'To observe and to serve the world' may sound like a very abstract concept. However, there are many ways in which we can turn this conceptual idea into something more concrete, for example, by serving our brothers and sisters, or by loving our neighbours. In the same sense, when we say 'To serve the Church', we can put that into a more tangible action by volunteering in parish groups, or by making donations to those in need.<br/><br/>

In November, the month for the souls in purgatory, much of the Mass donations are used as stipends for priests in missionary countries. Another example would be how the earlier our parish pay back monies loaned from the Archdiocese, the earlier that these funds can be used towards other meaningful projects.<br/><br/>

Coincidentally, the Archdiocese has already begun conducting studies concerning the need and feasibility of building a fifth Chinese parish in the Greater Toronto Area. Of course, this would be a project that would not commence until ten or twenty into the future.<br/><br/>

At present, our parish has a total debt of more than $1.9 Million. Our current priority is to repay a $1 Million bank loan that is due over the course of the next five years. Furthermore, our Church building is now eight years old, and our repair and maintenance costs are steadily rising.<br/><br/>

In my years of pastoral experience, I have learned that God does indeed reward those who are charitable.