Catholic Ministries Appeal

The Catholic Ministries Appeal is the annual appeal of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.  The Pastor’s Advisory Committee and the Development Committee have reshaped this appeal that benefits those most in need in our Diocese. Your participation in the CMA provides critical support for many programs and services for people in need. 

Your gift to the CMA is shared for Catholic Charities, Education, Pastoral Outreach, Formation and a portion is returned to our parish to sustain our work in witness to Christ’s teaching as outlined below:

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus responded:

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mk 12:30-31)

Notice that Jesus used the singular “commandment” when referring to what had previously been thought of as two distinct commandments. In this way our LORD taught us that loving God is very much bound up with how we love our neighbor. This is most important when we consider that the Hebrew word for love used in this context has two parts – that of an unbreakable bond and of constant attentiveness. It is something to prayerfully reflect on during this Lenten Season.

This ethic gives context to your generous support of our 2005 Catholic Ministries Appeal. Your gift enables both St. Mary’s and the diocese to help those in need throughout Long Island. Moreover, it gives witness to your faith, lived out in accordance with Jesus’ teaching on love, in the Gospel according to St. Mark above. The wonderful part of this is that the more we respond in this way, the more we live in accord with God’s will.

I invite you to share in Christ’s redemptive and salvific ministry to our brothers and sisters in need. Our parish has committed to a goal of raising at least $225,000 in support of our Diocese’s overall $10 million goal. Please accept my gratitude for your consideration in making a gift to help meet the needs of others. With your support, we can look forward to serving others with great hope and optimism as Jesus taught us.

God Bless!

The Rev. Msgr. John J. McCann
Pastor