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.
In 1938 and again in 1995, when a handful of families sacrificed to establish Saint Gertrude the Great Church, they also blessed us with a legacy to build upon and celebrate. Through God’s grace, we have grown from a small faith community into a vibrant parish serving over 5,000 people. We have created an active, and dynamic place for people of all ages to grow in their faith, serve others, and share the Good News as they connect with Christ, one another, and those in need.
Through God’s grace, we have grown from a small faith community into a welcoming parish of over 5,000 people. We have created a vibrant, active, and dynamic place for people of all ages to grow in their faith, serve others, and share the Good News as they connect with Christ, one another, and those in need.
We are now launching the Called to Renew campaign alongside every parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and ask God to bless this ambitious effort. Our campaign will allow us to address the needs of Saint Gertrude the Great Church, ensuring future generations of parishioners may continue to gather, worship, create lasting friendships and a strong faith-based community in Christ.
The goal for our campaign is $800,000 of which 50 percent will remain at our parish to address the needs detailed on the following page. 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 $400,000 to address our own needs.
I am asking you, and every member of our parish, to make a gift from the heart. As your pastor and fellow parishioner, I will also make a sacrificial pledge. Before you determine your pledge, please prayerfully consider the generosity God has bestowed upon you, and the importance of the mission we have been given at St. Gertrude the Great Church. I appreciate your continued generosity to this your parish community.
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$400,000
To renew our parish and strengthen ministries.
Parish Needs
Painting the Church
Our church has been a sacred space to many over the years and continues to serve our growing community. We have been blessed enough to take care of the internal beautification of the church and we would like to continue enhancing our worship space by fully painting the exterior top to bottom. It has been a project many years in planning, as we would like to take care of painting details that will complement our beautiful artwork and statues throughout the parish.
Air Conditioning & Heating
As you have noticed this year, the temperature in the church can become quite uncomfortable. This year alone during the warm summer months, we experienced some issues with our air conditioning system. Our church HVAC system needs replacement and a new system will help moderate the temperature in the church to make our worship experience more comfortable and non-distracting.
Project for Parish School
The school is an important part of our parish community. Perhaps you have children who have attended, or currently attend our school. Maybe you are a former alumni. Studies show that students who attend Catholic Schools are more likely to remain Catholic as adults. We want to support our school by enhancing Bosco Hall, which alternatively hosts Religious Education classes, retreats, our Youth Ministry, and it also contains the kitchen that serves as both a cafeteria to the school and is used by the church to help prepare for community events. The hall heating and air conditioning would provide comfortable meeting spaces for our students, ministries and community. Complimented by new and updated commercial kitchen equipment to be used by our school and parish.
Church Restrooms
The parish restrooms are original and have been in use for more than 28 years. We intend to use a portion of Called to Renew funds to fully remodel the restrooms in the Church. These restrooms experience high foot traffic from our parish at large. We will update our restrooms by installing more energy-efficient and water conserving fixtures along with enhancing their overall look.
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.