2nd Century Campaign: Forward in Faith

DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS,

Throughout its long history, Blessed Sacrament has responded to the needs of the times by building two churches and a school, including periodic additions and renovations, all to the purpose of proclaiming the love of Christ, strengthening and unifying the community, and helping those in need.
Despite challenging times in recent years, the parish has survived and continued its work of outreach and service. As we move into our second century, there are several needs that require attention so that we can continue our long legacy of service. These projects will help strengthen our community, take care of the gifts of previous generations, and help build towards our future.
The generosity of past generations inspires us to continue their work, and future generations are counting on us to leave a legacy of strength and stability so that they can continue to build on the foundation of charity and service that our parish is known for.
Just as past generations have responded to the challenges of the times, I know you will join me in answering the call.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Eric Ayers, Pastor
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Introduction
In 2021, the Blessed Sacrament parish family celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the parish with gratitude to God for his many blessings to us, and gratitude to the parishioners for their many years of dedication. This celebration provided each of us a special opportunity to reflect on the people who came before us, on all the work that has been done for the church, and the legacy of the families who have made it possible by their generous support through the decades. This faith continues to grow and blossom in preparation for the faithful members who will follow us.
At this special time in our parishes’ history, we celebrate our past, recognize Christ’s presence amongst us, and continue to look forward to a bright and faithful future together. It is in this spirit, that we are launching a special capital campaign – Forward in Faith - to address three key areas so Blessed Sacrament can prepare for its 2nd century.

IMPROVING THE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE AND UPDATING KITCHEN APPLIANCES

In 2002, the 1965 Blessed Sacrament worship space went into renovation. Unfortunately, during this renovation process, the organ was damaged but never repaired (it is useable but not to its full capacity). At the same time, the sound system was updated, a small social hall was added, and used appliances were purchased for the kitchen. Now, 20 years later, there is an urgent need to repair the pipe organ, update the aging sound system, and replace the old kitchen appliances with new ones that are more modern and energy efficient. Therefore, with support from the Forward in Faith campaign, the parish will be able to accomplish the following projects:

Improve the Worship Space Experience:
Sunset Sound Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33,286
Thomas Pipe Organ Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . $19,700
Update Kitchen Appliances:
New Crest Food Refrigerator. . . . . . . . . . . . $5,698
New Crest Food Freezer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,572
New Crest Food Convection Oven. . . . . . $21,156
New Crest Food Ice Cube Maker. . . . . . . . $6,054
TOTAL NEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $91,466

INCREASING CLASSROOM SPACE AND REPLACING EXTERIOR LIGHTING

In 2010, the parish was able to extend the social hall, add bathrooms with showers, and increase storage space as well as classroom space (which is now the Kaufman Theological Research Library). A simple sound system and wall divider were installed in the social hall to separate the hall for extra classrooms. In 2016, the Living Our Mission funding provided Blessed Sacrament with a further extension of the social hall by adding a second story for more classrooms. At the present time, more classroom space is needed since the parish now rents the social hall and upstairs to the Next Steps to Success afterschool program. In addition, we would like to install electricity and lighting to the outside pavilion and replace exterior lighting from 2016 which has deteriorated and is failing dramatically. Therefore, with support from the Forward in Faith campaign, the parish will be able to accomplish the following projects:

Install Social Hall Kwik-Walls Movable Wall Divider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,000
Replace Heart Electric Exterior Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,534
TOTAL NEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $93,534

MAINTAINING THE PARISH ROOF AND GROWING THE PARISH ROOF FUND

In 2020, Blessed Sacrament’s 1965 roof was replaced. Fortunately, the roof was paid off by a large bequest that was left to Blessed Sacrament. The parish would like to replenish the funds expended for the new roof which will serve a dual-purpose: 1) to maintain the new roof and 2) to begin growing funds that can be used to purchase a new roof at some point in the distant future. Therefore, with support from the Forward in Faith campaign, the parish will be able to accomplish the following projects:

Maintain the Existing Blessed Sacrament Roof. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,000
Grow the Blessed Sacrament Roof Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,000
TOTAL NEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000

THREE SPIRITUAL CONSIDERATIONS TO GUIDE YOUR GENEROUS PLEDGE

CONCLUSION

By successfully completing the Forward in Faith campaign, the family of Blessed Sacrament will be able to readily accommodate the continued growth in the parish today while effectively preparing for tomorrow.