Last week, even though I was still a bit under the weather, the need for assistance in our diocese and surrounding community did not take a break. In that week alone, the funds you provide to be used at clergy discretion prevented two families from being at risk of eviction, both after undergoing surgery.
Additionally, we supported our sister parish of St. Paul’s Carondelet in its ministry as an emergency warming shelter in the city of St. Louis when temperatures became bitter in January. As a result of their provision of shelter for 20 souls for about a week, their gas bill for January shot up dramatically. Along with a handful of other parishes in the diocese, your generosity allowed our parish of St. Martin’s to help support this vital, life-saving ministry.
These funds do NOT come out of our operating funds. Our wonderful Christmas Bazaar also is a great support for this fund each fall. Although the third week of each month is designated as Priest Discretionary Fund Sunday, you can give to the Priest Discretionary Fund at any time—simply designate your gift accordingly.