Welcome

16 Custom House Street, Frederiksted,
St. Croix, USVI 00840.
Tel: (340) 772-0138; Fax (340) 772-0142
Email: saintpatrickusvi@gmail.com
Website: saintpatrickusvi.org

 Pastoral Letter                        25th Sunday in the Ordinary Time: Year C/September 22.2019.
 

Dear parishioners and friends of Saint Patrick,
“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13;14)
Since my arrival more than five years ago, I have come to know and love our St. Patrick Church Family and the many dedicated parishioners who faithfully and unreservedly share their time, talent and treasure for the establishment of the Kingdom of God here in our parish. During this time one of my primary goals has been to promote and foster this faithful spirit by providing opportunities to worship together as we grow in faith. Many elements are involved in achieving this goal, one of which is to make sure our buildings and grounds are in good condition so as to be a safe and inviting environment.
Restoration works led by Signal Restoration Services hired by the Redemptorist Fathers consisted substantially of church/rectory’s roof and floor, rectory walls, installation of fire alarm system for both church and rectory, Security Alarm system for the rectory, partial electrical works and painting, exterior lights and few repairs they couldn’t get out or around without.
The challenge we face at this moment as parish family is to bring to completion the restoration of our church. Undoubtedly, our church as both building and people of God has a rich and valuable history. It is a land mark, a monument that relates life, culture, faith and determination of a people that ought to be preserved and cherished. It is for this reason that we wanted to embark into this new phase of the restoration of our church with the flowing moto: “Preserve the Past, Envision the Future: Help us achieve the Restoration of our Church.”
I would not launch this campaign without expressing my gratitude for your positive response last time when I made an appeal to varnish our church ceiling. Your generosity was awe-inspiring. We were not only able to clean and varnish the ceiling, but also repair and restore church chandeliers, replace chains that hold chandeliers, plaster the church office and the purchase of the sanctuary lamp.
Funds raised in this campaign titled: “Preserve the Past, Envision the Future: Help us achieve the Restoration of our Church” is meant to accomplish the following: Sanctuary Alteration ( $44,000.00 tiles are not included); Side Altar; Enhance lighting in the sanctuary; Sanctuary furniture, Installing ceiling and electrical work at the bell free area; Repair of restrooms; Upgrade sound system; Window sills and church ground.
A project of this magnitude can only be done with your sacrifice and support and “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2Corinthians 9:8). Thus, I ask you to extend yourself in a spirit of sacrifice as you respond to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Saint Patrick Church. “For God loves a cheerful giver”
(2Corinthians 9:7). What is accomplished now will affect future families who will gather in this sacred space to celebrate their faith for years to come.
This is indeed a significant challenge, but I am confident from your past generosity that with the grace of God we will accomplish the task that lies ahead with great hope for the future of Saint Patrick Church. Our plan to repair and renew our church building will bring exciting opportunities for the entire community and will continue the pride and tradition we share as a parish. This is an investment in our spiritual life, so that we will be able to secure the future and continue the mission of Christ.
What we are asking you to do to help us reach our goal:
1. Read over this message and prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift to the best of your ability. We are asking each parishioner to consider a minimum contribution of $200.00 or more. If your situation permits a more substantial contribution, your extra generosity will be most appreciated. If your situation warrants a lesser amount, we ask that you respond as generously as possible. Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.”(Luke6:38). 2. Pick up an envelope, enclose your contribution, fill out necessary information and return it as soon as you can. If need be, do not hesitate to request a receipt letter for tax purposes. 3. Be an ambassador: pick up/mail envelope to your children grandchildren, friends and relatives. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Envelopes will be available at the rear of the chapel as well as in the church office.
Please remember 1. Works will start as soon as we collect funds. 2. Your contribution toward this campaign is in addition to your regular offertory contribution. 3. There will be a progress report of funds at Holy Mass every two weeks during announcements. 4. Please make check payable to: Saint Patrick Church. 5. Payment with debit/credit card is accepted.
Prayerfully consider what financial commitment you can make according to your resources. Accompanying him were the twelve, and some women… and many others who provided for them out of their resources.” (Lk 8:1-3). Please join us in Renewing our Church and Parish for the future and supporting this ambitious effort by considering a generous pledge of support. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrew 13:6).

In Christ,
Father Boniface-Blanchard
Pastor