On behalf of our Archbishop, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, I wish to thank the 232 parishioners and friends of St. Matthias who made it possible for us to meet and exceed our DSF goal last year. Our goal for 2010 is $ 55,355.00. Today we begin to send our pledges and commitments to DSF 2010 at the second collection.  I have suggested a $300.00 commitment for each household for the whole year to continually meet our DSF goal. Cardinal DiNardo also asks for a wider participation from all our parishioners.

FOLLOW ME is the theme of this year’s DSF campaign. It ties in with the whole thrust of our Sunday Scriptures in Ordinary time which is a continuing reflection on our discipleship and following of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

Today’s Gospel passage reminds us once again of a very important aspect of discipleship: Recipients of God’s gifts must themselves be generous in sharing those gifts with others. We hear Peter asking Jesus to leave him because he is a sinner and therefore unworthy of God’s bountiful gifts. But the answer of Jesus is that Peter’s unworthiness does not require him to be separated from Jesus. The gift that Peter, James and John received at the miraculous catch of fish prepares them to be bearers of God’s gift to others. Having experienced God’s sustaining and generous gift after disappointment, frustration and need, they courageously and wholeheartedly began to follow Jesus .

We too have been recipients of God’s bountiful gifts, not only the gift of material blessings, but the greater gift of Son ship and participation in the divine nature of God through Jesus. May we also have the courage to follow Jesus ever more faithfully.


Sincerely in Christ,