I am thrilled to announce that Tolton: From Slave to Priest, a live theatrical one-man drama performed by actor Jim Coleman and directed by Leonardo Defilippis of Saint Luke Productions, will be will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 7:00 P.M., in our upper church. Admission will be a free-will offering.
You may recall that, in my time as pastor here, we have hosted several Saint Luke Productions live dramas here, including one on Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and another on Saint Therese, the Little Flower. These productions are excellent, very professionally produced and presented, and provide great inspiration for us on our journey of faith.
Tolton: From Slave to Priest is a powerful new live production based on the life of Father Augustus Tolton, the first African American priest. This compelling true story of courage, forgiveness, and reconciliation resonates deeply with modern American audiences. Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago, postulator for Father Tolton’s canonization cause, is calling Tolton a production that will “inspire a new era of peace, hope and forgiveness in America.” Tolton is a riveting multimedia drama not to be missed. The production runs 75 minutes, and is suitable for middle school age and up. Please join us on Friday evening, February 25 at 7:00. For more information, please call the rectory.
I remind you that we have officially begun the 2022 CATHOLIC CHARITIES APPEAL, the theme of which is Giving Hope to All. The Catholic Charities Appeal reaches out to those among us with special needs, and the fact that the Archdiocese is the single largest provider of social services in the Delaware Valley is a testament to its far-reaching effects.
I ask you to please prayerfully consider making a sacrificial gift to this year’s Appeal, for this very important campaign of the Archdiocese, which directly helps our ministries to those who are most poor and vulnerable. Every gift counts, and it is my hope that every family and wage earner will make a significant contribution to this year’s campaign, as their means allow. Our parish goal of $21,864 can be met, and even exceeded, if everyone does his or her fair share (we have certainly proven that with the results of the last two years!).
I remind you that Catholic Charities is no longer a second collection in church, like so many other special collections we take throughout the year. It is now a direct mail campaign that basically lasts for a whole year. You should have received a mailing from the Archdiocesan Catholic Charities office, containing a campaign brochure and a gift/pledge card, along with an envelope within which you would be able to send your gift or pledge. The Archdiocese prefers you to use this direct-mail method to make your Catholic Charities gift. In light of this preference, I would ask you not to place your Catholic Charities contribution in the collection basket in church. Thank you for your cooperation and your understanding.
Know that you and those you love are daily remembered in my Mass and my prayers.