FROM THE PASTOR
THE GAME PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE
I’ve been with you for one year. I’ve listened. I’ve learned. Now I am ready to move forward with a vision for our future. I was sent here for a reason and, with your help, I intend to follow through. So, here’s the game plan:
THE RECTORY: While there was some discussion in the past about whether to keep the rectory or build a new one elsewhere, the decision has been made to keep the present rectory as the residence of the pastor. You have provided a very comfortable rectory for your pastors and I am perfectly content remaining here. That the Parish offices are in the rectory does not bother me in the least. In many ways it allows for more efficiency. At the same time, there is a litany of maintenance issues to address. Due to a moisture problem, the exterior walls of the rectory are buckling. There is inadequate insulation in the attic and poor AC duct work. I have been in discussion with someone whom I trust to evaluate the situation and to review past assessments of the buildings done by the previous pastor. I am confident that the plan we have come up with will address the issues effectively. The work will begin soon. I’m not looking forward to the “mess” that interior repair creates and I certainly ask for your patience with the Parish Staff as they too will be adjusting to office chaos.
THE CHURCH PROPERTY: There is a serious drainage issue on Church property. This will now be addressed with underground systems. The cost will be huge, but it must be done. Additionally, we are in the discussion stages of accepting a land donation for the extension of the cemetery property. Please pray with me that this meets with success.
The Church also owned property in Shady Pines on Ashford Lane. This property has been on the market for a few years now. We were recently able to sell the property, providing additional income.
THE PRESENT CHURCH BUILDING: I am very pleased to announce that the present Church will not be demolished. It will serve as a Narthex (entrance way) to a new construction which will be added to the existing structure. The present Church will also house a day time Adoration Chapel and will serve as the sacred space for baptisms. Thus, the present Church will retain a liturgical purpose which was important to me. And, of course, there will be an expanded parking lot (with lighting) where the present parking lot is located.
HAPPENING SOON: As stated above, interior work in the rectory will start very soon. Now that a definitive decision has been made to preserve the present Church, we will also start addressing some of the less expensive repair issues, and this will happen this week. As a start, the rotting window sills will be repaired. Generous parishioners, who wish to remain anonymous, will help cover the cost of this project. The front awning will also be taken down. It is rotting in areas and I do not wish to spend the money to repair it. It is also unsightly and takes away from the beauty and architectural integrity of the Church. This may cause some discontent, but let us remember that the Church did not have a front covering for years and all managed just fine. The very rare times when an awning would be convenient (rain before and after Masses) can easily be overcome with an umbrella or using the handicap entrance/exit which is covered.
THE CONCEPT: Please see the conceptual diagram below. It purposely offers only a visual concept. The details will be worked out in the months ahead, including organizing a Capital Campaign for fund raising. (See below for Capital Campaign details.) Of course, amid a world pandemic, initiating a Capital Campaign is hardly a prudent task at the moment. We have to wait for the right timing. Thus, the construction of a new Church is certainly a few years away. But NOW is the time to start the planning process and to get things in order. I will put a Council together soon in order to assist me in the planning stages.
THE INTERCESSION OF PAST DECEASED PASTORS: For the past several weeks I have been invoking the intercession of the deceased pastors of St. Anne, asking them to guide my decision making and to help bring our efforts to successful completion. (Three of the pastors are buried in our cemetery.) I invite you to do the same. They still belong to us, truly present in ways that go beyond our understanding. They will help because they still love St. Anne Parish, just as they did your loved ones when they were sent here to bring Jesus to this community.
ONE FINAL POINT: Inevitably, when major projects are undertaken, various opinions surface. When I announced to you, back in January, that we would build a new Church, I purposely did not address the future of the present Church. I simply announced that we would build. Since that homily, I have tried very, very hard to be sensitive to your history. I am deeply honored and genuinely excited to have the opportunity to build a new Church, an opportunity that very few pastors get. Since my arrival you have been so very supportive and encouraging, but I am not naïve. I also know the “down side” of building projects. With the abundant decisions that await me, disagreements will no doubt surface. Thus, before I undertake this huge project, I want to make it clear that I do not intend to enter into the false perception of naysayers. Effective leadership does not surround itself with “negativity.” Constructive criticism is always welcomed, and I pledge to continue to listen to you and to be open to your direction, but the final decision remains with the legitimate authority, and that is the pastor. It’s how our Blessed Lord set up His Church and we will be faithful to it. Let’s stay positive and hopeful, grateful that this plan keeps the present Church building in place to honor your rich sacramental history.
WORKING TOGETHER: These are exciting times for us. I’ve been with you long enough to know that you will rise to the challenge. We’re on our way! Good St Anne, pray for us!
The above meets with the full approval of the Finance/Parish Council.
ABOUT THE DIOCESAN CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
The Campaign that was initiated here at St. Anne in 2017 does not end until 2023. It is not my intention to wait until 2023 to start a Capital Campaign for the game plan mentioned above. Thus, my tentative plan, which was discussed at a recent meeting with the Bishop, is to restructure what was set up by the Diocese. This will take place when the world returns to some semblance of normalcy and our economy is more settled. In the meantime, anyone wishing to make donations to the future of the new Church may do so beginning NOW. That money will be earmarked for such. More details will be outlined for you as we near the initiation time for a new fundraising approach.
As a recap, here is where St. Anne Church stands with regard to the Diocesan Campaign as of July 1, 2020.
Mandatory Goal set by Diocese: $371,000.00
What we’ve collected for Diocese thus far: $185,499.96 (balance of $185,500.04)
What we’ve received from Diocese as part of the 70%/30% arrangement of funds collected: $79,499.93
About St. Paul School: As announced months ago, this is no longer a part of the immediate future of St. Anne Parish. There were only very few donors and, according to the wishes of the donors, their money was either returned to them or was transferred to St. Anne’s account to go towards the building of a future Church.
Land Donation for St. Paul School: The land that was designated for a future School will be replaced by a $500,000.00 (five hundred thousand) donation for the construction of a new Church. We owe our deep gratitude to Mr. Guy Broussard and his father who is assisting him, Mr. John Broussard, for their generosity to us.