It has been six months since I addressed the parishioners asking for spiritual and financial support for the Phase Four and More for St. Mary's. It has been very gratifying to witness the ongoing generosity and support of parishioners to this invitation. Because of the generosity of parishioners, many improvements have been or will be made to the church and parish.
A parish family generously took on the improvement of the parish sound system at the Church of St. Mary. This $20,000 donation has been used to update speakers, microphones, video cameras, and internal electronics that have improved the overall amplification of the proclamation of the Word and the cantors leading the parishioners in sung prayer.
Another parish family generously took on the repairs to the organ at the Church of St. Mary. This $70,000 donation will enhance the sound of music from the organ in ways thus far unheard in our church building. These repairs and upgrades will begin in early 2020.
The Guild of St. Mary has generously supported upgrades and enhancements to the entrances to the Church of St. Mary. They made a donation of $10,000 that will help in these projects that are underway and will be completed in the coming months in addition to some other purchases they are making for the parish.
I am grateful to let you know that at the writing of the bulletin there have been over 340 families that have made a contribution to the Phase Four and More. Both Fr. Mark and I are in conversation with parishioners about their interest and desire to add to those who have already been generous to the parish. Following up with some of our parishioners, we have been informed that their contributions will be coming to the parish by the end of the year. There is a desire among some parishioners to support improvements to the rectory, which has been overlooked for many years. With future contributions these, and like needs at the parish, church, school, and office will be able to be addressed and repaired.
As of earlier this month, the amount that has come into the Fr. Barry Fund for the Phase Four and More for St. Mary's has totaled over $366,646.67. When I approached our parishioners, I shared with them that monies received would add to the success of the projects proposed and needed at our parish. I was confident that there would be support of parishioners towards the Phase Four and More and that support has been demonstrated over the past six months.
When working on the East Stair Project, there were some unforeseen expenses that arose in the work at the parish. These "Change Orders" are part of any project undertaken in a home remodel or parish project. With the generosity of those who contributed to the Phase Four and More, parish savings that were earmarked for this project will be able to go towards future capital improvements at St. Mary's. On behalf of the entire parish, the parish leadership including Parish Council, Parish Finance Council, and Parish Staff thanks you for the spiritual and financial support that you offered to St. Mary's.
In the coming days the 2019 Parish Annual Report will be mailed to all registered parishioners. This report describes the generous donations, bequests, and contributions over the past year that have funded activities and capital projects which would have been otherwise impossible. The 2019 Parish Annual Report is also available on the parish website.
Save the date
- Cuneo Mansion - February 29, 2020 will soon be here. All are invited to the School of St. Mary Fundraising Gala - "Roar into the '20s"!
All are invited to the Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00am - join parishioners and friends of St. Mary's as we celebrate and give thanks to God.
Giving Tuesday is December 3. It's celebrated each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. The School of St. Mary brings awareness to Giving Tuesday through their Annual Fund.
The Annual Fund helps to cover the real cost of teaching our students which is substantially more per student than what we charge. It also helps with teacher bonuses since Catholic school teachers on average make one third what public school teachers do. It also is important for tuition help for those in need as well as overhead costs of maintaining our wonderful campuses so that our students can get the best education in academics and faith as possible.
God bless you with thankful and prayerful hearts,
