Welcome to Our Lady of Sorrows!
Dear Parishioners,
As your pastor, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families all the best as we begin a new year together. I pray that 2012 is a year full of many blessings for the people of our parish. As a new year begins there are so many things I want to say and share with you. Please take a few minutes to allow me to do so. The work of our Parish and ShareLife is made possible through the generous giving of our parishioners. Each one of us plays a vital role in the parish's ongoing life. When we live our lives in the glory of God by using our time, our talents and our treasures, people are sure to see Christ in us. God bless you and thank you.
Pre Authorized Giving
In response to changing lifestyles and demands on time and energy, the Archdiocese of Toronto has enabled us to assist in giving of gifts through Pre-Authorized Giving. You may want to consider the benefits for both you and our parish. It provides you with the convenience of continual support of your home church when you are away, along with the reassurance that your parish will operate with continued support. It also reduces work for our staff. You can access a Pre-Authorized Giving form on the website. No matter which choice you make, we appreciate your consideration. Thank you.
Update on the Building Condition Report
Last year at this time we reported that The Pastor's Advisory Committee continued the work of understanding and prioritizing the needs of our parish premises. In support of these needs, a Building Condition Report was prepared. A small working group called the Building Committee was formed. This Committee brought in Larkin Architect to review the findings and prepare their recommendations. This firm has completed projects for other churches in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Their recommendations were vetted by the Finance Council and Pastor's Advisory Committee. Many of your fellow parishioners have worked tirelessly these past couple of years to understand and prioritize both our present and future needs. They have given of their time and talents, for this I thank them. I am happy to report we are now in a position to present the parish community with plans for the restoration and renewal of Our Lady of Sorrows. Our church is over 70 years old and is in need of critical repairs.
Restore, Renew and Rejoice!
Over the next couple of weeks you will begin to hear about these plans in upcoming events:
- Information Sessions: The sessions will take place at all Masses the weekend of February 25 & 26th. Members of the Pastor's Advisory Committee, along with Larkin Architect will present restoration and renewal projects for Our Lady of Sorrows parish.
- Planning Study: Beginning Feb 27 a broad cross-section of parishioners will be invited to participate in a personal face to face interview conducted by M & M International, approved church fundraising specialists. The interviews will take place from March 5th to March 23rd.
- Open Forums: M & M International will also host Open Forums for all parishioners after each Mass the weekend of March 24 and 25th. You are invited to attend and provide feedback at these sessions.
We are excited to share with you our plans to restore and renew Our Lady of Sorrows. Your opinions are important and we ask you to share them with us. I thank you in advance for your participation.
I hope you continue to visit our website as we will be posting updates as they become a available.
Together we can restore, renew and rejoice in the Glory of God.
Yours in Christ,
