Cathedral Family,
We have arrived at this holy season of Lent. This past Ash Wednesday we saw huge numbers of people flow through our Cathedral; all seeking to heed the call---“Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” We begin with such a sober call to conversion of life---we are given this merciful time---to turn to the Lord with all our heart---“Have mercy on us O, Lord for we have sinned.” But do we really believe we need to change? Not just a little superficial readjusting, but a radical shift of heart and mind? Let us pray asking the Holy Spirit to convict us of our need for conversion and new life. God isn’t finished with us yet. Thank goodness for Lent.
I encourage you to take a look at the many things that St. Francis is offering. The information can be found on the website and also the bulletin. I would especially ask that you consider coming to daily mass. There is nothing better than receiving the Eucharist every day for deep interior growth. Also attending Stations of the Cross is an ideal way to spend time with Our Lord contemplating what He has done for us---remembering His passion and death. Every Friday we have Stations after the 12:10 mass and also at 7:00 pm, followed by a reflection by Father Justin.
Furthermore, this weekend we are kicking off our Capital Campaign: “Rebuild my Church.” After several months of careful assessment of all of our capital needs across our St. Francis Campus, extensive consultation, prayer and discernment, the parish is committed to entering into an intensive phase of raising the necessary funds to address our needs and prepare for the future. Over the next weeks, you will hear more in depth on the various projects that require our responsible attention.
The goal of our Rebuild my Church Campaign is 4.0 to 4.5 million.
Our capital needs exceed our ability from our Sunday offerings and other means of income to meet the major challenges:
New heating and air conditioning for the Cathedral, rectory and school.
New Lighting and sound, and pew refurbishment in the Cathedral,
Upgrades to School Bathrooms & Hallways
Needed Renovations in our CYO Hall, including the gym floor, new bleachers, sound, lights, and painting
Upgraded energy-efficient windows across the campus are needed
Along with needed upkeep repairs for our two convents for our religious sisters.
And, re-engineering the front plaza and remediating the Breezeway
The required re-engineering of the front plaza and the structurally unsound Breezeway presents an opportunity to build a new Atrium that will serve as a vital hub for strengthening community life and expanding parish services.
I began meeting with individuals and small groups of donors throughout this past fall season. I am very grateful to report that through the great generosity of 48 donors we have arrived at 2 million dollars in pledges. This represents incredible support for our vision and projects in order to care for our parish and prepare it for our future. All of us have received this beautiful place as a gift for our journey to God. All that we do here, worship, teach, proclaim, the works of mercy and charity all flow from our communion with Christ and His Body the Church. This is our moment to pass on to the next generation what we have been given. It is a legacy of love and faith.
I am in deep prayer that all of our people may respond with and equal sacrifice---however the amounts of our gifts will differ depending on our means.
St. Paul reminds us “If God is for us, who can be against us.” God will provide for all of our needs---as we listen to our heart where He will speak of the sacrifice He will call us to make for His Church.
Please include in your daily prayers this great parish campaign. It is the perfect time during this Holy Season to reflect on all that our faith means to us and how we are called to participate in advancing His mission.
In the peace of Jesus,
Father Christy