Service before self

“The Annual Appeal enables us to help others. It’s great to know you can do so.”
Ron Simonian, St. Gregory (San Mateo) parishioner

By Rod Linhares

Ron Simonian credits his Catholic upbringing and education for establishing a strong foundation and instilling a deep sense of community. “My faith was developed throughout grammar school at St. Cecilia (in San Francisco) and high school at St. Ignatius (class of ’81). I took to heart the teachings of St. Ignatius and how important it was to serve others as a means of praise, reverence and service to God,” he says.

Simonian serves in a variety of ways. “I donate to the Archdiocese and to St. Gregory Parish and have done so for more than 25 years. I support St. Greg’s through weekly giving and the broader needs of the Archdiocese through the Annual Appeal. I’ve also been fortunate to serve as a member of the St. Greg’s Finance Council, to coach sports there and direct the athletics department.”

All of us, as Catholics, use our gifts and talents to support and serve others. A way we do so is through supporting the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal.

The theme for the 2024 Annual Appeal is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Through the AAA, the nearly 90 parishes in our Archdiocese unite, supporting social ministries, youth and young adults, our schools, seminarians and the poor, to name a few examples. The complete list of the appeal’s benefits, as well as this year’s six-minute video, may be found on the archdiocesan website (sfarch.org/aaa).

“My Catholic faith is important to me and to my family, and helping others is fulfilling,” Simonian says. “When you can give, it’s important to do so.” On behalf of everyone who needs and depends on the programs and ministries of the Annual Appeal, we invite you to join Ron Simonian and thousands of others throughout the Archdiocese and give to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal. Your gift is a tangible expression of our commitment to bring the Church’s message of faith, love and hope to others, and it will impact many lives. All support is greatly appreciated and very beneficial.

We thank you for your love of your neighbor and your commitment to our Catholic faith. 

Learn how your annual gift supports parish outreach: https://www.sfarch.org/aaa/.

Rod Linhares is the director of mission advancement for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.