My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The pace of life has picked up now that summer is over and school has begun. There are a number of projects being taken care of before winter sets in. Parts of the school have been tuckpointed where it was needed. The first week of October we will be re-doing the parking lot so it will be closed the afternoon of the 3rd and all day on the 4th. Entrance for Mass and the office will be through the west doors as the parking lot will be closed off. This project should spruce things up quite a bit. There are also various little repairs going on as well.

All of this is extra money out of our budget. We are not staying current with our weekly needs so I bring this to your attention to please help us in any way that you can so that we may remain financially sound as we go into the Fall.

The Capital Campaign for the diocese continues at a slow pace. Our goal has been set at $730,000.00. So far about $182,000.00 has been pledged. Pledges can be made over a 3-5 year period. Our hope is to reach our goal in three years. If we make this goal, we will get about $150,000.00 back for the parish. This will go towards our new heating system for the Basilica. Please seriously consider a pledge to help us make this goal. We need the help of everyone to attain our goal. A suggested guide is posted on the bulletin board in the vestibule. There is a committee in place headed by Justin Doyle to monitor our progress.  Please watch the thermometer in the vestibule and parish hall to keep track of our progress for this campaign. Pledge cards and envelopes can be found at the doors of the Basilica and there will be a bulletin insert each month as well. We also still owe $24,000.00 on our ADA for 2022.

Our new RCIA classes and religious education classes have begun. There is a good enrollment this year. Our Foundation Dinner was a success this year and everyone who attended found it to be a very enjoyable evening.

There is much going on. Please pray for the parish and all of its activities. I will be away part of this month for my vacation. I haven’t had any time off since May. Be good to the priests who will be coming in to help.

May the Lord continue to bless you all!

Devotedly yours in the Lord,

(The Very Reverend) Aquinas M. Nichols

Pastor