Dear Parishioners,
“Peace be with you.” I offer Jesus’ greeting to his disciples in these challenging times, and I say again, “Peace be with you.” I hope that we may all experience our Lord’s peace in our hearts. I acknowledge that the current situation is all so strange, so uncertain. Many of us may face major challenges. Physical and mental health may be impacted. Family finances may be a huge worry for many. I truly ask for Jesus’ peace for all of us.
I need your help. The parish needs your help. As a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and the one responsible for our community, I wish to appeal to your ongoing generosity to be able to secure parish employees’ salaries, the payment of bills and making other necessary payments. I am asking you to please continue your Sunday contributions even though we are not gathering for Mass. I am not asking for more than you usually give, and I assure you this is not a new fundraiser or something similar. I want to be sensitive to your family needs. So, if your finances allow during this stressful time, please consider mailing your regular financial offerings to the parish office (3290 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, 94306) or enrolling in our online giving system on our webpage at
https://paloaltocatholic.net/. If you are able to continue to support our community financially, you may send your contribution weekly or, if you prefer, make a monthly payment. We will continue to process your donations and keep records for your tax deductions.
What we are doing? The decision to close our Churches came to us on Friday 03/13/2020. I have already instructed staff to reduce our expenses only to what is strictly and immediately necessary. I will also work to provide spiritual support online through our webpage. We, the priests, will continue to celebrate Mass (private, with no congregation) to ask for everyone’s needs. We will also think of ways to stay together during our social distancing.
I thank you for your generosity. I love our community and wish all of you well.