Welcome, Saints Peter and Paul

Dear Parishioners of SS Peter and Paul Parish and School,

I find myself writing once again during this incredible time as we care for the Church and School handed on to us by our ancestors in faith. The response of previous generations to the glory of God is still amazing to behold. We also pray that future generations will feel the same toward our faith and work.

The church is a beautiful edifice to God’s honor and praise. Having taken good care of the exterior over the last few summers we are now trusting the interior to various professionals and trades people. It is incredible to behold. I do take this opportunity to thank you for your generous support in making all this possible. While we have been restoring and renovating the church you have also been continuing to support the Diocesan Annual Appeal bringing us significant rebates, returned 100% to us after we meet the goal. For this I am also grateful.

This brings me to my final plea in the name of the gospel. In such a time of financial stress, the regular church offertory has understandably suffered a decline. We have attempted to address this with a tight budgeting process through the efforts of our Finance Council and School Finance Committee. We reduced the teaching faculty by one half position and offered saving alternatives in the area of benefits and health insurance. We have reduced or postponed office, janitorial and educational supply expenses. Here again you have responded with an unprecedented generosity during the Education Celebration and recent Fall Festival. Still, the need for regular income and cash flow cannot be ignored as we see our accounts spent down during the restoration process. 

Additionally, there is a need for our three parishes to grow in outreach and services for the increase of faith and Catholic practices. We are not immune to the influences around us. The practice of the Catholic faith suffers under the pressure of the secular world. National and local Mass attendance is on the decline. Catholic Identity and the sense of belonging to the Church is in need of strengthening. Volunteerism and leadership among the faithful is becoming more difficult to pass on to the younger generations. The ability to defend our Catholic beliefs and actions needs to grow in an environment where even words like “love” and “hate” are misunderstood and misused all around us.

With the combined efforts of three parishes, we should be able to accomplish see great things. I am asking all parishioners to please take the time to read our message and to embrace our vision for the future of our parish. Please take a moment to reflect as a family on how you can assist us in achieving our vision. I welcome your responses of generosity and prayers!

 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Woodrow Pace