A commitment to the Future

Faith in Our Future Newsletter

Sun, 10 May 2009 15:11:58 -0500

WE'RE ON OUR WAY TO THE FUTURE!
These are exciting, inspiring times at St. Sebastian Parish as we are considering our commitments to the Faith In Our Future Campaign. Support is building as more and more parishioners learn about Faith In Our Future, a joint effort on the part of all parishes in southeastern Wisconsin and the archdiocese. At St. Sebastian Parish, the goal is to raise $398,824, contributing to an overall campaign objective of $105 million.
FAITH IN OUR PARISHES, YOUTH AND ADULTS  Faith In Our Future will strengthen parishes, schools and lifelong faith formation efforts throughout the archdiocese. These are among Archbishop Timothy Dolan's pastoral priorities for the Catholic Church of southeastern Wisconsin. In addition, this campaign will support the global church.
FAITH IN EACH OTHER   We want everyone to enjoy the blessings of Catholic education and faith formation. We need each other to make it happen. In this newsletter you'll find information on making a commitment, Commitment Gatherings and our Commitment Weekend at St. Sebastian Parish. We invite you to participate and pray as you consider your contribution to Faith In Our Future.

Faith in Our Future Brochure

Sun, 10 May 2009 15:01:33 -0500

Dear Members and Friends of St. Sebastian Parish:

In this third message to you, the Leadership Team for the Capital Campaign “Faith In Our Future” wants to share with you information about the specific use and purposes of the proceeds from the Campaign here in our Parish.

In order to provide an environment that is strong and safe for the Parish Family, proceeds from the Campaign will be used to shore up the facilities in which we work, learn and pray.
• Roof repairs to the Church, which are about to begin soon, will be the first project undertaken.
• We will then look to replacement of the boilers present in the School, to install more energy efficient units. We’ll provide warmth and comfort to the children in school, and at the same time hope to realize economy from the new efficiency.
• Part of the cost of repaving the drives and resurfacing the school playground may be able to be recovered from your generous campaign gifts.

Our dedication to further and foster the mission of Christ in Church and School adds these encouraging efforts to our plan.
• We hope to be able to develop a new endowment fund for the school, aimed at providing some scholarship and tuition assistance for member families in need of it.
• And a portion of funds received would be set aside to fund Christian Education and Faith Formation programs and events for the adult members of the Parish Family.

These goals seem to be ambitious, especially in financially stressful times. But the Capital Campaign called “Faith In Our Future” is a powerful motivation to look to that future, our future, with both confidence and hope. We can achieve and surpass our goals through your thoughtful planning and determination to sacrifice now, for the strength and security of our future.

For the Capital Campaign Leadership Team, and
Sincerely yours in Christ,

Faith in Our Future Facts

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:30:07 -0500

In this second message to you about the Capital Campaign ‘Faith In Our Future’, the St. Sebastian Campaign’s Leadership Team wants to share with you the basic principles upon which the campaign is based.

The first principle is that we enjoy the gift of faith that God has given to us. We have accepted faith into our lives, and we live out its grace and blessings by seeking and responding to God’s will within us individually, and among us as a Family in the Church. We all share a ministry of support and service to one another.

Another principle acknowledges that God blesses each of us in different ways, with different talents and abilities, different resources and skills. And each of us both needs and wants to offer thanks to God for his gifts to us. Responding to God’s goodness with praise and thanks from generous hearts draws us ever closer to Him. The offering of ourselves to God’s work makes His work our own.

A third important principle recognizes the opportunity for proportionate giving. It means that it may not be possible for each of us to offer great gifts to God through this campaign, but it is surely possible for each of us to offer a genuine sacrifice to God which reflects the profound thanks we give Him for His great goodness to us, and the sacrifice of His Son for us.

With the gifts and sacrifices of our St. Sebastian Parish Members and Friends, we will anticipate that God will plan to do even greater works through us in the years to come.

For the Capital Campaign Leadership Team, and
Sincerely yours in Christ,