My Sisters and Brothers,
We are approaching the celebration of Christmas and the end of 2020 — thanks be to God!! This has been a difficult and challenging year with the COVID Virus, racial strife and economic uncertainties. With all of this, I want to thank you for your continued generosity over the years. Your help is still needed. If you are able, please consider a special gift to St. Elizabeth. You can direct your gift in one of the following ways:
You will help members of the community who are in need of assistance with essential expenses such as rent and utilities.
You will fund needed maintenance and repairs on our building and building projects in our future.
You can give to support ALL the ministries at St. Elizabeth. You will help cover any shortfalls in Sunday collections throughout the year.
In our parish, we are blessed with the help of Sister Tiberh and so many others who continue to welcome new members to our country and parish through our Social Ministry Fund. This ministry continues to grow. When you give directly to the Social Ministry Fund, you give Sister the resources she needs for rent, food, clothing or utilities to families who are struggling to be self-sufficient.
We thank Liz Wizernowicz, our education coordinator, who is learning to speak Swahili to better understand and teach our new families from the Congo and other African nations. Liz coordinates faith formation for our growing parish. When you give to the Religious Education Fund, Liz can pay for religious education fees and offer scholarships to students.
We are here to help.
We offer confidential support if you or a family member or friend is in need of extra help during this time of grave challenges. Please contact myself, Fr. Jim (cell 804-221-1508) or Sister Tiberh (804-329-4599 ext. 18) or Social Outreach in the parish office (804-329-4599 ext 19) with these needs. We help with food, utilities, and offer some limited assistance with rent.
If you can, please make a financial gift to support the parish and our parish family. You can give online using our secure website: https://stelizcc.churchgiving.com. You can give one time or set up a gift every month. You can give to any of our parish ministries.
You can mail a gift to St. Elizabeth Parish, 1301 Victor Street, Richmond VA 23222. In the memo, specify if you are supporting the Social Ministry Fund, Building Fund or General Operating Fund.
If you are not able to make a financial gift at this time, we understand. Please keep St. Elizabeth in your prayers. May this season and the new year bring you healing and hope. I am hopeful for the future of St. Elizabeth Parish thanks to your prayers and generosity.
Have a very Blessed Christmas and New Year.
Peace and hope and love,
Fr. Jim Arsenault
