Dear Parishioners:
Our Lady of Mercy Church circa 1920s. Original Church on Main Street
For over 160 years the Catholic faithful of Our Lady of Mercy Church have been generous in supporting their church and living their faith. We honor “Our Faith” as we build on the rich foundation of the many people who have gone before us in faith, we build “Our Future” as we strive to carry the mission to live the life of Christ in humble service to others.
At times in our lives, we find ourselves at a crossroads: significant moments that define and shape who we are and what our future will be. This is also true in the life of a parish. We are so grateful and appreciative of those individuals who, in the past, saw themselves at such a moment. They put their faith into action, responded to the needs and built the parish facilities we enjoy at this time. Because of them and their and your ongoing support, Our Lady of Mercy continues to be, “A family of faith.”
Now it is our time. Standing at this crossroad we can see how current and future generations will benefit from the work that we are now challenged to embark upon. Your ongoing support and spirit of volunteerism shows how much you care and desire to be the instruments of the Lord. Our fundamental mission as a parish family is to lead all people to the Lord Jesus.
The Our Faith, Our Future Capital Campaign is a serious and important challenge to all of us in the parish. We must pray for its success, lend our many God-given talents to its completion, and make equal financial sacrifice on all our parts to make it happen. Working as one Body in Christ, we can ensure that our Legacy of serving those who come to worship our Lord with us and outreach to the wider community will endure far into the future. With prayers, gratitude and having full faith that God who has begun this good work in us will also bring it to a successful completion.
Our Campaign is off to a great start! To date, more than $450,000 in pledges has been received towards our campaign goal of $2.0 million. While it is important that we reach our goal, it is of greater importance that we have the participation of every parishioner who calls Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church their spiritual home.
Every member of our parish is being asked to consider a pledge of $4,000 or more to this Campaign, payable over 3 years. This pledge can be paid with an optional down payment of $400 and then with monthly installments of $100. A $4,000 pledge is only $3.29 per day.
Groundbreaking for the new Our Lady of Mercy School 1950.
A few parishioners have asked us, “why do we have to make a pledge?” The reason we are asking all parishioners to consider making a three-year pledge is that it allows us to budget and plan for the future of our parish. We are conducting this campaign on the premise that not everyone can make the same size gift, but that everyone can make the same size sacrifice. All pledges and donations are welcomed, needed and greatly appreciated. I realize that every family has different circumstances. I only ask that you consider a pledge to the best of your financial ability. If you have been financially blessed and are able to give more, please consider doing so. Your generosity and sacrifice is needed and would be most appreciated.
Next weekend, November 23 and 24, is our “Commitment Weekend.” We would ask all families to make a commitment to Our Faith, Our Future Campaign with a pledge. With your help and prayers, we will be successful in raising the necessary funds for these much needed projects for our parish. Your generous and sacrificial pledge to the campaign helps to ensure that Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church a sign of God’s generous love and a beacon of God’s mercy in East Greenwich. All of us have been called to be stewards of the gifts God bestowed upon us. I have faith you will be as generous as you are able. Every parish family is being called upon to make the same sacrifice in support of this vital campaign for Our Faith and Our Future. We thank you for your financial support and prayers for the campaign.
We thank the many parishioners who have already pledge and made the sacficie needed for Our Faith and Our Future. Thank you for your time and consideration. With your support and sacrifice, Our Faith and Our Future will flourish! Our Lady of Mercy, prayer for us!
Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Pats! Oremus pro invicem!