Parishioners of St. Francis Xavier are being encouraged to complete the 2020 U.S. Census.

"Every ten years our country is required by our Constitution to count every person living in our country, not just citizens but everyone," Fr. Robert Fambrini said in the Sept. 20 church bulletin. "This decennial count is essential as it determines our representation at all levels of government. Just as importantly, the census count also determines which federal funds flow back to our community."

The U.S. Census helps to allocate tax dollars to infrastructure, housing, building hospitals and schools and other areas of local communities. 

"I urge you to fill out the census form you received in the mail in March," Fambrini said. "It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail— all without having a census taker come to your door. No questions about citizenship are asked and all information is held in confidence. Stand up and be counted in the US Census. It benefits all of us."