The Archbishop’s Call to Share (ACTS) kicks off this weekend. This is an annual appeal to fund many important ministries of the Archdiocese that we could not do alone as a single parish. It is kind of the equivalent of our annual parish stewardship which funds our parish ministries, which by the way, if you haven’t completed your parish stewardship renewal, it is never too late! I haven’t yet seen our 2021 ACTS goal, but I did see last year’s results which were impressive. Last year our goal was $243,204 and Prince of Peace parishioners surpassed that by pledging $320,331 which was 132% of goal. What is particularly impressive was our participation rate of 34% which was 2nd highest in Johnson County. This year I want us to be #1. I don’t mind if the pledged gift is big or small, but I hope we all feel part of a bigger church and called to participate in meaningful way. We do benefit from many of the supported ministries. Here is my list of many of the ministries that receive funding from ACTS that we might have particular interest in:
1. Youth programming and Prairie Star Ranch (PSR). Large youth events are funded, along with support for PSR where many of our youth go to Catholic summer camp. Also, youth TEC retreats and high school retreats are often held at PSR among other things.
2. Evangelization. The Archdiocesan Evangelization Office is helping us share the Gospel.
3. Villa St. Francis. We are blessed to have Villa St. Francis in our parish boundaries and it helps care for our seniors including many who cannot afford much.
4. Liturgy, Family Life & Marriage, Pro-Life, Social Justice, Special Needs Ministry, and more. We really do benefit from all the Archdiocesan offices as they educate, put on events/workshops/programming, answer questions from me and staff, and do the things we can’t do alone as a parish.
5. Deaf Ministry. I know there are many people who receive benefits from this ministry in Olathe.
6. Savior Pastoral Center & Christ’s Peace House of Prayer. Many events and retreats are held at these places. Do we benefit? If you choose to go. Please consider attending!
7. Hispanic Ministry. Did you know we have people who speak only Spanish in our parish boundaries? We need help to care for them, and ACTS contributes.
8. Catholic Charities. This is funded several ways, including by ACTS. The need is great, let me assure you.
9. School of Faith. I’m sure there have been adult classes here or in the area. Plus, our teachers and staff get formation as well.
10. Catholic Schools Office. ACTS supports our superintendent and high level Catholic school programming.
11. Catholic Campus Centers. The colleges in our Archdiocese have these centers to help college students keep the faith. ACTS helps fund them since the students themselves are unable. Benefit? Yours truly. I wouldn’t be a priest today if the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at KU didn’t exist.
12. Catholic School Scholarships for students who cannot afford to attend Catholic school.
13. Formation of seminarians, vocations programing, formation of deacons. All funded by ACTS. We need more priests and deacons!
14. Retired Priest medical fund. We have to take care of our own!
My list does not cover everything, but I hope it’s enough to prove ACTS does benefit us immensely, and it helps many others in our area. So again, please consider participating. I do so personally, because I believe in it. Each year we have made our goal—let’s do so again this year! Thank you for your generosity!