Oblates Appeal
To the Parishioners of Immaculate Conception/St. Jude Parish, Brothers and Sisters:
For many years the Oblates have been assisting the local clergy here at Immaculate Conception/St. Jude Parish. Presently, our bishop has entrusted this ministry to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in the person of our pastors, Father James Yeakel, OSFS and parochial vicar Father Gerald Dunne, OSFS.
Through the years you have embraced our Oblate community and the spirituality of our patron, St. Francis de Sales, which is at the heart of our lives, our vision, and our ministries. We Oblate priests and brothers try to challenge the people we serve to a life of holiness. All are encouraged to ‘live Jesus’ in an extraordinary way as we journey through our ordinary lives.
Today Oblates try to ‘live Jesus’ through our ministries at nearly thirty parishes along the east coast, in three high schools, a university and multiple chaplaincies. We also engage in missionary work on three continents.
We pray and work for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our church and religious community. We must provide personnel and resources to recruit and support candidates in the discernment process. Your prayers for those in formation, as well as their mentors are deeply appreciated.
Our Oblate community has many aging and retired priests and brothers who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Today, more than forty percent (40%) of our order is living in retirement, most of them our neighbors at Annecy Hall in Childs, Maryland. The health care, assistance and personal living costs for these men continue to rise. Far fewer Oblates and earning salaries and so we are asking our friends to help us.
In your offertory envelope packet, there is an envelope marked “Oblate Appeal”. On the weekend of February 18/19 we ask that you use this envelope for the second collection. This gift will help us meet the critical needs of our fellow Oblates who have served God’s people, over many years. Your support will enable us to provide the care that our own Father Anthony Larry had experienced, or that Father Frank Blood is experiencing at the end of his active ministry.
Or click below to donate now.
On behalf of our brother Oblates, we thank you for your generosity and for sharing in our ministry of disseminating Salesian spirituality.
Sincerely,
Father Gerald Dunne, OSFS Father James Yeakel, OSFS