All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church's hurrican ian relief
Pledge Campaign:
aiding the rebuilding and
in the future of our Home!

This Pledge Campaign helps us and you contribute to the rebuilding and the future of Our Home in Southwest Florida!

The campaign continues through the end of the year!!
Please do not delay and consider donating today!!!

Pledge Gifts and Donations maybe sent through Tithe.ly by clicking the button above or sent to the physical address of the parish found below. Thank you so much for your generosity!!

All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church
10291 Bayshore Road
North Fort Myers, Florida 33917

A Letter from Our Pastor, Father Steven M. Galuschik

My Dearest Family and Friends of All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church,

Glory to Jesus Christ!
Glory to Him Forever!

This simple prayer and greeting is one of many that each person receives who comes through the doors of our home, All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church. The other greeting you will hear is, "Welcome Home!" This church is not just a building and people attending or participating in the Sunday Services, but rather it is a place in which we truly desire to be an extension of our homes in which we live. The many miracles that God has given us, only solidifies our continued response to His invitations. We all know we are not doing God a favor by going to church, but He freely invites us to gather to worship Him together as one family.

We are not just a number or a parishioner that comes to church, instead we are family members coming together in our Home. We are all members of the Body of Christ, sharing the same blood of Jesus, which makes us His and God's family. We reflect that love in which we were created out of, to everyone we encounter. This family is small but mighty and God brings so many through our doors that we are forever thankful to encounter, even if it is only once in a lifetime. Each person who walks through the doors of our home, is seen, known and heard. Their cares, joys, and sorrows are important and matter to God and us. We call each other by name, not by our successes, failures, struggles or even sins. God calls us by name because we are His beloved Sons and Daughters. At All Saints, each family member is called by name since God called us to Himself and called us by name.

Unfortunately, in the wake of the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, we are in need of financial help. While the damage sustained by the hurricane was not catastrophic, it has caused a great deal of damage to the grounds and buildings at All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church. We do have insurance and flood insurance that will cover the damages, there are always many incidentals that come with repairing that may not be covered or will not be fixable in the moment. This is where you come in.

As the pictures continually come in as the destruction and annihilation of communities, infrastructure, and even provisions become scarce, one question always remains is, what can I do to help? I want to do something, but I do not know how or what the needs are. These questions within each one of us is eliciting a desire to offer ourselves to God. It is these types of questions that lead us to ask God, what is He inviting me to do? How does He want me to respond? Stewardship is exactly how God invites us to respond to His invitation of how can I offer my time, talents, and treasure to those in need. Stewardship must be seen on the three-prong balanced level. If one is over emphasized from the others, it becomes out of balance and many people turn their ears and hearts off. The following is a way to assist your discernment on how God is calling you to respond to His invitation.

Time

1. Spending time with God. Praying and interceding for others, such as praying the Moleben for the Living and a Panachida for the Deceased for those who died in the storm or other prayers and services for the Living and Deceased. This is very valuable in your relationship and spending time with God and allowing yourself to feel your emotions, and allowing your feelings and passion for God to be put into action through prayer and liturgical prayer.

2. Taking time to call and email family and friends during this time. If neighbors are out, being able to check in on them too.

3. Spending time with family and friends as well, while this situation is heartbreaking and stressful, sometimes spending time with others allows us to share our hearts and have fun with each other.

Talents

1. What talents do you have to share with those who are affected by the hurricane? One way is using your creativity to make cards, send letters of thoughts and prayers for family and friends. You can always make something for others using your talents and creativity.

2. There are many efforts being made to coordinate and help those in need and those coming down to help distribute much needed items. You could also be involved in those efforts. Please search for information that can assist you to share your talents with the community.

Treasure

1. There are networks of foodbanks and other groups that desire to help those in need after the hurricane. There are many ways, even just to save up money currently to help those in need later when you are able to donate it.

2. There are always different ways to collect items from our homes that we can provide to those less fortunate. Even though we should make a sacrifice by giving some of our clothes that are our favorites, it helps us to shed the vanity of our lives.

3. Of course, it helps to share your treasure with All Saints as well. During the aftermath and beyond, while we do have property and flood insurance, there are a lot of incidentals that we will need to be cared for financially. We do have a campaign through Tithe.ly if you would like to help our parish. This would help us greatly, beyond any words. However, please do not forget about your family because we do want to make sure you and your family are taken care of as well.

As you can see, there are a myriad of ways in which God calls and invites us to share our gifts with the world. What is God asking of you? I hope you will be able to hear the voice of God echoing within your heart to remind you of your identity as beloved sons and daughters of the Living God. It is through this echo of the voice of God, that comes through various ways, that you will be able to respond to God's invitation of stewardship. If you are so inclined to gift us a portion of your treasure, it would be beyond words of how thankful we are for your generous and selfless gift. May God continue to Bless and keep you close to Him all the days of your life!

In Christ,

Father Steven M. Galuschik