My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We have entered the month of November and all of our regular activities are back up and running. The parking lot was recently coated, and the cracks attended to as a temporary solution. One day it will all need to be re-surfaced. There has also been some tuck pointing done on the school as well as some roof repair on the Basilica. It is a constant job to keep our facilities in good condition so that we do not have any major problems.
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 these last months of the year.
The Capital Campaign for the diocese continues at a slow pace. Our goal has been set at $730,000.00. So far about $200,000.00 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 $10,000.00 on our ADA for 2022.
In November we remember our beloved dead. Please fill out the envelopes in the church with the names of the deceased you want remembered and they will be placed near the altar until Advent begins.
Tickets are now also on sale for our annual raffle which helps us raise some funds for our budget. Please purchase some or take some to sell to others outside of the parish.
May the Lord continue to bless you all!
Devotedly yours in the Lord,
(The Very Reverend) Aquinas M. Nichols
Pastor