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 the equivalent of our annual parish stewardship which funds our parish ministries, except this appeal funds Archdiocese-wide ministries which benefit us and many others (see examples below). I know our 2022 ACTS goal is increased, but I don’t have the exact number at this time. It is good to see how we are doing—last year, 2021, our goal was $245,583 and Prince of Peace parishioners surpassed that by pledging $286,437 (117% of goal) with 25% participation of parishioners. That was great, but was down from the previous year of 2020 where we contributed $320,331 (132% of goal) with 34% participation. I’m glad we’ve hit our goal consistently, but I’m concerned about decreasing participation. My goal is never the dollars but to make sure as many people as possible participate. We still were near the top performing Johnson County parish, but I know we can do better!
I list now some examples of ministries funded by ACTS. I hope you agree on how valuable these things are and our worth supporting for the mission of the Church!
- 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.
- Evangelization. The Archdiocesan Evangelization Office is helping us share the Gospel.
- 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.
- 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.
- Deaf Ministry. I know there are many persons who receive benefit from this in Olathe.
- 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!
- 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.
- Catholic Charities. This is funded several ways, including by ACTS. The need is great, let me assure you.
- 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.
- Catholic Schools Office. ACTS supports our superintendent and high level Catholic school programming.
- 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.
- Catholic School Scholarships for students who cannot afford to attend Catholic school.
- Formation of seminarians, vocations programing, formation of deacons. All funded by ACTS. We need more priests and deacons!
- 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!
Peace,
Fr. Greg