St. Mary Magdalen Church Expansion

UPDATE ON PROPOSAL FOR THE BEST FACILITY TO WORSHIP AND SERVE OUR GROWING PARISH FAMILY
January 25, 2004

I want to thank all who sent in their personal input in regards to Option A & B for our parish facilities.  I reviewed the input with our Finance Committee and will do the same with the Pastoral Council at our February 11^th meeting.

The Survey showed that 369 families favor new construction, 119 favor fixing the church as is, and 15 rely on the expertise of the Building Committee. 36 of the 119 families who favor rehabbing the church as is, expressed that they would support new construction, if the majority favor it. You will be receiving a personal letter to all the parishioners explaining detailed comments and input from the survey. 

With the above input and the recommendation of the Finance Committee that we can afford new construction, we will continue to seek approval from the Township and Archdiocese.  The process is lengthy and ultimately relies on the generosity of our parish family to raise at least $3 million dollars to initiate the actual building.  We ask everyone’s prayers and thank you for your support in providing a larger worship facility for our growing parish family.

So far we have several parishioners who have pledged $1.550 million dollars.  A few already donated $347,361.99 and securities.  No one will be assessed and I only ask that you do your best, and most important contribute your prayers and talents.

Remember, the history of Christianity demonstrates that THE MORE CHRISTIANS WORSHIP AND PRACTICE THEIR FAITH, THE MORE THEY SUPPORT CATHOLIC EDUCATION AND WORKS OF CHARITY.

WHY NOT GIVE THE MONEY FOR A NEW CHURCH TO NEEDY PARISHES? A few parishioners have requested that we commit any money raised for the church to be given to charity and help needy parishes.  Our number one charity here is our school program where our parish contributes over $550,000. a year from the weekly collections to subsidize our school.  We are also assessed 10.5% on our parish collections to help the Archdiocesan Budget, which helps needy parishes, Catholic Social Services, and our Diocesan high schools.  We have numerous collections throughout the year for parishioners who give very generously to the missions, Catholic charities, and other local charities. Numerous parishioners offer their time, talents, and other resources through our stewardship programs. We have established our SMM Poor Box, which directly helps the needy of the parish and Cluster. 

PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING:  on Wednesday, February 11^th at 7:30 PM in St. Katharine Room in school.  All are welcome.

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