Brother Knights, I received a phone call today from a parish priest that left me inspired, proud, saddened and concerned all at the same time. Saddened and concerned, because the parish priest was in dire financial distress. Proud, because he knew that he could contact the Knights, and he would get a response. Inspired because I know when you Brothers read this and pass it on to your councils, miracles will happen. I am attaching the letter this priest wrote also, so you understand the full story, but basically this is what it is about.
The priest, Fr. Patrick Donaghue, is pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in SE Portland. His is a elderly parish, in a working class part of town. It is an old church, with old infrastructure, and costly expenses. There is a lot going on right now to drain the bank account at the parish, and he turned to the Knights for help. Priests in Oregon are recognizing more and more that when they need something done in their parishes, the Knights will respond.
I know that we all support our home parishes, and many of them struggle also with maintenance issues. Second collections are pretty common these days to help keep up with building issues. That being said, some Knights out there have been extremely blessed, and understand the teaching of Jesus in being generous when you have received blessing. Perhaps some will respond to this pastor's request with his concern to keep his church cooled this summer for his elderly congregation. Some councils also have been extremely blessed, with ten of thousands of dollars sitting in the bank, waiting for a "good cause". I think this might qualify as the good cause you have been waiting for. Perhaps you would like to bless this parish with a share of your plentitude. Or, perhaps you have a council breakfast coming up for next month. Maybe, steer those breakfast donations over to this good cause.
However you would like to contribute, I would like you to send a check to our Oregon K of C Charities, and we will collect the money and get them to this good pastor. Send them to me, but make the check out to Oregon K of C Charities. That way individual contributors will be able to get a tax break on their contribution. Send them to: Ray Prom PO Box 369, Warrenton, OR 97146
Put in the memo line that this is going to St. Anthony of Padua.
I will make sure they receive the money. If an individual or a council would like to have a Mass said in thanks for their generosity, please indicate that also.
GK's and FS's: be sure you forward this to your membership. There may very well be an individual looking to bless someone with a monetary donation. If you are reading this, and not able to make a donation to this pastor, please stop for a moment and say a prayer. Thank you and God Bless you!!!
Ray Prom
IPSD and President of Oregon K of C Charities
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