Corpus Christi Blog

Pink Envelope Building Fund

03-22-2015HomiliesFr. Chad King

I am preaching at all the Masses this weekend to let the whole parish know about something important, but before I get into that, I wanted to say a few words about today’s readings. 

In the Gospel of John chapter 12, just before the verses from today, a large crowd had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.  Upon hearing Jesus was on his way into the city, they took Palm branches and went to him and cried out “Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the king of Israel”.  And Jesus then came into the great capital city riding on a donkey, which as we know fulfills the prophet Zechariah writing.

The crowds who greeted Jesus with shouts of joy believed Jesus was the Messiah, but they had a different idea of the way the ‘Anointed One’ would save them.  They were anticipating a political leader who would save them by defeating their enemies; not realizing their real enemy all along had been sin.  They remained afraid of the armies of their enemies because they did not really trust in God’s providence and power, even though He had shown them His mighty works time after time.  Our 1st reading talks about how God had saved the people by displaying his power in the Old Covenant. Although He saved them from their slavery, they still did not really know who God was.  But our 1st reading goes on to prophecy about a new Covenant which will be written in the people’s hearts and they will know that He is their God and they are His people.  And in this New Covenant all people shall know the Lord.

Jesus knew He was the Messiah who would bring about this New Covenant.  Jesus knew that to die upon the Cross was the very reason He was sent by the Father; that through the Cross the Father would show his power and glory once again.  Jesus knew his destiny was to give Himself upon the Cross for love of the Father and the good of His people.  Jesus knew the Father’s plan, and now was the time for the people to begin to understand it too.

So my brothers and sisters, do you know the Father’s plan?  Do you know God as He has revealed Himself to you?  If we really knew God as He is, then like Jesus, we too would have no problem giving of ourselves in this life so that we can preserve it in eternal life.  Let’s be honest with ourselves… we don’t fully give of ourselves fully to God.   The way we live our life on this earth should reveal that we are living for eternal life with God. 

Now, I want to share with you the need for parish building improvements.   One of the first things I did when I got here as Pastor was look at the buildings so that I would have an idea when major building maintenance would be needed so that we could plan for them.  What I have learned is that most everything is original to the Church being built in 1996, which means we are talking 18 years of use.  We have 2 major projects that need our immediate attention- those are the air conditioners and roofs. 

The company that has been servicing our air conditioners has informed us of the low efficiency of the air conditioners on our Church.  7 of the 9 air conditioners for the Church are from 1996 and the other 2 were replaced in 2004 and 2010.  And currently 1 of the 7 is not working at all, and several others are running at less than 50%.  Instead of continuing to pay to have them repaired, we have been advised it is best to replace them.  We have received a couple of bids for quality units from reputable companies, the lowest bid is $85,000, and we are in the process of receiving another bid.

Likewise, we have received advice and bids from 4 different roofing contractors. We were advised that the roof on the rectory needs to be replaced as soon as possible, but the roof on the Church and classrooms 1-4 might be able to last another year or so.  By your generosity in the Pink Envelope Building Fund we already have the money to replace the roof on the rectory, which will be done shortly.  The cost to replace the roof on the Church and classrooms 1-4 will be $73,000. 

After consultation with the Pastoral and Finance Councils of the Parish, I would like to let you know that all the money you give through the Pink Envelope Building Fund, either in the actual envelopes or online, will go towards these projects and in this order: First, $85,000 to replace the 7 -18 year old air conditioners on the Church.  We have already saved $35,000 from the Pink Envelope donations.  Our goal, as I am sure is yours too, is hopefully to raise the remaining $50,000 and replace the air conditioners before the heat of the summer.  Secondly, after the air conditioners have been replaced, when we have raised the $73,000 needed, we’ll replace the roofs on the Church and the lower level of the classrooms, 1-4. 

I also know that there are other projects that need attention including the Sound System of the Church.  We also are looking into upgrading the lights in the Church and whole campus.  When they are possible or are needed these future projects, including the flooring in the Parish Center, will be paid for through the Pink Envelope Building Fund. 

It is my hope that you see Corpus Christi as part of your family; that you feel at home here.  But just like at your own home- you have your normal monthly bills and expenses, but you also eventually have to have money to replace things like air conditioners and roofs.  As you can see in the bulletin, our current expenses are more than our income at this time. Therefore, the Church cannot afford the regular income from your tithing to drop.  Please don’t borrow from Peter to pay Paul, or better said please don’t replace your tithe with a payment to the building fund.

I know this might be difficult for you, and I don’t like asking, especially so close to the Diocesan CDA. I am very proud to share with you that we are at 85% of our amount goal.  And I trust that we will reach that goal shortly. I also know that many of you are strapped financially already.  Perhaps the upcoming Dave Ramsey financial class beginning in April can help you.  But I do ask you to consider if you are being a good steward of the gifts God has given you.  God has shown his love for us by giving us His Son, and we know that we are challenged to give of ourselves.  Tithing is just one of the ways we show our love for God, and show to Him that we are living more for eternal life with Him then for this world.

Since the season of Lent is about giving, I wanted to share with you about these upcoming projects now. The Pastoral Council will be in the courtyard to answer any questions you might have.  As always, I thank you for your prayer, consideration, and generosity.  I know that God is trustworthy and will take care of you as you give of yourself for the good of Corpus Christi.  Thank you and God Bless.

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