Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,
I hope that this letter finds you well. Perhaps you are reading it while seated in your favorite comfy chair. If you are reading it while standing, why not take a seat?
Perhaps you are reading this while sitting on one of Basilica pews? If so, this should resonate with you in a very practical way. It’s that time of year again, when we launch our AMA or Annual Ministries Appeal. Last year, through your great generosity, we had the best response ever to such an appeal and the greatest number of participants of any parish in our Diocese.
I’m hoping that you have been able to check out our state-of-the-art, totally remodeled kitchen, at Crespi Parish Hall. It has been greatly praised members of our many ministries who use it frequently.
We are currently upgrading the bathrooms in Crespi. I thank you for your amazingly generous response to AMA 2018.
So, you may ask, what is our goal for our AMA 2019 campaign?
It’s all about asking you to help “Renew a Pew”!
Yes, I want to make sure that you are not only seated comfortably at home, but also when you come to Church. If you examine our pews closely, you will find that with the passing of years, they have suffered some neglect. Some are crying out for a new coat of varnish. Others have been the recipient of carved initials!
I have been noticing that many of our parishioners bring a cushion to sit on during mass. Many churches provide pews which have an upholstered seat cover. We are planning to introduce such an addition to our present pews.
We will not be discarding our pews, but rather stripping them down to the wood and repairing where necessary, followed by a total re-varnish.
More details will follow.
So, dear Friend of Carmel Mission, I invite you to prayerfully consider being a participant in our Renew our Pew campaign.
Our goal is to enhance our beautiful Basilica, and to make your worship experience here more comfortable.
In the great love of Jesus Christ,
Fr. Paul
Pastor at Carmel Mission