Fr. Bob
Last summer on a hot Sunday in July, the first time I talked to you about the Lord renew your church Capital Campaign I told you about Fr. Mulchay. “This is the IRS calling. Are you Fr. Mulchay, pastor of St. Adelbert’s Parish?” “I am”. “Do you have a parishioner by the name of John Smith?” “I do.”
Did Mr. Smith make a contribution of 100,000 dollars to your capitol campaign?” “He will.” (If there’s a John Smith out there today, I’m not talking about you).
So, today six months later, on a cold December Sunday, I want you to know that the IRS had nothing to do with the success of “Lord, renew your church capital campaign here at St. Victoria. We’ve surpassed our goal of almost 2 million dollars and I’m here today to thank you for your generosity that made that happen. That’s why we’re calling today celebration Sunday.
In today’s Gospel passage when speaking of the one who is mightier than he John the Baptist says, “He will baptize you with the fire of the Holy Spirit.” Ever since then the Holy Spirit has been at work in the church.
We certainly have seen the Holy Spirit at work in the way you responded by your participation in the “Lord, renew you church Capitol campaign. And the great thing is because we’ve met our goal with new pledges now made not 60% but 80% will come back to the St. Victoria.
Again, the purpose of this campaign is to provide for future generations of the church the blessings we have received. Specifically, the campaign has made it possible for the archdiocese to embark on new initiatives for the spiritual formation of our young, for the support of clergy, and for maintaining the Basilica and the Cathedral.
With the pledges made we’ve been able to do deferred maintenance on the historic church, make renewed efforts at reaching out to young Catholics and increase our financial support to our sister parish in Venezuela and other grass roots groups who do work to those in need. Thank you for making that possible. It speaks to who you are.