ST. JUDE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY   PAGE SIX              MARCH 10, 2002

We are asked to stand in solidarity with our Archbishop and the priests, religious and lay leaders of our Archdiocese, especially with those who serve in the poorest of parishes in our Archdiocese.  We cannot allow ourselves to reason why these parishes may be poor, nor can we ignore the needs of our poorest sisters and brothers.  Rather, we need to stand in fullest and most heartfelt support with our poorest sisters and brothers in their needs.

"Together in Mission" truly does help our poorest parish communities.  However, as the income has risen so have the bills for services.  In reality, the help we give shrinks unless we increase our donation. Today our poorest parishes have "real needs" that are not being met.  It is estimated that it would take $128,000,000.00 today to make all the necessary repairs and do the retrofitting needed in these parishes and parish schools.   

If you have not yet made your Pledge Commitment, please prayerfully consider giving a little more than you have over the past years.  We all need to come to a real awareness of the burdens and the genuine needs that exist in our poorest parishes.  We need to understand that our Baptismal Calling encourages us, in fact impels us, to share with those less fortunate.  Let us dig deeply this year and try our best to help this worthwhile project, "Together in Mission."

At first very few names were submitted, but as the time to announce the four Synod Representatives for our parish drew close many names were submitted.  Thanks to one and all who considered in prayer who to nominate and then submitted names of fellow parishioners.

Our four Parish Synod Representatives alphabetically are:  Vincent Paul Adams, Pilar Bartos, Betty De Santis, and Dorothy Kelly.  Our Alternate Representative is:  Aurora Elayda.  Our most heartfelt thanks to each of these parishioners for accepting to represent our parish next Fall at the Regional Synod in Santa Barbara and to undergo the necessary training on Friday, March 22^nd at St. Julie Billiart in Newbury Park.

As our Parish Representatives have been told, some of them may be chosen by their fellow Regional Representatives to serve at the actual Archdiocesan Synod at the Cathedral in March, 2003.  All those accepting to represent us have agreed to serve on the Archdiocesan Synod, if so chosen.

Our Parish Representatives will be solemnly blessed as our Parish Representatives on Pentecost Sunday, May 19^th, one at each of the Masses.

Again thanks to one and all who took the time to prayerful consider nominating a fellow parishioner.  To read the many letters submitted makes one proud to be a member of St. Jude's Catholic Community, as you spoke so highly and so respectfully of your brothers and sisters.  After reading all your comments, one would think our parish is composed of all saints.  And you know, we truly do live in a community of saints.  God bless and reward you all!  And keep on inspiring those around you to follow the Lord more faithfully.