Our community is excited to participate alongside all parishes, missions and Catholic centers in the Archdiocese to strengthen and renew our Church for the future. Please continue reading to learn how this campaign will benefit us.
Over the years, our local communities have been a hive of activity with houses being remodeled, demolished, and rebuilt. We have done the same with many of our parish facilities — constructing new school buildings, a gymnasium and field, parking structure, and our beautiful welcome center. God has blessed these endeavors because we are a tithing parish, embracing the needs of our sister parish and caring for the poor.
Some of you may feel as if our hard work is finished. But after they fished all night, Jesus did not tell the Apostles to rest. He told them to go out and “cast into the deep” for He had new challenges to present to them. We, too, are being called to cast into the deep. It is our time to share the Good News and bring people to Christ.
Our Archbishop has asked us to join in solidarity with him and every parish in the Archdiocese for Called to Renew. This campaign will support the needs of our parish as well as of poorer parishes, and fund outreach ministries essential to the life and growth of our Catholic community. We will be a part of something greater than ourselves and, by God’s grace, see this as an opportunity to bless and be blessed.
Our commitment is to renew our own magnificent church, which is in need of loving attention. I remember Marie Kelly, who lived on 18th Street, sharing how in the early 1950s, while nine months pregnant, she walked door to door collecting dimes and dollars to build our church. “Now it is yours to honor and care for,” she said. While we will not walk up and down streets like our predecessors, we will enter the doors of your hearts.
I continue to be honored and grateful to be your pastor. You, as a priestly people, have ministered to me and motivated me to never be fearful of casting out into the deep as we work together as co-ministers building up the Kingdom of God.
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$4,040,000
To renew our parish and strengthen ministries.
Parish Needs
Restrooms, Cry Room, and Vestibule
Moving the cry room will brighten the vestibule entry and allow us to upgrade the restrooms to modern plumbing and accessibility standards.
Finishes and Painting
Replacing the aging carpeting and paint, as well as refinishing the pews and other features that will bring the church interior up to date.
Audio-Visual & Sound Systems
Upgrading the audio-visual systems and improving the acoustic performance of the space will increase participation and enhance the celebration of Mass.
Sanctuary & Sacristies
Restoring and improving the finishes
and lighting in the sanctuary and adding a reredos will focus attention on the altar and improve the work and priest sacristies.
Interior Electrical & Lighting
Upgrading the electrical and lighting systems to current standards will more efficiently highlight the beauty of our church.
Roof
Replacing the 30-year-old roof with a standing seam roof will coordinate the church to the Welcome Center.
Brick Repair & Tower
Completing repairs to the damaged brick on the entry arch and tower will ensure the long-term integrity and safety of the brick exterior.
Hardscape, Access and Benches
Replacing the disintegrating and dangerous hardscaping, improving accessibility to conform to ADA requirements, and adding benches will create a more welcoming environment.
Doors
Upgrading of the doors and adding power-assist capability will increase accessibility to the church.
Exterior Electrical & Lighting
Installing new pedestrian and feature LED lighting will enhance safety and highlight the beauty of our church.
A Bold Plan of Renewal
We — the Catholic faithful — are the agents of renewal for Church and society. I am grateful for this opportunity to walk alongside clergy and parishioners in strengthening our parishes and ministries, the heart of our Archdiocese.