Supporting the ABCD: A Pastor’s Perspective
Monday, February 10, 2025
*Fr. Richard Vigoa
As a pastor, I am often moved by the generosity and faithfulness of our parishioners. Time and again, I see how deeply you care for the Church and for one another. This year, as we begin the Archbishop’s Charities and Development Drive (ABCD), our Archbishop invites us to reflect on the profound importance of giving and how Christ Himself calls us to care for one another.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus emphasizes the importance of generosity. He teaches true discipleship, which involves loving one another, caring for the poor, and sharing blessings. In Matthew 25:35, He tells us, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me." These words remind us that every act of generosity is love toward Christ Himself.
The Archbishop’s Charities and Development Drive (ABCD) is one way to bring hope to others and help them experience the transformative love of Christ—a love so powerful that it can heal the sick, convert hearts, and change someone’s life. Whether through advocacy, education, housing, or serving the poor—to name a few—ABCD is bringing hope to those in need.
Every parish in the Archdiocese of Miami participates in the ABCD, with goals that vary according to their capacity and demographics. We are one Church, united in mission and called to support one another. Parishes with greater resources are asked to give more, not as a burden, but out of a spirit of solidarity—because the needs within our diocese are great, and as followers of Christ, we are called to respond.
At St. Augustine, our goal is significant, as it is for several other parishes. Yet, we are not alone in this effort. By meeting our goal, we help ensure that parishes in less affluent areas can meet their goals. When we give generously, we affirm our commitment to the universal Church and demonstrate that every parish, every Catholic, every person matters.
We often think of giving in terms of what we can comfortably afford. But what if we considered the ABCD an exceptional opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and be charitable in a way we might not otherwise consider? Jesus never asks us to give only when it is easy—He calls us to sacrificial love, to generosity that stretches us, to trust in His providence.
Think of the widow in the Gospel who gave her last two coins (Mark 12:41-44). Her gift was small in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God, it was everything. The same is true for us. Whatever we give—whether large or small—becomes a blessing multiplied in the hands of Christ.
Jesus chooses ordinary people like you and me to be His presence in the world. We are His eyes, His ears, His hands, His feet, and His voice. Each of us has a role in building up the Church and serving those in need.
So today, let us take this invitation to take this call to heart. We are not bystanders in Christ's mission—we are participants. The Church needs us, this part of South Florida needs us, and most importantly, Jesus is counting on us.
Responding with faith, generosity, and love, we can be confident that every gift we offer reflects the love of Christ.
Father Richard Vigoa is the pastor of St Augustine's Church in Coral Gables.
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