Dear Family and Friends in Christ:
In all our lives there are times when the prayers, support, and even material
resources of others is critical. Right now is one of those times for Bishop
Herbert Hermes, O.S.B. His physical and financial well being is precarious.
Many of us realize, since Bishop Herbert advocates and works for the poor and
marginalized, the price is that he has received a threat on his life in these
last months. He says he is willing to lay down his life, if necessary, to help
others and continue his ministry. On the financial side, he is also threatened.
In Brazil, for Cristalandia Mission and Bishop Herbert's ministry, the financial
situation is serious. Support is needed for Bishop Herbert. As a family and
community in Christ, please consider including or increasing your support for
Cristalandia Mission and helping the people of Bishop Herbert’s Prelature.
The financial resources needed for Cristalandia Mission and the Prelature are
increasing due to inflation and associated government costs. Wages, taxes, and
benefits for employees are rising alarmingly. The minimum wage has increased
20% as of April, 2006, plus Social Security and other taxes and expenses have
increased.
There are many costs associated with running the Prelature of Cristalandia,
which is the size of the state of Iowa!. These costs are schools and supplies,
salaries for teachers and parish staff, insurance on facilities and vehicles,
programs for poor mothers and children, staff for an alcohol/drug abuse rehabilitation
center and charities, plus governmental expenses. Transportation costs are also
enormous and fuel prices are rising. Bishop Herbert’s ministry and work necessitate
much travel (confirmations, pastoral visits and other human rights and administrative
work).
Additionally, Bishop Herbert has 8 seminarians in theology and philosophy, two
more on the high school level, plus 3 young men who have finished theological
studies and are now doing 6 months of parish experience. Two are already deacons
and, God willing all three will be ordained later this year to begin their work
as parish priests. They will then need salaries, health care, and other financial
support including transportation.
Imagine what it would be like financially if you had eight children in college
and two in high school, all at the same time! Most of the families in Brazil
are extremely poor, and the seminarians can only afford to pay a small fraction
of seminary costs, and many, can pay nothing at all. Bishop Herbert is thankful
for the number of seminarians, but financially it is almost unaffordable.
Many of the parishioners are young couples with growing families, or elderly
retired people. They are poor, but like the widow in the Gospel, they often
give despite their own needs. Still, it is not financially enough to meet expenses
for the Prelature of Cristalandia.
Your prayerful consideration for Bishop Herbert and the Cristalandia Mission
are an immeasurable blessing. Please consider assistance with a financial contribution.
Any gift is needed and appreciated. A monthly gift of $10, $25, $50, $100, or
more would be a major blessing for Bishop Herbert and his ministry. Your contribution
is tax deductible, and your cancelled check will serve as verification of your
contribution for tax purposes.
Please forward this letter or email to all of our family, friends, and others
to bring us together to assist and provide for the current and future needs
of Bishop Herbert and Cristalandia Mission. This letter is posted and printable
from the website WWW.BRAZILMISSION.NET . Please urge others to join and
support our Family in Christ and help with the needs for Bishop Herbert’s ministry.
Please e-mail me with any questions.
Contributions can be made to:
St. Benedict’s Abbey
c/o Treasurer - Bishop Herbert Hermes, OSB
1020 N. 2nd Street
Atchison, KS 66002
Or, mail contributions to:
Bishop Herbert Hermes, OSB
c/o Norbert Hermes
3348 N. Muir Rd.
Salina, KS 67401
Tax Reciepts will be mailed.
“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be
with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will
satisfy him; And show him My salvation.” (Psalms 91:15-16)
Thank you for your consideration and God bless!
Sincerely,
Norbert Hermes
nmhermes@aol.com
785-823-6775