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405 S. Church St., Wentzville, MO 63385 | 636-332-9225

Retire the Debt 2021

Retire the Debt
 
$0 $300,000
$300,000 Collected as of 06-06-21

CONGRATULATIONS!

OUR BUILDING DEBT HAS BEEN RETIRED!


March 17, 2021
Feast of St. Patrick

Dear St Patrick family,

This past year has been one filled with challenges, frustrations, but also opportunities. We learned to minister in new ways. We are striving to continue our mission of Forming Disciples; Leading All to Christ, even in the midst of trial. In fact, that's predominantly how Jesus instructs to live, "If you would be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

Most of our fundraisers have also been canceled this past year, which has put a strain on our ability to continue our mission. Even though we had a successful Mega Raffle, we still had to cancel the Junktique, Dinner Auction, Fall Festival, the Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner, and Quilt Bingo - it leaves me kinda heartbroken. More than just raising money, I miss our community! I miss you! I have missed all of our faith formation events the most - ACTS retreats, Parish Mission, Advent by Candlelight and Tailgate just to name a few.

I like to focus on the positive though. I am excited about our future. We are working on how to build re-engagement - once we can do so safely! We are busy planning and preparing for this huge task of welcoming everyone back and reintroducing how important it is to live daily in and through our relationship with Jesus. That's exciting stuff!

I am writing for a specific purpose today. Over the past five years, we have reduced our debt (from the construction of the gym, preschool and meeting spaces) by about $1.8 million. That is amazing to me — y'all are awesome! This leaves us with a debt of $350,000. It's time to bury it!

We pay about $28,500 each month for our debt payment. Five years ago, our interest was around $6,000/month. Now it is just over $1,000/month. Think of the amazing programs and faith formation we could do with those funds!

We have received a grant of $50,000 from the Archdiocese to help us with our goal! That's an amazing start. $300,000 to go!

With stimulus checks, tax refunds... would you consider offering some of those funds to help us retire our debt? If only 300 of us offered $1,000 — or 600 offered $500 our debt would be gone. Perhaps you are blessed and could give more, or maybe $20 would be a sacrifice. Whatever you are able to contribute is a huge help. With the burden of our debt gone we could continue planning and visioning for a stronger future. Honestly, our future is already bright, and so hopeful.

But we can't pull this off without your support. Whether you give to the church on a regular basis, or just attend on occasion, we're asking you to consider contributing to this massive undertaking prayerfully. It's something we need our entire church family's help with.

Even if you can't make a large gift, know that every little bit helps. It's more about coming together as a community united behind a common cause. We hope that you'll consider making a donation towards this great step forward that we're making together.

I am hoping that we can blow this out of the water - and be debt-free by Easter - wouldn't that be amazing!

If we receive funds above and beyond what we owe - it will help us build our newly founded parish endowment - which will support our parish for generations to come. We also can begin to build parish reserves, which are so necessary - especially in uncertain times.

So I am asking - boldly - can you please prayerfully consider helping us with a sacrificial offering to retire the debt - and help us build for the future!

I close today - asking Jesus' blessing on our efforts - using the famous excerpt from our patron - St. Patrick's lorica prayer:

Christ with us, Christ before us, Christ behind us,
Christ in us, Christ beneath us, Christ above us,
Christ on our right, Christ on our left,
Christ when we lie down, Christ when we sit down,
Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of us,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of us,
Christ in the eye that sees us, Christ in the ear that hears us.
We arise today, through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - Amen.

I remain devotedly yours,

Fr. Brian Fischer
Pastor


Retire the Debt Donation Form

YouTube Message from Fr. Brian