THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN “FLAME OF FAITH”

FOR OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Dear Families and Friends of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and School,

A year ago, when I came to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish and School as you pastor, I was immediately struck by the faith and dedication of our sisters and brothers here.  In the midst of a difficult time, I came not as a troubleshooter, but so that we could share our difficulties together.  It is my hope that, guided by the Holy Spirit, we will build a stronger relationship with God and with each other as we journey to the destination that God wants for us.  For me, this is a time of renewal and revitalization of Catholic education.  Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School now needs your stewardship (time, talent, treasure, and prayer) more than ever before in its 60-year history.

We are projecting a budget deficit of $285,000 for the school for the next year.  We also have a debt of $520,000 remaining from the construction of the gymnasium.  In light of this, I would like to introduce to you a new parish capital campaign, the Flame of Faith.  The goal of the campaign is to address these immediate deficits and provide for the long-term financial needs of the Parish and School.  The goal of the Campaign is to raise $750,000 over the next two years, a period of renewal and revitalization.

I am aware of the difficulties that many families in the community are facing.  I know it will be very difficult for us to make more sacrifices, but I ask you to strengthen one another as we face this difficult task together.  With the grace of God, I invite you to work with me and pray with me, as we labor to renew the beauty and value of Catholic education in our school and parish.

I am asking you to join me in returning God’s blessings upon us by helping our school continue its beautiful mission of evangelization.  Please consider contributing to the legacy of the faithful who built this parish and make your own, by supporting Our Lady of Lourdes School in its mission of teaching faith and reason.  Share the blessing of your faith and generosity with a commitment to the Flame of Faith campaign.

With that in mind, I am asking you to pray with your family about this sacrifice of love.  Then fill out a pledge card with your contribution, or send a check according to your convenience.  I am inviting you and yours to the Campaign Dinner that will be served by Continental Divine Catering on September 19, 2009 at 6:00p.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes’ School Gymnasium.

On behalf of the children of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and their children to come, I thank you, and may the Lord our God bless you and keep you in His Heart forevermore.

Your Servant in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Peter Quang Nguyen

Pastor