FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Dear St. Mary’s Parishioners,

A few weeks ago, we announced a new parish repair project that has long been needed. Called “Repaving the Way Campaign,” we hope to raise funds to fix our parking lot. After getting three different bids, through consultation with the Finance Committee, and the review of a third-party construction firm and the Bishops Diocesan Finance Committee, I decided to go with a local company based in Dixon, called Northcal Paving. The $135,000 project (but I am hoping to raise $139,000 to cover any unforeseen expenses) has been on the to-do list for years from previous pastors but other pressing needs took precedence. After completing the leaks in the parish hall, church sacristy, and parish offices, I’ve now is the time to focus our attention on the parking lot.

If you take a walk around the back part of the parking lot and the alleyway behind the parish hall, the damage is extensive. It can be a walking hazard if you’re not mindful of your steps. During the winter time, we have a virtual mini-lake in the parking lot with each passing storm. The front half is faring much better. Resurfaced when the parish church was renovated back in the late 2000s, this area will need to be touched up in order to ensure it’s longer life. Every few years when the parish insurance company, Catholic Mutual, comes to our campus to do its periodic review, the parking lot is consistently highlighted as an area of immediate concern. If we allow this problem to persist, the greater the chances of someone getting hurt and the cost of material and labor will only get more and more expensive. Now is the opportunity to act for the good of the parish.

This is where I need your help. We can’t do this without your support. The parish has no other means of raising money other than your generosity. In fact, the parish cannot survive without your weekly donations. Please prayerfully consider supporting the “Repaving the Way Campaign” at St. Mary’s. If the Lord has blessed you in your life with financial abundance, can you help us reach our $139,000 goal? Every dollar helps us get closer and closer to our brand-new parking lot, ensuring that our parish will be able to continue the mission of Jesus Christ by serving all our parishioners who come to our beautiful parish. Envelopes are available in the pews, along with a convenient QR code on the front cover of this Sunday’s bulletin and website. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your help. We can do this! **UPDATE** As of this writing, we’ve already received $71,185.

A Slave of Jesus Christ,

Fr. Brian J. Soliven