+JMJ+
My fellow parishioners,
A few months ago, after having unlocked the church for a baptism on a Saturday afternoon, someone entered in, went to a pew and started praying. I assumed it was someone coming for the baptism that afternoon; I didn’t realize it was an unbaptized man, who, intrigued by the church, tried the door, entered, and, inspired by a lofty sacred space, began to pray. Keep in mind the church is usually locked at that time. After praying for a long while he approached me with questions, and I soon realized he wasn’t there for the baptism; but that he was in search of truth. I invited him to return for Mass the next day, which he did, and fortunately a seasoned parishioner noticed he needed help on how to follow Mass and promptly sat next to him to provide assistance. Long story short, this young man is now taking Fr. Debow’s convert catechism class, making friends, and preparing for baptism this Easter! God provided for this wandering soul, and the charity of a parishioner drew him more into our parish community. Deo Gratias!
This is one of many beautiful stories unfolding at our parish. We are blessed beyond measure that so many are seeking the truth and beauty of the faith and are drawn to St. Clements itself as they turn their hearts towards the Incarnate Lord.
Thomas à Kempis once said, “the loftier the building, the deeper the foundation must be.” This is applies of course to our spiritual life, that it must be deeply rooted and strong if it is going to last; but it also applies to all that supports it, such as the sacred liturgy and the church building itself.
As a parish community, we highly value, truth, beauty and goodness. Since 2012, we have invested considerable time, money, and talent to restore the interior beauty of our church.
Now the time has come to protect this restored beauty from the ravages of wind, rain, and snow.
As many old buildings require restoration and protection, it will come as no surprise that we are needing to significantly update our roof. We are currently installing a new metal roof because the shingles had been constantly twisting off in windstorms, creating the danger of expensive water damage to our interior enhancements.
Thank you for your generous support of this important project. To date, we have received $237,055. The projected cost to install the metal roof is $375,000; however, our engineer has advised us that we need to install additional reinforcements to the roof structure (the purlins) which will cost a further $52,500. This work is necessary to secure the building envelope and cannot be deferred.
As many of you wish to give before the end of the fiscal year, we hope you will consider making a charitable donation toward this important project for the protection of our church interior.
This is not just about a building, as our parish community is much more than that. This is about ensuring our community can continue to grow, thrive and honour our Lord in a protected and beautiful space.
This is about people like that young man, who was inspired to pray in a lofty sacred place – who recognized a house of God.
Please mark your contribution as “New Roof”, either here or via cheque or Cash on Sunday in the regular collection. E-transfers can be sent by following the instructions found here . Funds raised for this project will not be subject to the diocesan tax (13%).
I thank you for all that you give to our parish. Our community is blessed to have so many who are highly invested in many ways.
I wish you and your family a Blessed and Merry Christmas.
In Christo,
Fr. Erik Deprey, FSSP
St. Clement Parish
“Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the wilderness the paths of our God … and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh together shall see, that the mouth of the Lord hath spoken.” (Isaiah 40: 3-5)
