Challenges members to imitate Magi

By PAUL QUIRINI- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

The Christmas season is still a few weeks away, but Rev. David Noone is using the story of the Magi as an analogy to inspire parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Church in Loudonville to make their faith community more vibrant and secure.

As parishes across the Albany Diocese participate in the increased offertory campaign, Father Noone wants his parishioners to think of the gifts of the Magi and contribute to St. Francis not just financially, but spiritually and ministerially, in the new millennium.

"I'm asking them to make a millennial commitment to the parish of gold -- an increase in offertory giving; frankincense -- a commitment to do something to strengthen their own personal spiritual life; and myrrh -- a symbol of service," he said.

During a three-week period, parishioners have been asked to increase their offertory giving, commit to enriching their spirituality and volunteer for parish ministry, and they've responded. About 300 envelopes have been returned for the increased offertory campaign, 100 commitments have been made by parishioners to participate in parish ministry, and a number of parishioners have committed to enriching their spirituality, Father Noone pointed out.

"The initial response has been good, and I hope it gets even better," he said. "The goal is to make the parish more vibrant and secure because people who take their faith more seriously are going to help build up the parish through ministry and service, and support it generously." (PQ)

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