September 2, 2022

Dear People of God,

I hope and pray that all is well with you and your loved ones as we approach the end of Summer!

This year, as in some previous years, we are having trouble meeting our goal for the Annual Catholic Appeal. Presently, we are $4415 short of our responsibility to support our Diocesan ministries to those who are in need. Without the solidarity of our parishes, the larger picture of caring for others cannot happen. Therefore, if the people of the parishes cannot meet the goal, then the parishes themselves must support the needs of the Diocese.

Realizing this interconnectedness of the Parochial Church to the Diocesan Church, one of our folks has come forward with a very generous offer. They will match any gift of $150 or more to the Annual Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal up to the total of $2200. This is a blessing to our beloved St. Polycarp Parish!

For your gift to the Diocese to receive these matching funds, it must be received at the Parish Office during the month of September. Do not send your pledge directly to the Diocese. (Checks should be made payable to the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.) We will forward it for you after we have recorded the gift for our donor to double. Further, please indicate on your card “Matching Fund Program”. This will allow our benefactor to double your gift.

We are truly grateful to our anonymous parishioner whose generosity will help us to meet our goal. We are thankful for all those who have already been good stewards of God’s gifts and supported our Diocesan ministries. Finally, we are grateful for all those who will now join our other parishes in solidarity with caring for those in need. This unity of our folks has become the trademark and rich heritage of our parish over the decades.

May God continue to bless us and reward the generous stewardship of His faithful people here at St. Polycarp.

Fraternally,