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March 23, 2020Dear Parishioners,
Greetings in Christ.
A number of you have been asking me about how to send your envelopes for the Sunday collection. I am edified by your concern and generosity (but not entirely surprised). Thank you!
I had no intention of writing on financial matters at SJN so early on in the coronavirus pandemic, but thought I would at least address the Sunday offertory impact and how to donate since I have been asked numerous times.
Again - I am very grateful for your concern and generosity! Our monthly operational expenses obviously continue during this time of crisis and, as I am sure you know, we rely mostly on the weekly offertory to pay our expenses.
Here is how we did last week (approximately):
Checks: $2,300
On-Line: $7,100
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Total: $9,400 (Thank you!)
According to our budget for 2019-2020, our goal for the offertory each week is about $18,000. Obviously, our budget will have to be reassessed and we are working on that.
Realizing the potential gravity of the financial impact of the crisis, I have spoken to the Finance Council, our Accountant and Business Manager. We are studying what costs can be cut, eliminating discretionary spending, and seeing what else can be reduced or delayed should this go on for many months.
I realize that the economic impact will hurt some households greatly and please know of my prayers and genuine offer of any support the parish can provide for you. Please don’t worry if you can’t contribute. Trust in God and know of my prayers.
If you are able to still give any amount, it would be a blessing. Here is how you can make your offering:
Go to the website www.saintjohnneumann.org and click on the “donate” button. That has all the information you need. I will reprint it here for your convenience.
I. Offertory Envelopes
A. Mail to our Office
8900 Lochaven Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20882
Please make your check out to “St. John Neumann Catholic Church.”
B. Drop in Mailbox Outside the Office
There is a black mailbox right outside the office door which is checked regularly. It is at the same address as above (go to the side entrance).
C. Hand to one of the Priests
Once we start hearing confessions again (please God soon), you will know where to find us. You can just give them to one of us.
**Note: One-time gifts for donations are considered “gifts and contributions” and not Sunday offertory and are therefore not assessed by the Archdiocese. These types of gifts can be given multiple times during the year. Please indicate in the memo line if desired.
II. On-Line Donations Through “Faith Direct”
Faith Direct is our on-line giving platform. It is very safe and easy to use.
To enroll online, use the unique code for St. John Neumann - MD35.
a. For a Recurring Gift click here: Faith Direct Recurring Gift
b. For a One-Time gift click here: Faith Direct One-Time Gift
**Note: One-time gifts are considered “gifts and contributions” and are not assessed by the Archdiocese. These types of gifts can be given multiple times during the year.
For more information see: www.faithdirect.net
Finally…Know of my prayers for you all. Please know my current focus is on your health and spiritual well-being and that of your loved ones, not the collection, but thank you for asking and may God Bless You!
In Christ,
Msgr. Panke
Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe:
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana.
Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.
For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.
In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.
We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.
Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
