From the Pastor's Desk
November 3, 2024
Allow me to begin this month of November with an update on our status with the exterior portion of the Brighten Our Foundation (BOF) Campaign. Of note, our current situation of Stormwater Management does not adequately address the rainwater runoff that flows to Constitution Avenue. This problem was not known until we began working with New Freedom Borough to receive approvals for our Parking Lot repaving and the proposed addition of Handicap Accessible Parking Spaces at the Portico Entrance of the Church Building.
Further, given the potential of additional structures in the future on our campus (such as a Pavilion) we need to take a new and more comprehensive approach to the Stormwater Management System for our campus. This will require some significant design work and permitting, in light of the current and anticipated situation with our rainwater runoff. This process will likely take two years, given the time needed for design as well as the review and approval process for Stormwater Management Permits. To this end, while we work with our engineers (Crossroads Group) and Conewango Enterprises, our General Contractor, to revise and gain approvals for our more comprehensive approach to Stormwater Management for the exterior improvements, we will be pausing the fundraising collections for BOF at the end of the calendar year.
We will continue to pray for the Brighten Our Foundation Campaign, as this "behind the scenes" work is very important and needs the guidance of the Lord. And we will utilize the BOF funds to allow us to cover the design and permitting costs at this stage, and as needed we will also do some temporary repairs. When we have an approved design, with a better understanding of the costs for construction, we will re-open the fundraising efforts for the exterior improvements of our campus.
Fr. Wilke
BRIGHTEN OUR FOUNDATION
Since St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was founded, generations of our parish family have focused on fulfilling our mission to “ give witness to the presence of the kingdom of God in ourselves, our families,
our parish, the local community, and the world.” Today, this is needed more than ever, as we seek to meet the evolving needs of our parish, community, and world. The St. John’s family has a rich history of giving generously to further God’s ministry on earth. We now have the opportunity to give in a way that will bless both this generation and future generations, not only at St. John’s but also in our community, both near and far. This is truly an opportunity to Brighten Our Foundation!
PARISH SUPPORT
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, through the Brighten Our Foundation Capital Campaign, respectfully requests your prayerful consideration of a gift and/or pledge to help fund these much-needed
projects. This effort helps not only our parish today, but also all those members, families, youth, and community members who will look to St. John’s for mission and service in the future. Whatever your decision, your thoughtful response and prayers will be appreciated by all who count on St. John’s to continue our mission to give witness to the presence of the kingdom of God.
Brighten Our Foundation Prayer
O God, creator and giver of all
things, bless our parish family,
strengthen our faith, and grant
us the spirit of sacrifice. With
your grace, may we revive the
gift of our faith, restore our
parish facilities, and rejoice in
the blessings you still have in
store for us. May we glorify
you and grow in love for
you as a community of faith
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Interior Phase Completed!
Plans are still being finalized for the exterior phase. Stay tuned for more great progress