Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

We are working with the planning office of the Diocese of St. Cloud and their lawyers to merge the separate civil corporations of our parish into one. The goal is to have this paperwork completed and filed with the county and state at the end of this first quarter of the fiscal year (the end of September). Assuming that things proceed smoothly, that means that we will soon begin the process of things like merging bank accounts, ordering new contribution envelopes, and updating online giving. That means that coming soon (but not yet) we will be asking everyone to make checks payable to the new parish name and not to individual churches. That still has to wait until a new bank account is established, and that can only take place once the legal paperwork is concluded. There should also be some overlap, or other limited arrangements with the banks such that a check written by or to the previous corporation would effectively transfer money, so that we can make sure everyone gets the notice and checks have time to clear. This update is to make sure everyone is aware of coming changes and prepared for them. If you have questions, please contact me or your parish office. Please continue to watch this space and listen for announcements at Mass.

 

Some clarifications are needed for the Barn Dance fundraiser on October 2. The event is a St. Joseph, Pillar of Families parish fundraiser. Its primary goal is to benefit the youth program of the parish. In order to vitalize our parish youth program, it was determined that having a fitting and fun place to meet and have youth group meetings or activities would be a good first step. The best location for such a space is the lower level of the parish center in Mora. Before any remodeling of that space, there are some other building maintenance items that would need to take place, such as adding gutters to the roof or replacing the dehumidifier. The intent has been that parish funds, along with funds raised by the fundraiser, would go towards this project; the fundraiser money going more specifically to the space for the youth, and parish money towards the maintenance and repair side. The fundraiser is not just for the building improvements either; it also is meant to help purchase games and activities for the youth, as well as provide events for them. This money raised and donated is to push forward a comprehensive youth program for our parish. Thank you to all who have donated items, and I encourage everyone to attend the event, take part in the activities, and maybe even bid on some silent auction items. These funds go towards a good and necessary cause for our parish.

 

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Timothy