As a special “thank you,” we invite those who have contributed to the Campaign for St. John’s to pick up a complimentary copy of Our Faith Filled Heritage. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of 150 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Please pick up your book at the back of the church Dec. 5 or Dec. 6, or in the Parish Office during the week. It is not too late to make your contribution to the Campaign for St. John’s and receive your book! Our sincere thanks to all who have generously participated in the Campaign for St. John’s to date.
When we’re counting our blessings this season we should be grateful to all the parishioners (regular and weekday) who have contributed to the Campaign for St. John’s. Because of them we have 153 pledges totaling close to $450,000 and non pledged gifts of nearly $60,000. If you love St. John’s and want to express your appreciation in a meaningful way, please join the Campaign with a pledge or a gift. Remember, God is never outdone in generosity.
Please join us in congratulating the following parishioners who have pledged their commitment to the Campaign for St. John’s. If you would like to be added to the Honor Roll, please contact our Parish Office at 215-563-4145, ext. 23 to make your contribution today.
Dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you peace!
This weekend is Pentecost Sunday; it is also “Commitment Weekend” for our Campaign for St. John’s. I pray that, like the first disciples of the risen Christ, each of us will experience a new liveliness in our faith and our awareness of the Holy Spirit.
God has brought us to this point in our parish’s history for a reason; the question for each of us now is “how will I respond”? I ask you to give this question and this important project some thought and prayer over these next few days. This coming weekend every person will be asked to make a financial pledge at Mass. We have the opportunity as good stewards of God’s gifts to help secure the future of our community for years to come through this campaign. It is not about raising funds for some far away place, or for people we don’t know. It’s not even about the Catholic Charities Appeal or the Archdiocesan Capital Campaign. This is about us: our community of faith, the community that is St. John the Evangelist parish.
For those who are registered at our parish: By now you should have received a campaign brochure in the mail. Please take the time to read through the materials and to prayerfully make a decision with regard to your participation. If you are in need of a brochure, please call the parish office at 215-563-4145.
For those who may not be registered at our parish but are friends of St. John’s: You are very important to the future of St. John’s too and we want you to have the opportunity to learn more about the campaign. Campaign materials are available at the Church and on this website.
In this Easter season the restoration of our church towers has truly been something to celebrate and to rejoice about, but it is only a beginning. Please pray for the success of our campaign “Rebuild. Renew. Rejoice,” and please bring your pledge cards to Mass this weekend.
Peace to you all,
Fr. Frank
Last November, St. John’s received the great news that we had been awarded an $80,000 grant from the Partners for Sacred Places to support “The Campaign for St. John’s”. Since that time, the Development Committee has been working to define the project scope to be included in the formal grant agreement. It was decided that replacement of the leaking skylights and other critical roofing and masonry repairs was the highest priority after the recent completion of the bell tower project. This work should eliminate the water infiltration which is the primary cause of the damage to our ceilings and walls becoming so unfortunately apparent.
The grant requires a 2-to-1 match with funds to be raised by St. John’s so the total scope of the project supported by the Partners for Sacred Places grant will be $240,000. In the next step, St. John’s will work with Levine & Company, our roofing and architectural conservation consultant, to obtain the detailed construction documents necessary to obtain bids from roofing and masonry contractors on the specified work. Once bids are awarded, the design and construction of the project should take about 9 to 10 months.
Year-end is a great time for giving. When you make a donation by December 31 to Saint John the Evangelist, you aren’t just giving money. You are perpetuating our faith by supporting St. John’s ministry to the people of Center City Philadelphia.
Before making a year-end gift, talk to your tax advisor. A CPA, attorney, or other advisor can help you understand the impact of your gift on your income tax return and estate. It also applies to life-income gifts (gift annuities, trust arrangements, etc.). Take the time to calculate your income and do some planning while you still have the opportunity to make a year-end gift. Try to get a handle on your tax liability for the year. Did your unearned income increase? Did you sell any appreciated assets? Will you owe more taxes? This alone may motivate you to increase your giving before December 31.
Finally, do your giving early. This is especially true if you want to make a gift of non-cash assets (stock, real estate, etc.). Transfer of these assets can take time. To make a gift to Saint John the Evangelist Parish please call the parish office (215) 563-4145.