FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR
FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR Nov. 6, 2026
Dear parishioners of Holy Innocents,
We are now in the second phase of consultation for Partners in the Gospel toward developing a one parish plan for our three Churches of Holy Innocents, St. Anthony and St. Jude. Having reflected upon “Who are we?” identifying the blessings, gifts, strengths and opportunities, we now turn to the question “Who is God calling us to become?” Where is the Holy Spirit leading us? This Sunday at Holy Innocents after each of the Masses downstairs in the parish hall, there will be a presentation on demographics, sacramental, financial and facilities status of our three churches and then a listening session to contribute to the vision for parish life as we come together at one parish. Please join us after Mass downstairs In the parish hall after the 8 AM and 10:30 pm.
Grab some coffee and a sweet treat upstairs and come down and join us!
AN INVITATION TO STEWARDSHIP
Each of us is an integral member of Christ’s body, the Church, and that means we are each called to contribute to building up our parish community to be a place of encounter with the Lord Jesus. At the same time, we need the Church building, the parish structure, staff, infrastructure and utilities to provide a place to worship and encounter the Lord. And so I am asking you prayerfully make a commitment to stewardship over this coming year.
Stewardship is a response to God’s immense generosity and faithfulness. We share from the generosity of God, a portion of what we have received, trusting in God’s providence with a great desire to share the blessings God has given us.
We face a great stewardship challenge at Holy Innocents. But it is a challenge we can meet if we all work together, sacrifice and stretch as have so many before. It is a twofold challenge. First, we need to fund the ministries of the parish (heat, light, utilities, staff, programs, worship, faith formation outreach—the day-to-day work of the parish). With inflation, many of our costs have increased substantially just to maintain our ministries. So, we ask that you consider increasing your regular Sunday offering by 5%, or 10% or if God has especially blessed you, by even 15%. Many of use took this step last year and it helped, but we are again going to need many to take a step this year.
Second, we need pay off the debt on the church building which enables all these ministries to have a place to happen. We owe just around $780,000 for the church on this loan from the other parishes of the Archdiocese. We make payments of $24,200 each month on the principal and interest. If interest rates remain stable, we will pay off the loan in 2029. We are at the tail end of our mortgage. And we will need everyone’s help over the 2 1/2 years to finish the job and pay off our church debt.
This year, once again, we are asking every family to renew or make a new pledge to both Stewardship (regular Sunday giving) which funds our parish ministries and in addition, to make a pledge to Living Stones (which pays the monthly mortgage on our beautiful church.) The pledge card includes a place to do both and we really do need every family’s help to do this!
After you have filled in an amount for stewardship (regular Sunday giving), we ask that you, in addition, fill in the second part and make, renew or increase your pledge to Living Stones to help pay down the debt on the church. To give you an idea of what need in pledges to pay down the mortgage… if all of our regular givers pledge $1500 a year ( or $125/month, or $30/week) we could easily make the payments. Of course, some may not be able to pledge that amount and some can do much more.
To be successful, and get our church paid off, we are all going to need to stretch and give sacrificially. It is that spirit of generosity and sacrifice that got this this beautiful church built 20 some years ago. I know we are up to the challenge, because one thing I have learned over my years at Holy Innocents, is that we have always been a “can do” parish. Please pray over how God is calling you to give and return the enclosed pledge card by mail, collection basket, or to pledge online at: Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Duvall, Washington, USA Thank you for your pledge both to Stewardship and Living Stones!
Many thanks to all who have made their stewardship pledge already. I am always amazed at your generosity. If have not made your pledge to stewardship this year, I invite you do so today.
Finally, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to you for all you do for our parish. Your prayers and generosity make a huge difference in our parish, in Duvall and beyond.
Blessings on your week!
Fr. James Johnson
Pastor
