Dear parishioners,

“Buy my field that is at Anathoth” (Jer 32:7) – in these words the prophet Jeremiah recognizes a particular call from God.

At a time when the city of Jerusalem is about to be destroyed by the Babylonian Empire and the people – along with the prophet – face imminent desolation, the suggestion to invest money in a field that Jeremiah will not be able to use seems to be a meaningless undertaking.

But rather than a business investment, the buying of the field at Anathoth is an act of faith. Rather than a thoughtless transaction, Jeremiah’s purchase of the field is a commitment to God’s promise of abundant fruitfulness.

This letter is an invitation for you, too, to make an act of faith – to “buy a field” – by increasing your
support of the St. Mary parish family.

The many encouraging stories that narrate the tithing practice of Abel, Abraham, Jacob, and of all the people of Israel give testimony of its meaning: while giving the first and the best tenth of their “wages” helped to support the need of God’s people it was above all a means to transform their hearts.

While St. Mary needs support to renew our beautiful but aging campus, what I desire even more is the transformation of your heart.

There are graces from God that can only be received by giving, by “buying a field at Anathoth”, by a bountiful act of faith (2 Cor 9:6).

On February 15 and 16, the parish will be holding a special Commitment Weekend, inviting members of
our community to make the commitment to tithing together – to make a gift
not only from our “excess” but a sacrificial gift that will stir our heart.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to St. Mary.

In Christ,
Fr. Andrej Makovník, dcjm