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 with great joy that I write to you today. The pandemic really pushed each of us to reevaluate the priorities in our midst. Although we had so many losses, we have also found new ways to stay connected and move forward as a parish family.
I am happy to announce that after prayerful discernment, and with the support of our parish Finance Council, staff and leaders, we will launch the Called to Renew campaign at St. Charles Borromeo. This campaign will provide much-needed funds for parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and we have been chosen for the pilot program. This is a blessing, especially as we celebrate our centennial year, because it allows us to look at the here and now while focusing on moving forward. Future generations of parishioners will be able to continue celebrating and being welcomed because of the generosity we show today.
Each parish has been given a goal for the campaign. Our goal is $1,300,000, of which 57 percent will remain at our parish. We will also retain 100 percent of the funds we collect over our goal.If our campaign is successful, we will receive a minimum of $730,00 to address our needs.
St. Charles has a rich history, in part because of our parishioners’ generosity to past campaigns. This time, we will focus primarily on our parish school, which is our largest ministry during the week, and we have prayerfully discerned basic yet true needs that will allow it to be more inclusive, safe, and welcoming. More details about how we plan to use our share of campaign funds are on the following page.
Please take a moment to prayerfully discern how you can most generously support this campaign. I also encourage you to make a five-year pledge, which will allow us the best opportunity to reach our goal. In the three years I have been here, I have been amazed by the generous attitude of our parishioners. The year-end report and financial systems we have in place guarantee your donation will be allocated and restricted to where you specify.
We entrust our Called to Renew campaign to the intercessions of our Blessed Mother and our patron, St. Charles Borromeo, the great renovator.
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$730,000
To renew our parish and strengthen ministries.
Parish Needs
Asphalt Parking Lot/ Playground/ Sports Area
Building a new parking lot will ensure the safety of parishioners and visitors who join us for worship and parish ministries, and provide a welcoming first impression of our campus. Due to a lack of funds, we have been limited to frequent “fixes” through the years, and the parking lot may have now exceeded its life expectancy. Our parking lot is used for all sports activities in our school as well as a playground for the 271 students, and we want the children of our school and parish to have a safe space to gather.
Elevator
Installing an elevator will alleviate awkward situations for students who are disabled or hurt and need assistance reaching their classrooms on the second floor. The new elevator will provide access to all floor levels of the school, traveling from the basement to the second floor, allowing us the opportunity to welcome members who are wheelchair-bound or have injuries and other limitations that make using stairs impossible.
Windows
Installing new windows in the office, rectory, and school will save energy and reduce costs. These buildings still feature the original windows, many of which no longer open or shut. The school windows leak water into the classrooms, as well as condensation from air conditioning units.
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.