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In 1945 Archbishop McNicholas authorized Fr. William Hilvert to start a Catholic parish in the then farmland of Monfort Heights. Some said building a parish in this area was a foolish idea and it wasn't needed. Nevertheless, St. Ignatius began with 78 charter families and the Sisters of Mercy quickly started religion classes and then a school for children in the area. The motto from St. Ignatius of Loyola was "to do everything for the Greater Glory of God". Today, just 56 years later, through the faith, dedication and sacrifices of priests, sisters, lay teachers and parishioners St. I's has grown to 2,243 households, a school of over 800 children and a Sunday morning religion program of over 100 families. Due to the rapid construction of new homes and condominiums in Monfort Heights our Church, School and Parish Offices are at capacity. We must now act. In 1995 the Pastoral Council initiated Project 2000 to develop a Master Plan for the future. Through parish surveys, open general meetings, statistical projections and prayer the Project 2000 Committee developed a dynamic Master Plan. After revisions during Council, Committee and another open general meeting we have a Master Building Plan to provide for current and future facility needs. Archbishop Pilarczyk has approved the proposal and we are now ready to begin. Project 2000 is a huge undertaking that will be accomplished in stages, as prioritized by the Pastoral Council and Parish Staff, Everyone's financial, volunteer and prayer support will be needed for this campaign to succeed and provide the facilities needed currently and for the future. Of course during the time of development, our first priority will be continuing the faith, along with the many Social Justice and Outreach activities; along with our Covenant Relationship with San Jose Parish, Guatemala; as we live the Gospel of Jesus. Over the past 56 years St. I members have sacrificed to provide the facilities that we are now blessed to have. Some may think the project is too massive or not needed, but 50 years from now others will thank God for the courageous action we have begun. By our generous response we not only give thanks to those who have provided for this parish, but we also show our children our commitment to the future of St. Ignatius Parish and the importance of continuing the faith for future generations. We must now step forward. Let us do everything for the Greater Glory of God. God's blessings to you, Fr. Thomas L. Bolte |
Dear
Friends,