FROM YOUR CHAPLAIN — Fr. James M. Smith, FSSP
The Future of Mater Dei: SURVEY RESULTS
Thank you very much for the great work on the survey related to the question of whether we should buy the church. A total of 224 people answered the survey with an overwhelming 90 percent (197 people) responding “it’s better to buy the church.” There were 21 people (10 percent) who said “it’s better to keep renting…”, and I am especially grateful for the thoughtful comments that they included with their responses. I interpret the results as a mandate to move forward with the purchase of the building if it can be done prudently, given the current storms through which we are passing.
The challenge now is how to execute this program, and there are many details still to be worked out. In total, 160 people left comments about many of those details, and those comments overall are extremely helpful. It revealed that despite the yes-or-no structure of question 1 (whether we should buy the church or continue renting instead), there are many nuances that people care about and concerns that people have questions about. These are all legitimate and are being considered by the priests and the finance council, but in the end, despite all of the nuances, we have been presented with a black-and-white choice.
As I’ve mentioned before, when I arrived at Mater Dei on August 4, a letter from the diocese dated August 2 was sitting on my desk saying that the bishop had approved a proposal to sell the church to us. As the brand-new chaplain, my duty to him was to give him a considered response; and my duty to you was to do my due diligence by seeking your overall preference, and checking many technical details as part of this process. This work has taken up a large part of the seven weeks that I have been here.
In addition to question 1 on the overall direction, most people said they would support the project financially, with 35 percent of the respondents (77 people) saying they would be willing to increase their giving by half over the next three years; 11 percent (25 people) willing to double their giving; and four people said they would triple their giving.
As for the question of priorities, we asked you to rank some of our needs. “A bigger social hall” was by far the greatest demand, with 51 percent identifying it as their highest priority; 27 percent of the respondents chose “proper parish offices and meeting spaces;” 17 percent chose “more space for classrooms;” and 8 percent “recreational space.”
Dear people, I would ask you please to pray for wisdom and success as we take the next steps in this project. I have many more details to address to you, some of which I will mention from the pulpit Sunday, and others will take weeks and months to determine. Thank you very much for your zealous response.
Requiem Mass for Catherine Zambito will be held on tomorrow, Monday, September 27th at St. Lawrence Chapel, 110 State St. Harrisburg, at 11 a.m. with the Fr. Smith, FSSP as celebrant. Private burial will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery. A viewing will be held Sunday, September 26th from 6-9 p.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 8, at John W. Keffer Funeral Home, 902 Mt. Rose Ave. York
Mass Intentions
We are now accepting Public and Private Mass Intentions. Envelopes are located in the vestibule.
Catechism Class
There will be a mandatory parent meeting today, Sunday, September 26th at 10:10 in the Social Hall. Our first day of classes will be October 3rd. Classes will run from 10:10am - 10:50am.
ALL SAINTS DAY PARTY- Save the Date!
The All Saints Day party will be held on Sunday, October 31st, on the Feast of Christ the King, after the High Mass. More information and volunteer requests will be forthcoming. If you have any questions, please email allsaintsparty@materdeipa.com
Sunday Social — Volunteers needed
We are looking for individuals to serve on a committee and coordinate future Sunday Socials. If you can help, please contact the Office at socials@MaterDeiPa.com
Parking
Starting in October, the parish will team up with the cathedral to rent parking in South Street Garage. We will publish more details next week.
Second Collection -today, September 26th for the Building Fund. Thank you for your generosity.
Third Collection -today, September 26th for the for the Haitian people and the Church impacted by the earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace.
Rosary Rally
On Saturday, October 10th, at 11:30am we will commemorate the 104th Anniversary of Mary’s appearance at Fatima, Portugal in 1917. All will assemble in the front of St. Lawrence Church and process to Front Street for the recitation of the Rosary. After the Rosary there will be a sermon followed by Benediction in St. Lawrence. In case of inclement weather, all will take place inside the church.