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.
It is tempting for me to wait and let others complete our Called to Renew Capital Campaign. After all, our Church refurbishment is mostly completed. We are happy with the sense of what we have accomplished. So why not forget the campaign? Because that is not how we do it at Martyrs. We don’t leave the burden to others. We don’t look just at the now, we look to the future. That is why I have decided to put this aging face into the wind and move forward with you to complete what we have begun.
We started the “silent” phase of the campaign before Covid hit, raising more than $6 million in pledges toward our $10 million goal. Although the campaign was postponed, the pledges allowed us to go ahead with the renovations, confronting the many challenges the pandemic would undoubtedly bring. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I thank God we did.
We returned to a beautifully updated church, and we kept our commitment to the poor community of Salesian artisans in Chacas, Peru, who we had asked to carve the American Martyrs in our sanctuary and to fabricate the wood and marble wainscoting for our church. I met two of their leaders recently who told me that, without our help, their community may not have survived the pandemic and many may literally have faced starvation.
So, our campaign interruption was not a cessation. We will finish what we started. When we reach our goal, we will have covered the full $7.4 million cost of the renovation and will have provided $2.6 million to the broader church and to the poor (see reverse). If we exceed our goal, 25% of every dollar will go to our outreach ministry to the poor and the remainder will be reserved for future building maintenance and renovations. I am eager to see this through with you, and I ask you all to join me to the finish.
I continue to be honored and grateful to be your pastor.
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$7,400,000
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.