Have you ever wondered how our church is supported?  When I first arrived to serve St. Innocent Mission, half of my very modest salary was paid by the National church through what is called the "Planter's Grant".  The parish paid the other half.  As the church grew, the income also grew and, year-by-year, my salary was increased. 

    Besides the Priest's salary, there are other expenses that the Mission has to meet:  mortgage and utilities, office supplies, printing and mailing, charities, and, last but not least, the "assessment" each parish pays to our national church to cover its many expenses and charitable works and evangelism.  We pay our national church for each "pledging member" of our parish. 

    "Pledging" is the key to supporting the local parish, the diocese and the national church.  Of course, many make donations each Sunday to the parish and this is much appreciated.  But pledging goes beyond that.  Pledging confirms our commitment to the church and its mission. 

    Now that we are paying for our own Temple, we need pledges in order to establish and maintain a realistic budget.  This is why I want to encourage each one of you who make St. Innocent your spiritual home to make a pledge.  There is no minimum or maximum.  Give as you determine in your heart.  Another aspect of pledging is that along with being a member in good sacramental standing in the parish, you become a "voting member" of the parish. 

    So you see, the smooth and effective operation of our parish really needs your participation through pledging, not only financially, but also in the many areas of ministry open to you in the parish.  Complete a Pledge Form and turn it in to the Treasurer today.  You will make his/her day!

    "So let each one give as he proposed in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7).

St. Innocent parish utilizes the E-Scrip program as one of our fund-raisers.  In this program, participating business partners contribute a percentage of your grocery loyalty cards, credit card, and debit/ ATM card purchases to the parish.  You can register for E-Scrip on-line at http://www.escrip.com/

contact Father Leo at: 925-449-4965 or fr.leo@comcast.net

contact our webmaster at: misty@stinnocent.net