Pastoral Letter: Now It's Our Turn

I am extremely excited to share with our entire faith community the news of an incredibly significant project at St. Ignatius Parish. This project began several years ago after consultation with experts; conversations with many parishioners who gave of their time, talent and treasure; and much, much prayer. I am pleased to announce that this month we are launching the public phase of the Preservation & Promise Campaign, an extraordinary fundraising effort that will help us preserve and restore our magnificent church. In addition to the physical restoration, we will invest in our faith community’s future, securing funding for our ongoing formation in faith, social ministries outreach and for innovation. This once-in-a-generation campaign will help ensure that our parish remains vibrant and relevant and that our “beacon on the hill” stands tall for the century ahead.
 
Our working goal for this project is $25 million, and I’m excited to share that we have just over $21 million committed already! This is a great testament to the generosity of our parishioners and to the work of many faithful volunteers who have reached out to individuals and families behind the scenes and ask for their support. We’ve been blessed with incredible volunteer leaders in our Campaign Co-Chairs Carol and Dixon Doll, Janet and Clint Reilly, and Gerry and Jim Sangiacomo, as well as the dedication of our Campaign Cabinet and Volunteer Ambassadors. But we need the support of every parish family to reach our total goal – both our efforts and our need are unprecedented in scope. (Please note this campaign is separate from our regular appeals, which support our day-to-day programs and ministries.)
 
I wish that I could speak personally with each of you about the Preservation & Promise Campaign, to convey my excitement for what we can accomplish together. However, I have every faith that our parish community will rally behind these critical efforts and help us meet our ambitious $25 million goal by the time I return in August. I am very happy that our Public Phase Co-Chairs, Chrissy and Damon Edwards, and Liz and Mark Farrell, in cooperation with Acting Pastor Fr. John Whitney, SJ, will be helping lead this work. They, along with our parish development staff, are ready to explain the project’s details, respond to your thoughts and questions, and provide you with some firsthand opportunities to see the clear need for restorations to our church.
 
Please be on the lookout for more information on what we hope to accomplish together. You can learn more by signing up for a church tour or online event here. When I’m able, I will reach out from my sabbatical to celebrate with you all as we achieve some important milestones in raising these funds.
 
I am always grateful for your generosity to St. Ignatius Parish and for your willingness to meet the great needs we see in our city and beyond. I commend this project to your prayers, and hope you will begin now to envision how God is calling you to have an impact through our Preservation & Promise efforts. And, as always,
 
oremus pro invicem.
 
Fr. Greg