Dear Friends in Christ,
This upcoming Tuesday, March 25 we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Our parish family is blessed to be named for the beautiful event of the Annunciation as we are inspired to be available to God’s will and answer ‘yes’. In honor of our feast day we will celebrate a Living Rosary at 7pm in the Church. Have you ever attended or participated in the Living Rosary? It is a prayerful time for us to be together in the Church and offer the devotion of the Rosary for our own intentions and in thanksgiving for the gift of our parish. Also in honor of our feast day I invite you to attend Mass at 7am or 12:15pm. We will have a simple snack and refreshment out by the Grotto after the Masses and Living Rosary on this day.
Thank you for your generosity towards our Food Outreach Ministry last weekend. Your response was one of the largest Food Drives to date and helps to stock our local pantry as well as share with local Community Partners. I also am grateful for your contributions to the Ash Wednesday collection which is being donated to Pathways to Care, a transitional care facility for men and women who are homeless. The School, Pre-School and Faith Formation Children also are helping out by contributing to their own personal mite boxes during Lent.
I am also appreciative of your commitment to selfless stewardship as exhibited by your generosity to Our Catholic Appeal. An update is provided in this bulletin as we work to be closer to our goal of $597,000. If you have not yet responded, please complete one of the pledge envelopes on the tables in the Narthex or visit our website, www.annunciationorlando.org, for a link to an online pledge page.
As we journey through the 40 Days of Lent, please be assured of my prayers for you, your loved ones and your intentions. Please pray for me and of the other Priests, Religious Sisters and Staff of our parish family. May we meet each day in our prayers!
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor