Dear Friends in Christ,

Saint Mary, Church of the Assumption is participating in Encountering Christ, a capital and endowment campaign to benefit important ministries in the Diocese of Austin and parishes, including ours. We join with faithful from 123 parishes and missions who are also pledging their commitment to ensure the Catholic Church in Central Texas remains strong and vibrant for generations to come.

Our parish exists, and has thrived since 1870, because of the generosity of many people. Our parishioners have always worked together to meet needs that arise, such as contributing more than $23,000 in the most recent Catholic Services Appeal, which helps pay for the day-to-day expenses of our diocese. Truly, Saint Mary's is an inspiring community.

Encountering Christ allows us to band together once again — this time, investing in the long-term health and strength of our diocese and parishes. The diocese of Austin forms a community of faith of more than 500,000 Catholics across 25 counties, and we share in meeting the needs of our local church. The majority of these needs affect us all, but a few address challenges for the most impoverished among us. What an opportunity to live out our call to serve as disciples of Christ!

Saint Mary's will also benefit from Encountering Christ. Our goal is $330,000, of which $99,000 will remain at our parish to meet local needs, at our discretion. In addition, we will retain 70 percent of any amount we raise over our goal, which will significantly affect our parish. We have spent the past few weeks and months determining how best to use the funds we raise through our campaign, and have decided to bolster financing for our homeless lunch program, add to our Catholic education tuition assistance fund, and strengthen our parish by addressing several maintenance and facility needs.

Bob Kramolis and Reece Flood have graciously offered to serve as co-chairpersons for Saint Mary’s Encountering Christ campaign. Please join me thanking them for their leadership, along with Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, who initiated this important effort for our diocese.

Please take a moment to review the effect Encountering Christ will have both in our parish and in our Diocese of Austin. This campaign has my full support and, as your pastor, I hope you will embrace this opportunity for our parish.

Yours in Christ,

Father Joseph F. Geleney Jr.
Pastor
Saint Mary, Church of the Assumption