San Buenaventura Mission

From the Pastor

Dear Friends in Christ,

As active and involved parishioners at Mission San Buenaventura, you are aware of the many blessings for which we are grateful. Since our founding in 1782, — this parish has played a vital role in the lives of so many — as well as in the life of the community.

You and your family have celebrated many rites of passage here, from baptism to First Communion. Some of you have exchanged wedding vows in our historic church, while others have bid farewell to loved ones.

But have you ever stopped to think about who built the structures we enjoy and use today? For more than two centuries, we have benefited from the gifts and generosity of those who have come before us: the Chumash, the Franciscan padres led by St. Junipero Serra, and the Spaniards. We have also been blessed with a rich Mexican heritage and a vibrant American influence. Now, we too are “called to renew” our church so that future generations will have a place to worship and encounter God.

I am pleased to inform you that our parish is participating in the archdiocesan Called to Renew campaign. This campaign invites each of us to fully consider the many blessings of God in our lives, in our beloved mission parish, and in our sister parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The goal for our campaign is $815,000, of which 60 percent will directly benefit our mission parish’s needs. Additionally, we will receive 100 percent of all funds we riase over our goal.

I invite you to take a moment to read the following page to learn how Called to Renew will benefit our parish and how we will use these funds. To reach our goal, I am asking you to prayerfully consider a five-year pledge to the campaign, so our parish and our Church may remain vibrant, healthy, and relevant in people’s lives for years to come.

Let us remember the motto of St. Junipero Serra: Siempre Adelante! Always Forward!

I hope you will join me in supporting Called to Renew.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Tom Elewaut