Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s Church – Greetings!
This past January we have restored a stained glass window original to the church tower at a cost
of $78,655.00. Currently, we are restoring the window above the main entrance of the church at a cost of
$250,000.00. This project will be completed sometime before the end of November if we proceed
according to schedule. As part of this restoration we learned of the need to remove approximately 1,000
organ pipes to accommodate scaffolding to the window. I am pleased to announce that the Knights of
Columbus very recently indicated their support for this project with a gift of $200,000.00, for which I am
most grateful. The parish has the responsibility to raise the difference of $50,000.00.
My purpose in writing to you is not only to apprise you of this necessary preservation project but
also to solicit your financial support. I am hesitant in writing knowing that this is my second capital
improvement solicitation within the past year. However, we have no alternative because the glass was
cracking and splintering onto the church steps creating a very serious danger to pedestrians. With the
knowledge of the Knights’ commitment for the gift of $200,000.00, I am confident that we as a parish
will come together to raise the additional $50,000.00 necessary to complete this project successfully.
This brings me to the final point of my letter. You have been a most loyal and faithful contributor
to St. Mary’s and in recognizing your past generosity, I also recognize the sacrifice that yet another
appeal may mean to you personally. Nevertheless, faced as we are with the burden of repairing the
window, I come to beg that you consider a gift or pledge to our window restoration project. I hope to
raise the $50,000.00 through this early initiative. Would you consider making a gift at this time or at least
indicate a willingness to pledge something toward this program within the next few months?
I know you understand that a balanced budget is the only means to secure our parish’s future and
economy, which remains precarious. I do not wish to leave a deficit to our future generations of Catholics
who will want to worship at St. Mary’s. I believe we have been greatly blessed by the many parishioners
and friends of St. Mary’s over the last 100 years. Their willingness to make sacrificial gifts, both to the
regular weekly expenses and to the significant capital improvements during the last few years, is much in
evidence.
If, after considering a gift to the window restoration project, you would like to talk with me
further and in person, please do not hesitate to call for an appointment. I am always happy to discuss our
preservation program with you and to answer any questions you may have concerning it. Thank you for
giving this letter your prayerful attention. May God Bless you!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Reverend Joseph P. Allen, O.P.
Pastor
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
July 16, 2012