Dear Maggie —
I’m writing to follow up on something. I was at the Advent Concert (bravo to all the performers, BTW — I love a good boom whacker moment! 💥) and wanted to know if the #iGiveCatholic campaign was successful. Mrs. C pushed it so hard I started to wonder if she was earning commission… and then there was that Michael Sonntag, who practically strong-armed me into taking that QR code.
I’ll admit — the tactic worked. I donated!
But I can’t help wondering… was it strategic that the concert was the same night as the campaign? It feels almost too serendipitous that the night I’m attending a concert I can barely hear… is the same night I’m being asked to donate to the new AV equipment fund. Coincidence? Or marketing brilliance? Whoever orchestrated that timing deserves a raise. Hey — maybe that can be next year’s campaign pitch! 😜
– Boom Whacked Belinda
Dear Boom Whacked –
I wish I could say I was the mastermind behind that perfectly timed marketing scheme, but sadly, I can’t take the credit. Whoever it was is probably the same genius who convinces Ruth and Rheagan to make fools of themselves in those videos every year. (And honestly? Worth it.)
To answer your question — YES! The #iGiveCatholic campaign was a huge success. They raised almost $3,000 over their goal! So next year, you’ll finally be able to hear those angelic little voices loud and clear. (Not the boom whackers though — those things could be heard from the moon.)
And now that you mention it, the whole night truly felt like the perfect kickoff to Advent: beautiful music, a full church, and a parish that came together to meet a real need. It made me feel especially grateful to be part of such a warm, generous community.
And good news — the season’s only getting started! Here’s what’s coming up:
- Advent Compline – Sunday, 12/7
- Dadvent – Saturday, 12/13
- SVdP Christmas Outreach
- School Giving Tree with winter clothing items (I legit thought Mrs. Ordway was just getting creative with Lost and Found items!)
- Charlie Brown Musical – 12/12, 12/13, 12/14
- Middle School Choir at the Way of Lights – Thursday, 12/18
And honestly? The final thing I’m grateful for is that we’re in Advent, not Lent. I overheard a few kids whispering about what they’d “have to give up,” and their poor mother had to gently explain we’re not quite at that season of suffering yet!
Here’s to joy, generosity, and boom-whacker-level enthusiasm as we move through Advent.
— Maggie