October 02, 2024
Memorial of the Guardian Angels
Dear St Anthony parishioners, school families, alumni and all people of good will,
This weekend (October 5 & 6, 2024), we are excited to launch our parish-wide participation in the Building Beauty Together - St. Anthony Restoration Project. This initiative was accelerated by the collapse of our 64-year-old HVAC system earlier this summer, which highlighted the need for a comprehensive, multi-year (at least 5 years) restoration plan for our parish. The project will be broken down into manageable phases, and with your prayers, service, and sacrificial giving, we are determined to complete this loan-free.
Phase 1 is focused on replacing the HVAC system, which has been priced at $525,000. Thanks to the generosity of a matching grant of $125,000 from a foundation, $47,661.69 in cash contributions from ten families, and $210,000 in 12-month pledges from seven families, we’ve already made great progress!
Now we need your help to match this grant and go beyond it to fully fund Phase 1 and set the stage for the next steps in restoring and beautifying our beloved St. Anthony de Padua parish. We invite every parishioner, every St. Anthony school family, alumni, friends of the parish, and all people of goodwill to contribute.
To learn more about the project and how to give, you can also visit our website and watch a video that provides additional details. Here’s how you can contribute:
Consider giving or pledging online, or by using the envelopes provided in the pews.
You can choose to make a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation over the next year.
Here are the upcoming phases of the Building Beauty Together - St. Anthony Restoration Project:
Phase 1: Church HVAC - $525,000
Phase 2: Sanctuary and Nave (altar, carpet, shrines & panels) - $608,000
Phase 3: Confessionals, restrooms, and closets - $181,000
Phase 4: School building 1st & 2nd floor bathrooms - $177,000
Phase 5: Church lights, electrical, & sound - $165,000
Phase 6: Parking lot - $300,000
Phase 7: Gym bathrooms & locker room - $114,000
Phase 8: Gym HVAC - $300,000
This project represents not just the physical restoration of our parish, but the spiritual and communal renewal of St. Anthony. Next week, we will share a stewardship prayer to unite us all in this mission. We will also be offering opportunities for you to contribute your expertise and service throughout the project timeline.
Together, through discipleship, community and stewardship, we can meet our goal and preserve the beauty and legacy of St. Anthony de Padua parish for generations to come.
One last thought about sacrificial giving from 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.
May St Anthony intercede for us. Amen
Fr Arthur Joseph Ssembajja
Pastor