Saint Mary of the Assumption
Rev. Fr. Craig R. Eilerman
Dear parishioners,
This is a bittersweet week here at St. Mary as we say farewell to Julie Ogilvie as the administrator of the parish. For twenty-seven and half years Julie served St. Mary as a faithful and good steward. She has served with three pastors, eight associate pastors, three deacons, three principals and one dog. Some fifteen staff personnel, not including teachers that have come and gone during her time. She greatly assisted not only the St. Mary staff but also the entire parish community, assuring the day to day operation of the parish ran smoothly. In her time, she oversaw two major projects in the church, the renovation of 1995 and last year’s beautification, as well as many other projects. It is because of her dedication and managerial skills that our grounds and buildings are in such good condition. As superintendent of our cemetery, she ministered to many grieving families and assured that our cemetery was well maintained.
Julie has been a daily help and support to me, and I will greatly miss her. With that being said, I am incredibly happy for her and wish her every blessing as she begins this new adventure in her life. She and her husband Andy will continue to be involved parishioners at St. Mary. If you get a chance, please express your gratitude to Julie for her twenty-seven plus years of service.
As we all know, the “social distancing” practices and suspension of gathering for Mass have created unique challenges to the way we practice our faith. Nothing is more important than all of us taking the necessary steps to protect and ensure the health and well-being of our families, friends, neighbors, as well as our parish and school communities. Although we have been physically separated for much of the spring, our church is alive and still on mission.
One of the ways we participate in that mission is through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Each year, we are invited to support the essential ministries and shared services of the Diocese. The impact and spread of COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary circumstances for our parish and our regional church, the Diocese of Columbus. Your participation is critical!
The overall goal for the Diocese this year is $6.85 million and our parish share of the Appeal is $111,368.86. If we exceed the goal, all excess payments received will come back to us and we will put that towards our Capital Fund. Our response to the Appeal is one way to share our blessings with our neighbors and express our gratitude for all the blessings that our most loving God has bestowed on us.
Due to the COVID-19 and recent suspension of public Masses, the Appeal will begin the weekend of July 11-12. I know there are many obligations and concerns facing each of you and your families, but please consider supporting the ministries and programs made possible through the generosity of the people of faith. Your gift will support the religious education of our seminarians and deacons, the ministries facilitated by the Office of Social Concerns, and many other vital programs that help to further Christ’s work on earth.
The reality is that many of your fellow parishioners may not be able to participate this year, so your support is more important than ever. Be assured of my gratitude for your gift – whatever the amount – and of my continuing prayers for you and your loved ones! We have three simple ways for you to donate: complete the pledge envelope made available at church and return it to the parish; mail your completed pledge envelope directly to the address on the envelope; go online to columbuscatholicgiving.org to make a secure pledge or gift.
Let us pray for the success of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. I am confident that together, with everyone’s participation, our parish will exceed our goal. I thank you for the generosity that you have shown in the past as I pray for our parish family. I remain yours in Christ.
Father Craig R. Eilerman
Pastor