Grand Annual Appeal – October 31st & November 1st
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
It is that time of the year again! Who could have imagined that the year 2020 would have been filled with so many challenges and uncertainties? Yet, the Covid-19 Pandemic dominated our attention and upended our lives. Along with businesses, Churches were closed, and the faithful could not receive our Lord in the Eucharist. Yet, in the midst of this, St. Mary’s continued to serve the parishioners. Masses were live-streamed, Confessions, and Eucharistic Adoration was uninterrupted. Also, volunteers (parishioners, teens, and seminarians) helped beautify the parish grounds by building a Grotto and designated other areas as places of prayer and meeting. Through the generosity of our parishioners, the parish bills were paid, all staff members kept their jobs, and the parish incurred no additional debt.
Building on that great news, I would like to inform you that the Parish Grand Annual Appeal will take place on Saturday, October 31st and Sunday, November 1st. Last year, we were able to complete several projects because of your generous support.
Mindful of financial constraints that many may have, the Parish Finance Council has decided to lower the goal of the Grand Annual Appeal this year. This decision was made to be sensitive to the situation many may find themselves in due to the loss of work, wages, and/or hours due to the Covid-19 shutdown. This year’s goal is $75,000, unlike the $100,000 as in years past.
We are seeking to do the following two projects:
1). Finally tackle the replacement of the boiler in
the Parish Center. This project was not deemed a priority in the past Grand Annual Appeals. It now needs our attention. The estimated cost of removing the boiler and asbestos in the boiler room is $46,000.
2). Repair the stained-glass window located on the rectory side, which is closest to the Choir
loft. The estimated cost is $25,000.The remainder of the Grand Annual Appeal funds will be placed in the operating budget to help off set expenses if another shutdown occurs due to the Covid-19 Virus.
Please prayerfully consider how much you can afford this year. I ask you to give what your means allow. Be mindful that 100% of your Grand Annual gift stays in the parish.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne