Dear Parishioners,
Every year after Easter, the Archdiocese of Vancouver begins its annual Project Advance Appeal. The theme of this year’s Archdiocesan appeal is Empowering Our Parish Vision. I am pleased that this is especially appropriate for us this year as we celebrate our centennial.
You may recall last September we announced the plans for our Centennial project. We identified essential sanctuary upgrades and design improvements, some mandated by the Archdiocese, others to improve our overall liturgical experience and participation as a prayer community.
A rough estimate of projected costs for these renovations was set at $220,000 which we hoped to raise through Project Advance over two years. With more details about the work involved and the enlarged scope of work, the estimated cost for the sanctuary renovation is $336,600.
Here is a summary of the renovations:
- Redesign of the sanctuary with new furnishings, including reflooring,
millwork for the repositioning of the tabernacle & new lectern
- Cladding of existing pillars
- Improved lighting in the side aisles and better overall sound system
- Organized seating for the choir area
- Four new stained-glass windows
This estimate does not include the work of installing an elevator in the church foyer. After discussion with the Archdiocese building team, it was decided a platform lifter rather than an elevator, would suit our needs adequately and would cost a lot less.
How do we raise these funds?
Firstly, here’s a summary of last year’s Project Advance appeal. Our ‘allotment’ is the funds we have to raise for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Amounts raised beyond this, minus expenses, are rebated to the parish.
Archdiocesan allotment for OLPH: $49,800 | Total raised $120,735.00 |
Share of expenses billed by PA Office $6,770.13 | Total PA 2022 rebate to OLPH: $64,164.87
Target for this year:
2023 Archdiocesan allotment for OLPH: $49,800 | Parish Target: $130,000 |
Estimate of expenses by PA Office $7,000 | Estimated PA 2023 rebate: $73,200
As you can see, our goal for this year is $130,000. My hope is this would enable us to gain at least $70,000 in rebates. The remaining funds for the work would be taken from the Infrastructure Renewal fund. If we work together, we will most certainly hit our target.
Dear friends, we are making important changes this Centennial year which would impact the parish for a long time in very positive and faith-fulfilling ways. With prayer and discernment, I hope all of you will share in the vision of Project Advance this year to make our church a better place for Mass, prayer and faith development for all.
Your Centennial contribution will be remembered for generations to come. To make a donation now, please click here.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor, OLPH
