Preservation for the Next Generation:
Letter to Parishioners
My Dear Parishioners,
I have recently read the newspaper accounts of the construction and dedication of St. Stephen Cathedral on September 6, 1926. I marvel at the enthusiasm of Fr. Richard Maloney, the pastor at that time, and thank God for the faith and generosity of the parishioners who contributed $200,000 for the construction of our beautiful church. We owe a great deal to our ancestors who created such a legacy of faith.
As good stewards, we are charged with preserving our legacy for the generations who will come after us. This is the reason for the $2,000,000 we are trying to raise over the next three years. It is, of course, no small sum. Though raising this amount in today's dollars is no greater challenge than that which our ancestors faced in raising $200,000 at the beginning of the last century.
Some months ago we received a generous bequest of more than $600,000 from Mary Catherine O'Bryan who died in October of 2001. What a powerful sign of her love of God and her dedication to St. Stephen Cathedral. It is my hope that her generous example will inspire each of us as we make our own commitment to the current capital campaign, Preservation for the Next Generation.
We are very pleased to have restored the Stations of the Cross that hung in the old St. Stephen Church, before the construction of our current building. I am happy to have these beautiful paintings back in public view and pray that they will inspire us in our prayer and devotion.
Most of the projects to be funded by the current campaign are not as visible as the stations, but they are essential. The church building needs extensive mortar repair, or tuck-pointing, and a new roof. These projects alone are estimated to cost around $500,000. We must address the drainage problems at the front and rear entrances to the undercroft to eliminate flooding in the basement, which has caused recurring damage. The projected cost for this is more than $50,000.
In the near future, I would like to begin a dialogue with you regarding interior renovations of the church. Our pipe organ needs major repair, if not replacement, and many have suggested that the renovations that were done 35 years ago are not in keeping with the architectural style of our building. At this time there are no detailed plans and therefore costs cannot be projected. Only your generosity can make such work possible.
We have acquired some property adjacent to us and intend to purchase more as it becomes available. This is necessary for any future expansion and for improved safety and security in the parish environs.
We do not wish to focus solely on our buildings, nor on the money needed to maintain them. Our primary purpose as a Catholic parish is not to build buildings, but to love, worship, and serve God, and to share our faith with others. Our church, office, staff, etc. are the tools of our mission. Your faith-filled, loving sacrifice will make it possible for us to continue the work of Christ, and to safeguard our legacy for the generations to come.
As always, I am thankful for your prayers and support and I hope you will share my enthusiasm for this campaign, Preservation for the Next Generation.
May God Bless You,
Fr. John Vaughan |
