Saint Mary Parish has been home to many generations from its early beginning as a stucco mission church to its present complex built in 1962.  How sacred are the memories of Baptisms, First Communions, Marriages, Christmas, Easter and so many celebrations.  Every generation has cared for and enhanced the well being of this wonderful parish. This legacy, this sacred responsibility continues today and the care of this beautiful home of faith we have come to know and love, is now in our hands. 

With this responsibility, I request your urgently needed support for a strategic plan to ensure that we, as well as generations to come, will have a healthy and sound faith community.  Our goal is to raise $250,000 for a combination of critically needed improvements and a comprehensive facilities assessment to help us plan future needs. To date $150,000 from an archdiocesan loan has been spent on air conditioning and necessary maintenance.  

You may have noticed urgent maintenance projects already underway to counter some deteriorating conditions. These, coupled with recently completed improvements, such as air conditioning the church, provide for a solid infrastructure that will sustain Saint Mary Parish, while a feasibility study is conducted to assess parish properties in consideration of a long needed parish center.  

The comprehensive facilities assessment and feasibility study will allow us to evaluate our property for the development of a parish center that will better serve present and future generations. We have over 1,400 children enrolled in religious education being instructed in an antiquated house. Last year a fire in the heating system of that house underscored our need to plan and provide for a safer and more suitable place for our youth. With over 30 parish organizations and ministries and some 600 volunteers, we need to plan for space beyond the two meeting rooms in the parish hall.  

I kindly ask you to make a gift on behalf of the Capital Collection Drive.  If each parishioner were to contribute alongside their regular weekly offertory, a sum of four times your monthly offering, we would achieve our goal and sustain the beauty and soundness of St. Mary Church while creating a plan for development of our future.  

Your generosity, whatever your ability, is deeply appreciated. I hope you will join us in strengthening our parish church and preparing for coming generations. This faith community has always responded in a time of need and I know you will do the same today. 

With grateful appreciation for your faithful devotion and help,  
Father Stephen S. Donohoe