual home and give so generously to her needs. Inspired by God’s care in us, I’m confident that our parish has what it takes to care for one another. And the fruits from our labors will keep us moving forward, fearful not, always rejoicing, remaining still, and thanking our Good Father for all his blessings!