HAPPY EASTER!
A warm and special welcome to family members and friends who have come to our parish to celebrate the 30
th
anniversary of my priesthood at the 5:00pm evening Mass. I remember learning from a mentor, as he reflected on years of ministry with and for the people of God. He stated, "I have had some long days, and short years in my ministry. God has been good and has guided me."
I can echo those words and sentiments as I celebrate the 30
th
anniversary of my ordination. There are many ways to reflect on those years. I have served under three Cardinals - Cardinal Bernardin who ordained me on May 20, 1989. Cardinal George, as well as Cardinal Cupich, have influenced my priesthood.
I have ministered in seven different parishes across the Archdiocese. I have served in three of the six Vicariates working with four different Auxiliary Bishops. I have ministered along with many Associates, Principals, Directors of Religious Education, Youth Ministers, Deacons, Pastoral Associates, Business Managers, Administrative Assistants, staff members and generous faithful parishioners - all people of faith. It is with gratitude to God and trust in His generous Spirit that I now celebrate the 30
th
anniversary of priesthood with the people of St. Mary.
This is the third of four articles regarding the upcoming construction and repairs to the East Stair entrance to the church. The primary focus is to bring the entrance of the Church up to current standards for the safety of all who come to the Church of St. Mary. The other improvements to the church may include upgrade and repair to our parish pipe organ, our technology and video and audio in the Community Room as well as other repairs and enhancements to the Church of St. Mary as financial support is received from parishioners.
As recorded in St. Mary's 125
th
Anniversary book, "To further enhance the parish's glory and praise the Lord, a new organ was installed in 1980 to replace the 1920 model. Two more stops were installed to the organ to improve and expand its versatility." In
order for the pipe organ to work properly continued maintenance is required. Now is the time for us to make those needed repairs to our pipe organ.
Phase Four and More for St. Mary's
will bring long delayed improvements to the pipe organ in the Church of St. Mary.
Our Community Room, with easy access from the south doors of the church, which is across the entranceway to the elevator is used by families and parishioners. The technology is aging and the experience of being in the church and part of the Mass can be improved with modern upgrades to the video camera and sound system in the church and in the community room. This will improve the participation of those that worship with loved ones and parishioners in the Community Room.
As a member of the Church of St. Mary you are invited to support
Phase Four and More for St. Mary's
with a financial contribution enclosed in a letter being mailed to parishioners. There will be an envelope in the offertory envelope packet you receive. Please support this parish effort as you are able. The cost of this
east stair project is $749,000. We will be using the remaining funds from the "To Teach Who Christ Is Campaign" and funds in the Fr. Barry Preservation Fund totaling $519,000. Please keep this project in your prayers and prayerfully consider how you can help support Phase Four. We are hoping that new contributions will allow us to complete the other projects without drawing down our parish reserves.
The support and participation of parishioners will allow us to proceed with these much needed and soon to be appreciated repairs and improvements to the Church of St. Mary. I'm grateful for your thoughtful consideration and prayerful discernment of the support you can offer at this time. Next week, I will conclude the four-part series of articles, with more information regarding the costs of the projects.
God bless you and your loved ones celebrating and living Easter hope.
