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.
During his apostolic journey to Lithuania, Pope Francis reminded us “to be a Church on the move, unafraid to go out and get involved, even when it might seem that we pour ourselves out, lose ourselves, in going forth to the weak, the neglected, those dwelling at the margins of life.”His words guide St. Casimir Parish to respect and welcome the traditions and religious practices of other nationalities in the light of the New Evangelization. We are a community in profound solidarity with all humanity, dedicated to joyful service so all may know Jesus Christ is our one hope.
We have grown from a mission church into a parish of 2,000 families with ministries and services extending beyond our neighborhood to Lithuanians in other West Coast cities. With this continued growth comes the responsibility to strengthen our parish for future generations — to renew our Church — as we build upon the legacy entrusted to us nearly 80 years ago.
Today, we begin Called to Renew. This ambitious initiative of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles allows parishes to renovate their physical structures and renew crucial ministries, ensuring they are conducive and safe for families to learn, grow and worship.
Our campaign goal is $215,000 over five years, of which 50 percent, or $107,500, will remain at St. Casimir. The rest will support archdiocesan-wide renewal for priestly vocations, service to the vulnerable, and faith formation. We will also retain 100 percent of the funds we raise above our goal. You can read details about how we will use these funds on the following page.
To reach this goal, we are asking every parish family to make a gift from the heart. Before you decide on the amount of your gift, please prayerfully consider the generosity God has shown you and the importance of the mission we have been given.
We entrust our campaign to the intercessions of our Blessed Mother and our patron, St. Casimir.
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$107,500
To renew our parish and strengthen ministries.
Parish Needs
Church Interior
The sanctuary is the most holy place in our community. Adding new lighting for the altars and gold leafing of the retablos, replacing two lecterns with new microphones, and refurbishing the Sacrament of Reconciliation confessionals to be accessible to all will enhance our worship experience.
Devotions Room
Converting the former baptistery into a devotions room will provide us with a space to pray to Mary, who opens the door to a new dawn and a new day. We will display images of Our Lady of Siluva, Our Lady Gate of the Dawn, Mother of God in Trakai, Blessed George Matulitis, and Blessed Teofilus Matulionis.
Sacristy
Installing new cabinets and shelves will better accommodate our vestments, vessels, missals, books, furnishings, church supplies, and artifacts. We will also renovate the back rooms to limit access and increase security.
Stained Glass Windows
Repairing and restoring the stained glass windows will allow more light to shine through as we experience the presence of God.
Gate
Enclosing the church and rectory area will protect our families and offer security after Mass and office hours.
Pastoral Gathering Center
Remaining funds will be used as seed money to convert and expand the former garage building into a gathering space for parishioners between Sunday Masses as well as for youth group discussions and study, prayer meetings, and choir rehearsals.
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.