|
|
St. Vincent de Paul Parish Newsletter
April 23rd, 2020
|
|
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is not even. Some get very sick, others have mild conditions, and some are physically untouched. Financially, some in our parish have lost jobs and face severe hardships, others are doing fine economically. The Acts of the Apostles describes the early Church as being “
of one heart and mind
” (4:32). It also states that resources “
were distributed to each according to need
” (4:35). This is a time for us to be that Church.
Since the pandemic, our parish income is down 30%. Some have told us that, because of job loss, they will not be able to continue their tithing at the present time. That is certainly understandable! Many others have sent kind and encouraging notes with their donations, offering to do a little bit more as they are able.
If you have the means, please continue your Sunday offering. Maybe you could even prayerfully consider if you can do a bit more at this time so we as a parish community can help those in greater need. Mail your donation envelopes to the parish, set up online giving by going to our web page (stvincentparish.org) or call the office 253 839-2320 to leave your name and phone number. Our bookkeeper, Diana, will assist you in setting up your online giving.
Most everyone earning less than $99,000 (more if you are a head of
household or file jointly)
will be getting a government stimulus check. For some this will be a lifeline. For others it might just be something extra. If you do not need that stimulus cheek to meet your family’s basic needs, would you consider donating all or part of it to our parish tithing fund? This is a restricted fund set up to help parishioners in grave need and to support local charities responding to pressing human hardships.
Whereas this virus is unfair in how it strikes people, let us share a bit more equally in the hardship it is causing. Let us be
of one heart and mind
as we battle this pandemic. Let us be attentive to the needs of each and respond with our faith, our hope and our charity.
-Fr. Bill
|
|
Message from your Parish Administator
|
|
Since the ban on large gatherings, and the closing of our parish and school buildings, the parish staff has been working to reach out to parishioners to assess need among our parish community. We are continuing to receive some Sunday contributions in the mail, and also through online giving and automatic bill pay. We have experienced a 30% drop in income, and have lost more than 200 donors since February (not counting unidentified donors.) We are on a par with many of parishes throughout the archdiocese, the majority of which are experiencing a 30%-40% decline in revenue. At the current rate, we can survive for approximately four months, using money from our emergency savings fund and general savings accounts. We have also applied for an SBA 7(a) grant, and the PPP (Payroll Protection Plan) loan/grant, and remain hopeful that we may receive some funding as the second round of stimulus money becomes available. Thank you to all our parishioners who are in a position to continue their giving, and to those who have given extra. Thank you also for all the many wonderful notes and messages of care, love and concern for our parish. Please continue your prayers – they are powerful and our loving Father hears.
-Tracey Rockwell
|
|
Stay connected with your
St. Vincent de Paul Community
|
|
 |
Thank you to everyone that has been attending our streamed Masses. It's so wonderful that we can still worship together. We try to improve our streaming each week to give you the best experience possible. We, like many, are learning this as we go. We appreciate all of your positive feedback.
No Facebook, No problem:
You are now able to watch Live with us even if you don't have a Facebook account. We will be putting the link to our live broadcast on our parish webpage, under Recorded Masses. You can also access this on your IPad or Smart Phone if you do not have a computer or laptop accessible.
|
|
|
|
St. Vincent's
Prayer
Initiative
|
We invite parishioners to sign up for a 30 minute prayer period so that prayer is constantly being offered throughout the day for our parish, for those suffering because of this pandemic and for those on the front lines of caring for sick and engaged in essential businesses for the common good. Pray as you like. It could be a rosary, liturgy of the hours, silent meditation, scripture reading or just talking to God.
|
|
|
|
Archbishop Etienne has called for a new Pastoral Plan to build a thriving and more mission-oriented Catholic community in Western Washington. Because all Catholics share in the life and mission of the Risen Jesus, their voices are critical to inform the plan.
Today we are excited to offer the first of many opportunities for ALL Catholics to participate via the following online surveys.
Responses are anonymous and confidential. The initial questions seek to better understand the experiences, beliefs, needs, desires and faith trajectories of Catholics across western Washington. The final section of the survey includes several opportunities for all Catholics to provide open feedback on the church’s strengths, areas for growth, and to share hopes for the new plan’s priorities. Participants should allow
at least 15-20 minutes to complete the survey.
Our goal is to achieve representative feedback from across the region, the generations, and many demographics. This would provide critical insights for the many ministries of our church and highlight opportunities to deepen engagement with Catholics.
|
|
|
Emergency Sandwich
Brigade
|
We had such an overwhelming response to the Emergency Sandwich Brigade that we've added more dates! Thank you everyone for you willingness to help those in need in our community.
|
|
|
|
Urgent invitation to join our CCS SEWING BEE and help make 10,000 MASKS!
|
|
|
|
Our blood banks
are running low
|
Due to the Covid 19 outbreak our blood banks are running low on blood supply. Many Blood Drives, including our own, have
had to be canceled. If you are feeling healthy please contact Cascade Regional Blood Services to set up an individual appointment to donate blood.
|
|
The MSC has seen a 25% increase in the number of customers since the first few weeks of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Please contact Dan Lancaster at 253-838-6810 if you have any questions.
|
MSC is following CDC and public health guidelines for social distancing and cleaning
|
|
|
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Shelter at Home Order we did not gather together on Holy Thursdays, which means you were unable to bring in your Rice Bowls.
We are asking parishioners if instead of brining their Rice Bowls to the church they instead write a check for the amount they placed in their Rice Bowl, or for an amount they would like to give. Checks can be mailed to the Parish Office at 30525 8th Ave S, Federal Way 98003 or you can go to our online giving site and make a one time donation to "Rice Bowl".
Thank you to everyone for giving to this important ministry.
|
|
|
|
Please continue to give:
Like you and your families, the church still has fiscal responsibilities, and your Sunday Contributions make up 90% of our parish income. If your household income has been affected by circumstances due to the corona virus we ask you to please offer up prayers for our church as your Sunday Giving.
Ways to give
:
- Online - signup to give onetime, weekly or monthly, click the link on the below to sign up.
- Mail - you can mail us your contribution to 30525 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
