Greetings of peace,

There is a time in the life of every organization when it looks to rediscover and return to its roots. As St. Francis of Assisi Parish celebrates its 25th Anniversary, that time is now. The founding mission of the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi is to welcome and serve all those who come to us. To realize its full potential as a welcoming and serving community, our parish needs additional space. Following nearly three years of conversations and study, the Pastoral Council, in conjunction with the Building Committee, has developed a three-phase Master Plan that addresses and meets our needs while being faithful to the mission of our parish, rooted in ministry, service, community and witness.

Over the next several weeks you will have many opportunities to learn about the GIFT Campaign. A model of the master plan will be in the Commons area after each of the weekend masses. Members of the GIFT Committee, the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, School Advisory Council and Building Committee will be available to answer your questions. You will receive a brochure that includes a layout and description of the master plan. Further information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, is available here on our parish Web site. It is our hope that the more you know about the master plan and the GIFT Campaign the more you will feel called to support our efforts to grow and fulfill our mission.

We believe in the GIFT Campaign and that is why we have personally made our pledges. The cost is significant but the cost of not acting now is even greater. We are asking you to do something extraordinary: to participate in the campaign with your prayers and with a well planned, sacrificial pledge. This will make the difference as it will enable us to fulfill our commitment to the community. We will be blessed by each and every gift.

We are deeply grateful for all you have done for this Parish and for considering this request. With your commitment, and that of many others, we shall succeed beyond measure in Growing In Faith Together. We will fulfill the ambitious mission set for us by the Gospel: to live and love as Jesus.

Thank you.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark G. Reamer, OFM
The Pastoral Council
The School Advisory Council
ECLC Advisory Council
The Finance Council