“The one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”
As we enter the second week of Advent, we praise God for His continued presence in our lives. The quotes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians and the Responsorial Psalm remind us that our talents, abilities, and successes are directly attributable to God’s generosity. He began His good work in us and He continues His good work in us. Indeed, He has done “great things” for us.
I am writing this on “Giving Tuesday,” a day set aside for charitable giving after a flurry of retail shopping. That fact, and these scripture passages, remind me about your recent generosity to Fr. Achilles and St. Edward’s Granny School in Uganda. Our parish donated over $65,000 to their much-needed new building and other needs. I also think about our Advent Shares Program and the “great things” that we will be doing for a large number of folks in Orange County. Your generosity is impressive.
In a recent story about charitable giving, I learned that the major stock market indices were up an average of 7% in the month of November. The story suggested that we can lock in these gains by donating appreciated stock to a charitable organization. Doing this maximizes the value of donations for both the donor and the recipient.
If you are searching for a place to make an end of year gift (large or small), please consider our San Felipe de Jesus Scholarship Fund. Each year, for the past eight years, the Fund has provided more than 30 students from San Felipe de Jesus Chapel with a scholarship equal to about 40% of the cost of school at St. Ed’s. The school and the families contribute the remaining 60%. Students from this program have continued to succeed in high school and beyond. We hope to raise enough funds to support the scholarships for many years to come.
At St. Edwards we have always been good StEwards of the great things the Lord has done for us. As you decide how to allocate your charitable giving as the end of year approaches, please accept my deep gratitude for your heart-felt generosity. May you be filled with Joy!