“O God, grant that whatever good things I have, I may share generously with those who have not, and whatever good things I do not have, I may request humbly from those who do.” — Saint Thomas Aquinas

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The prayer above by the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas, profoundly captures a faith-inspired understanding and appreciation of stewardship and charity, as an essential component of living out the Gospel values and the strengthening of Christian communities. 

We are once more being given the opportunity to take part in the wider mission and ministry of the Church, especially here in our diocese, through our Pastoral Services Appeal 2026. Bishop Vann invites us once again to take part in supporting the missionary works of our diocese. This year’s PSA theme “How can I make a return to the Lord for all He has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12), invites us as good stewards of God's gift to reflect on the spirit of gratitude that inspires us to give back to the Lord through charity and kindness. 

Throughout the years, the PSA has helped sustain and advance many ministries and programs around our diocese. The donations are allocated to the following: 

• Parish Support (30%)
  
• Outreach (20%)
  
• Vocations Formation and Support (18%)  
  
• Catholic Schools (17%)
  
• Priest Retirement (10%)
  
• Administrative costs/operations (5%) 

With your generous support of the PSA 2025, assistance was provided to 615,000 families and individuals in need, 17,000 students in our Catholic Schools, as well as seminarians in formation and our faithfully retired priests. The PSA also benefits various Youth and Young Adult Ministry programs in different parishes. We are very grateful for your support and generosity. 

We wish to share with you the good news that last year we were able to surpass once again the annual Saint Irenaeus PSA goal and raised more than $297,000. We surpassed the allotted goal by 32%. The 2025 PSA rebate that Saint Irenaeus received was allocated towards the repair of our church roof and doors. This year, our parish PSA goal is $225,120, the same as last year. Any amount collected over this goal will be returned to our parish (rebate) and will go toward the purchase of the former convent that will serve as our Parish Life Center. 

We ask that you prayerfully consider making a pledge and support the PSA this year. Whatever amount your heart inspires you to give will go a long, long way to help the different ministries and initiatives we have around the diocese. You may return the PSA pledge card at any Sunday Mass or at the Parish Office. You may also make a pledge online at donate.rcbo.org by clicking the button below. 

On behalf of Bishop Vann, we thank you for generosity and support of the missionary works in our diocese through the Pastoral Services Appeal. May the Lord reward you a hundredfold in return.

Keeping you and your loved ones in our prayers, I humbly remain,

Respectfully Yours in Christ through Mary,

Father Mark