Today's Tradition, Tomorrow's Future

Easter is a proclamation of Good News - the Good News that Christ is alive and active in the faith community that bears his name. Here at St. Joan of Arc Parish we experience the dynamic presence of the risen Christ in countless ways, not the least of which has been in the success of our ongoing capital campaign.

My hope from the very beginning was that this campaign would be much more than raising money. It needed to also be an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of our faith community as we look with gratitude upon the accomplishments of our past, and eagerly anticipate the needs of those who inherit the future that we are constructing.

I have been humbled by the incredible generosity that has already been shown toward our parish. Thank you to all who have responded with generous hearts to our volunteers. I have been so grateful for the dedication and service of our volunteer team, especially during my absence.

While we have achieved much success there is still much to do. In order for this campaign to be successful, we need the participation of all members of our parish, not just a select few. This week, those of you who haven’t yet been contacted will receive a mailing from me. I ask that you please pray over my request and do what you can to personally and sacrificially support our campaign. May the extravagance of the Easter Mystery inspire and encourage you in your decision.

Once again, I cannot thank our parishioners enough for rallying together to meet the needs of our parish at this time and to secure our future. What greater sign could we have that demonstrates how God is doing marvelous things for us?

May the Risen Christ continue to bless our efforts so that we can all be heralds of his Good News.

Rev. Gabriel B. Baltes, O.S.B

January 30, 2013

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Over the past two weeks, many exciting things have happened within our faith community. On Sunday, January 20^th, I was pleased to announce the public launch of the Today’s Tradition ~ Tomorrow’s Future campaign. This $3.25 million effort will address our most urgent capital and operational needs, while further developing and growing our parish family.

In the short time since we have begun our fundraising efforts, I have been humbled by the incredible outpouring of support from our generous parishioners. Already, more than $800,000 has been pledged toward the Today’s Tradition ~ Tomorrow’s Future campaign from just over 30 families.

On January 23rd, we held an energetic kick-off meeting for our Major Gift Phase. More than 30 parish households were represented, and now this team of dedicated volunteer parishioners is hard at work. These volunteers are generously giving of their time and talents as they call on fellow parishioners to share the good news of our campaign.

In the coming weeks and months, volunteers will be contacting you to ask for your support of this vital effort. As you receive the call to volunteer your time, talents and financial resources, please welcome this opportunity to serve in an important ministry for our church.

I ask that you continue to pray for the success of the Today’s Tradition ~ Tomorrow’s Future campaign, and may God’s blessings be with you and your loved ones.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Rev. Gabriel B. Baltes, O.S.B.