Yesterday, February 3, I went to a gathering with Cardinal Cupich about the Generation to Generation, campaign that all parishes will participate in. The goal is to fortify the Mission of each parish individually and the archdiocese as a whole,  to spread the gospel and our Catholic  faith. Each parish is given a goal that will be given 5 years to complete. St. Teresa’s has been asked to raise $890,000 over the five years.

A leadership team of five individuals will be  contacting  you through a call or email to ask for your support. Please pray over this and determine for yourself how you can support the campaign. I understand many are having a hard time just making ends meet. Perhaps you might consider offering another way to contribute through volunteer efforts.

I know that many are concerned with supporting another campaign to raise money for the parish and church. But this endeavor will allow for whatever is donated to be split 50/50: half of what you donate will come right back to our parish to help us take care of maintenance items, like repair of bell tower and adding Human Resources to our very small staff. The floor of the parish center needs much attention and our kitchen needs a bit of updating to help us serve the countless meals for our loaves and fishes.

The other half goes to the archdiocese to help the roughly 30 parishes that are very poor and unable to be sustainable for ministry and maintenance realities. The ongoing formation of priests is very much needed to allow priests to continue their formation after ordination by attending classes, workshops and retreats. Finally, the number of priests retiring is increasing  quite dramatically and the care of retired priests in old age is a significant need. Many need nursing home care, which is extremely expensive. Each priests receives a monthly pension, which needs fortification to keep funding future and present retired priests. The monthly pension is not huge by any standards, but it helps in retirement.

Whatever we raise over the $890,000 we will get 80% of the amount, which is amazing. I want the future of the parish to be ensured with a string financial base to grow and reach  out to the countless unchurched, many of whom are so young, the future of our Church. We want our church today to be strong and vibrant for future generation: your children and grandchildren.

Whenever you receive a call or email do the best you can to respond given your own unique situation. You can reach out to me at any time if you have further questions through email or a phone call: 773-784-2040. Thank you so much for all you do for St. Teresa of Avila Faith Community. I’m grateful to you all for your kindness and support as I write this in prayer on my 41st anniversary!!! You are the heart of my priesthood.