The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed Invites Churches to Collect Special Mother's Day Offering
“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.”
—St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
“I discovered that I loved my child more than evolution required.”
—Catherine, quoted by Columnist Michael Gerson
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
“If you’re a mother, have a mother, or know a mother, you need to come celebrate.” That was the annual invitation from the chief cook at our parish Mothers’ Day Pancake Breakfast. Mothers are such a vital part of life—from God’s chosen means of continuing life on earth; to serving as our first nourishers, protectors and teachers; and often being the closest we’ll come to an experience of God’s unconditional love prior to heaven. We need Mothers’ Day, so that we can pause to remember, thank, and be thankful for our mothers, and for others who have been a mothering presence in our lives.
Each year for many years now, the churches of the Diocese of West Texas have participated in a Mothers’ Day Offering in support of ministries that support women. This year, your church’s offering, as well as individual gifts, will be dedicated for a special, very focused project in Guatemala—the construction of a simple, stable, and safe home for a widow and her children. Our World Missions Department’s goal is to provide a cinder-block home that will include solar lights; a water filtration system for drinking, washing and cooking; a smokeless stove (to replace indoor charcoal fires); basic family staples; and furnishings.
As we are in the midst of celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Department of World Missions, I hope that all our churches, and individual parishioners, will give generously, just as you have in the past.
Even as we give thanks to God for the gift of motherhood and for the mothers in our lives, may this offering prompt us to include in our prayers and ministries women and children in so many parts of the world, including our own, where violence, poverty, political upheaval, and degradation inflict so much sorrow.
Churches are encouraged to take up a special offering this Mothers’ Day so that a mother and her children may have a better life, and a better chance at life. To make a direct contribution in thanksgiving for, or in loving memory of, your mother or any mom, please visit the World Missions giving page, at dwtx.org/give, or follow the instructions below.
Love in Christ,
+David
(Olive’s son)
+David M. Reed
Bishop of West Texas
Ways to Give: World Missions Mother's Day Offering
This year, there are three ways for congregations and individuals to give to the Mother's Day Offering:
- Online, at dwtx.org/give.
- Text "MothersDay" to (210) 796-6805.
- Mail a check to the diocesan office*, made out to "DWTX" and labeled "Mother's Day Offering."
*Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
Attn: Mother's Day Offering
P.O. Box 6885
San Antonio, TX 78209
Click here to request postcards from World Missions to let the important women in your life know you've made a donation to the Mother's Day Offering in their honor.
