Dear Friends,
Brother Mark celebrated his 86th birthday last week. As all the Brothers gathered for a celebration dinner, the “birthday boy” entertained us with stories about his days as a teacher, often in the most impoverished neighborhoods. We couldn’t help but chuckle as Br. Mark described how his students once turned in essays handwritten on paper – instead of emailed word documents.
Glancing around the room, I took a moment to thank God for the joy Br. Mark brings to our Marist Brothers’ Family.
Not long ago, octogenarians were a rarity in our Marist Brothers’ retirement facilities. But today we are blessed with more elderly Brothers than ever before. It is my duty – my privilege – to ensure that each good man lives in a warm, nurturing home where he receives the medical care and a quality of life that honors his dedication to helping others.
This year, however, my responsibilities come with a daunting challenge. Soaring costs for medical necessities, daily needs, and home repairs make it impossible to balance the coming year’s budget.
Our 2018 budget is $71,511 short, and there’s nothing left to cut.
I turn to our extended Marist Brothers’ Family and ask for your financial gift. I pray that you will send whatever amount you can afford – so that our elderly and disabled Brothers never suffer due to lacking funds.
I assure you…I’ve juggled the numbers and deleted every expense that’s not essential, but I cannot find that magic balance. My budget barely covers the most basic needs, and I’m still $71,511 short.
Only with your help can I find the urgently needed $71,511 to balance our 2018 budget.
You have my word that every “nickel” sent will help support our elderly Brothers, so we can continue to give them a dignified, safe, and modestly comfortable life. If you send your gift today, we will have the means to protect the care these men deserve.
Here’s another important point. Every gift matters!
We are eternally grateful for your support – even if you can only send $10 or $15. It’s like the coins tucked in with my letter. Two nickels multiply quickly as you add more nickels. In the same way, if every Marist Brothers’ friend sends as many “nickels” as they can, the total continues to add up. Eventually, it’s possible that we’ll reach our $71,511 goal.
With our 2018 expenses cut to the bone, I am counting on friends like you – who have so generously supported us in the past.
When your gift arrives, every Marist Brother will want to thank God for your kindness – so please remember to write your prayer intentions on the enclosed response slip and send the slip back to me along with your gift. It will be such a joy to include your intentions in all our prayers, for you and your loved ones.
In closing, I hope you know that you are always in our hearts, and we send warm wishes for a gloriously happy and healthy 2018! May God bless you and yours in the coming year.
With sincerest gratitude,
Br. Hugh P. Turley, F.M.S.
Director of Development
