Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It has come to my attention that an attempt was made to extract money from several members of one of our parishes using the name of the pastor.  This attempt was made through a text message, asking people to purchase iTunes gift cards for needy children.

The parish has already taken steps to further protect their parishioners.  Not all of the details of this situation are known but I want to urge everyone to be vigilant. If you ever receive an email, phone call or text message asking for donations, money, gift cards, etc. from one of our priests or in the name of the Church, please contact your parish immediately to find out if the request is legitimate.  

This is not the kind of message I like to put out but again, we must all be vigilant.  

May God bless you abundantly,

+Edward J. Weisenburger