DDD thanks volunteers, shares mission ministries

KEARNS — "It is our honor to have you here at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish," said Father Dominic Thuy Dang Ha, pastor. "Look on us with love as we entertain with you celebrating the Diocesan Development Drive (DDD)," he said in his blessing. "Teach us to recognize your presence, to work together, and be a sign of our faith and devotion, a declaration that we are willing to serve you in honor of our DDD program."

The DDD Celebration Dinner to thank the 2008 volunteers was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church Oct. 16.

"Despite the high fuel costs, despite the high price of goods, and despite the bear market fluctuations, our Catholic community continues to share their gifts and talents so the needs of the people in Utah are met," said Shannon Lee, director of the Diocesan Development Office. "We are still receiving the $5,000 and the $10,000 gifts along with the $1, and $10 gifts. Now more than ever it is time to emphasize the fact that no gift truly is too small."

Lee thanked the volunteers for making calls during the phonathon, sitting in the vestibules handing out brochures and pledge forms after Masses on Saturday and Sunday, giving talks at Mass about the fortunes of DDD, stuffing envelopes, processing massive amounts of pledge gift forms and checks, and making sure the checks were mailed to the DDD office on time.

"I want to thank you most of all for the countless hours you spent ensuring that your parish or mission made that all important pledge poll," said Lee.

"In honor of this special Saint Paul Jubilee Year, the DDD theme will be ‘Paul the Apostle, a Creature of God’s Work,’" said Lee. "The poster features four beautiful examples of apostles in our diocese. They are: Holy Cross Sister Yvonne Hatt, pastoral associate at Christ the King Parish in Cedar City; Father Oscar Martin Picos, parochial vicar at Christ the King Parish; Adam Calliham, seminarian at Mount Angel Seminary; and Deacon Rogaciano Tellez, Saint George Parish. These four represent all sisters, all priests, all seminarians, and all deacons in our diocese. They spread the good news to many of the rural areas in our dioceses such as Duck Creek, Beryl Junction, Escalante, and Panguitch."

"Saint Paul and I have been friends for a very long time," said Sr. Yvonne. "I was baptized and grew up in a Saint Paul Parish in Los Angeles. In school we would hear the story of Saint Paul, who traveled 10,000 miles on his three journeys going from Jerusalem, up through Syria, across Turkey, and ending in Greece, not including his trips to Rome. On these journeys, he either walked or went by boat.

"I can relate to Saint Paul as I travel about 30,000 miles a year," said Sr. Yvonne. "However, I travel in a car that keeps me warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and get me there fast."

Sr. Yvonne said her main concern is the children in these outlying areas. She holds classes for the children. She taught in Beryl and Fillmore. Sr. Yvonne thanked Maria-Cruz Gray, director of the Diocesan Hispanic Ministries Office, who helped minister to these Latino communities.

"Our newest mission is Our Lady of the Light in Beaver," said Sr. Yvonne. "In the last two years Beaver has grown tremendously. Already they are very happy to have a church (a house) in their own community. I ask for your prayers for us in the missions that we are able to carry on Jesus’ teaching, and also to have Saint Paul’s visionary spirit and enthusiasm."

"We also serve Kanab, Bryce Canyon, Millford, Delta, and Fillmore," said Fr. Picos. "Some people like to go to missions, some people like to help, some like to pray for all those in the missions and for those who are going to receive the good news. We cannot do it without help from you.

"We visit the sick and the dying, we do baptisms, First Communions, funerals, and reconciliation," said Fr. Picos. "When I am there preaching, teaching, or celebrating the Mass, you are there with me because you are helping us. You are helping our bishop, and beyond that, you are helping God.

Fr. Picos said it does not matter what time it is when he travels to these various missions, because these people are in need.

Lee thanked Bishop Wester for the support he gives the DDD office. He has traveled to every parish and mission in our state.

"I want to thank all of you for all that you do, and the sacrifices you make to make the DDD so successful each year," said Bishop Wester. "You are the living, breathing, vibrant body of Christ in this part of the vineyard. Your work, dedication, and your passion are certainly deeply appreciated by all of us.

"We are in a time of crisis, in many respects, in our country," said Bishop Wester. "Many people are fearful, worried, and depressed. In some dioceses people are even committing suicide, and it is interesting how money can do that, and what money represents. Money can represent security, power, comfort, a certain lifestyle, prestige, honor, or influence. But it is just money. It depends on our perspective. As long as we abide and dwell in Christ, all will be well."