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.
I am writing to announce the continuation of Called to Renew with the St. Raphael community.Archbishop Gomez has called us all to this period of renewal — a renewal of not only our resources, but a spiritual renewal as well.This effort will provide much-needed funding for parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, including ours, as well as strengthen important ministries and programs that affect us all.
Each parish has been given a goal for the campaign. Our goal is $205,000 of which 50 percent will remain at our parish. We will also retain 100 percent of the funds we collect over our goal. In other words, if our campaign is successful, we will receive a minimum of $100,250 to address our own needs. To date, we have pledges for about one third of our goal.From the Called to Renew Campaign, the Archdiocese has already assisted us by replacing the heating system in the Parish Hall and the Parish Office. Also, the exterior of the church and hall have been painted.
St. Raphael’s has a rich history in South Los Angeles. Called to Renew will ensure we can continue to be a vital presence in our community.Details about how we plan to use our share of the 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 consider making a five-year pledge, which will allow us the best opportunity to reach our goal. This is a wonderful parish, and I am grateful for our growth in working together to meet needs that arise. I hope and pray that you will do whatever you can to make this campaign a success.
We entrust our Called to Renew campaign to the intercessions of our Blessed Mother and our patron, St. Raphael, Archangel.
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$102,500
To renew our parish and strengthen ministries.
Parish Needs
Blessed Sacrament and Meditation Chapel
In previous years, much discussion has occurred regarding a chapel/prayer room for the Blessed Sacrament. At the main entrance to the church, where the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the confessionals are, we imagine creating a sacred space for the Blessed Sacrament and quite area for private devotion and prayer. The sanctuary (the worship space with ambo, altar and presider’s chair) will be dedicated to the celebration of the event of the Eucharist.
Faith Formation
Our parish is committed to providing faith formation to all of our parishioners, regardless of their age and abilities. Maintaining and enhancing our team and this ministry will ensure we all have the opportunity to deepen our encounters with Christ.
Heating System
Our heating system no longer efficiently moderates the temperature in the church during the coldest months of the year. Installing a new HVAC system will make our worship experience more comfortable.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Pope Francis has called on us all to enhance youth ministry opportunities for teenagers and young adults during these critical years. Strengthening our youth ministry with staff and resources will ensure we are engaging the next generation of our Church.
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.