As of this writing (Wednesday morning, November 4), we don’t have any definite results on the recent election, not only on the presidential race, but on some of our local races as well.  The good news is that people did vote in record numbers in Nevada and throughout the nation.  That’s democracy at work! By the time you are reading this (or listening to this), we should have some final tabulations.  Whatever the outcome, I hope that all can accept the final votes; and, now, let’s move forward hopefully in peace and unity. 

This week we have another national holiday  — Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11.  Our office and Gift Store will be closed in observance of this holiday; of course, there will be Morning Mass at 7:30 a.m.  This day is to honor all of those who have served the country in war or peace — dead or alive; it should not be confused with the intent of Memorial Day which is a day to remember those who gave their lives for our country.  Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service. So, if you have any veterans in your family, among your relatives, friends, neighbors or co-workers, why not express your thanks to them — by a phone call or social media.  I’m sure they would appreciate your words of gratitude. 

This past week, I mailed a letter to every registered member of our parish. It’s one of the most important letters I have ever sent.  Last March, when the pandemic started or at least when it became serious enough to lockdown the church, I was determined to provide as many of the services as possible by whatever means possible.  For the first few months, all liturgies were either taped and made available through social media OR live-streamed. When we were allowed to accept parishioners in person — first only 50 per Mass and now 250 — we were able to provide not only more Masses — in fact, a full schedule — but also almost all of the ministries as outlined in my letter. 

What I hadn’t anticipated was such a drastic negative affect on our financial picture. Thank God for that wonderful couple who initiated the Covid-Matching Fund: their gift of $20,000 grew to a total of $80,000.  This helped us through the normally lean summer months — always less income and higher expenses than the rest of the year because of people on vacation not contributing and high AC bills!  I was sure that in the Fall, things would get better and was certainly hopeful that the increased number of attendees to 250 would see us through our financial downfall.  Not so! I have been told that some parishioners do not realize that all of our expenses, including salaries, are NOT paid by the diocese, but only from our own income source — mainly tithing, that is, your free-will offerings at Mass, by mail, text, or online. 

So, I ask that you have a talk with your other family members (or yourself — LOL!) to discuss how you could donate more in your weekly or monthly donations. With less people attending Mass — 250 in a church that holds 1700, of course, the weekend collections are way down.  Right now, the best way, easiest and definitely most reliable is to use our “on-line” option found on our website.  That website is www.holyspiritlv.org Just scroll down to GIVING and GIVE ON LINE, click and follow directions.  I thank you so much for your help.  With your generous response to my appeal, we will be able to provide all our ministries to you and your family members without interruption. 

Please put our needs into your personal prayers.  I ask you to offer your Mass this weekend — whether in person or online — for the intentions of this parish, especially our financial situation. Maybe an extra rosary or two — as well.  May the Holy Spirit guide us through this crisis.   Come, Holy Spirit!

Have a good week. God bless you.