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 1922, when the Capuchin Franciscan Friars were given stewardship of St. Lawrence of Brindisi parish, the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi touched the hearts of a lovely community known as Watts. Over the decades, families of African American descent and other families sacrificed to build a school and church. More recently, the Hispanic community has added to the richness of this tradition.
Through God’s grace, we have grown from a small faith community into a welcoming parish for thousands of families. In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, we have created a vibrant, active, and dynamic place for people of all ages to grow in their faith, the Eucharist, and to serve others, especially, those in greatest need.
In the Franciscan spirit of “giving and receiving,” we are engaging in the Called to Renew campaign alongside every parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Our campaign will allow us to address the needs of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, ensuring future generations of parishioners may continue to gather, worship, and create lasting friendships. As previous generations of parishioners have brought us to this point in our history, we too must prepare for those who will follow.
The goal for our campaign is $460,000, 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 $230,000, 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 shown you, and the importance of the mission we have been given at St. Lawrence of Brindisi.
We ask God’s blessing upon this campaign. We also thank you in advance for your faithful support. Know that you and your family remain in my prayers and Masses.
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$230,000
To renew our parish and strengthen ministries.
Parish Needs
Parish Hall
$72,800
Our parish hall is the social center of our parish life. It is used for everything from meetings to meals. To better use this space, we would like to put doors on the west side (back of the church side) to utilize the courtyard for dining and gatherings. This will enrich our social life as a parish.
Fans for the Church
$6,900
During the hotter months, the temperature in our church can get uncomfortable. We will purchase industrial-style electric fans to help cool our church and make our space more comfortable for worship.
Outdoor Gathering Space
$40,000
We are always in need of additional shade areas for dining, swap meet, the carnival, clothing sales, etc. We would like to remove the grass that runs the length of the House of John Paul II, lay a concrete walkway, and extend the current carport covering in front of the north side of the House of John Paul II. This is valuable space which could be used for many parish functions.
Parish & School Security
$50,000
Installing automatic gates will give school parents greater peace of mind during the school day and further secure our campus and Parish.
Campus Improvements
$100,000
We will install a pergola to help shade the walkway between the back of the church and hall.
House of John Paul II: Chapel
$13,500
We celebrate many sacraments throughout the week. This renovated chapel will be used for this purpose for small groups. In addition, it will serve as a place of prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. It currently looks very old and run down. It lacks the dignity needed for the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. We would like to renovate this small chapel for sacramental and prayer purposes. The renovation would include: a new ceiling, flooring, lighting, paint, pews, and tabernacle. In addition, we would like to remove the old confessional to gain some extra space. Finally, we would like to create a retablo behind the altar.
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.