2010-2011 Special Projects/CSA Goal Total Goal: $275,000 CSA Target: $215,000
Gifts and Pledges to Date $251,946
Number of Gifts 786
Percentage of Target 92%
For over 80 years, our parish family has been the presence of Christ in our Orion and Oxford communities. Since 1940, our lovely stone church has stood as a beacon between our two towns where we have gathered to celebrate the mysteries of our faith. Throughout our history, our parishioners have generously supported the mission and ministry of the Church in order to bring Jesus’ message and love to others.
It is good to recall our history as we embark on our St. Joseph Special Projects Fund/CSA for 2010-11. This is the fourth year that we are joining special projects to the annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). Through this appeal, we have been able to meet our CSA target and address parish needs as well. With your help in the past, we have replaced the front parking lots, restored and preserved the original stained-glass windows of the church and repaired the exterior stone walls. Last year, we finished paying for the church building restoration and replaced the carpeting in the Gathering Space and Marian Hall. This year, we are setting a target of $275,000 through which we hope to build a new parish sign on M-24, add lighting to our front parking area, and improve the video capability in the church.
There are many advantages for the parish by linking the St. Joseph Special Projects Fund with the CSA. As you may know, the support of the Catholic Services Appeal is required by the Archdiocese and any shortfall in our target must be paid out of parish funds. Pledges and gifts to St. Joseph Special Projects Fund/CSA can be made in manageable monthly or quarterly payments over the year and also through convenient electronic debit. Mailing costs and billing are handled through the Archdiocese. Further, every dollar contributed above the CSA target is NOT subject to the usual Archdiocesan tax (7%) and returns directly to the parish. The parish leadership feels this is a “win-win” opportunity for St. Joseph.
Even in hard times, we are aware of the legacy and solid foundations left to us by the sacrificial giving of those who have preceded us. Now is the time for us to preserve and pass on to future generations what we have received as a gift. I ask that you prayerfully consider this and do your best to support our parish. It is my hope that EVERY family will make a gift or pledge, however large or small, and generously support this year’s St. Joseph Special Projects Fund/CSA.
Catholic Services Appeal