Dear Sacred Heart Parishioner:
It is said, "From the heart flows the wellspring of life."
The gift of unfailing love. given with no expectations, can take Its toll.
And it has - so that now It becomes our legacy to meet the challenge of giving back
to that which has given so abundantly.
Since its dedication in 1905, Sacred Heart Church has served the needs of the
Tampa Bay community. It has been a historic focal point of downtown Tampa and
the site of numerous high profile events.
The church looks virtually the same today as it did in 1905.
We have commissioned a comprehensive evaluation of the repair needs of the church;
this evaluation will serve as a road map in preparing the plans for its preservation
and restoration. The plans for the restoration oft he stained glass windows are
substantially complete and are progressing.
The discovery of asbestos in the caulking has created an unexpected delay and cost increase.
The last time the interior of the church was painted was 1974.
Together with the damage caused by the window leaks and normal wear and tear,
It is necessary that we provide for the restoration of the interior as well as the exterior.
Additionally, the vision has been expanded to comprehensively
meet the needs of our growing parish.
Plans call for the upgrade of the parish center meeting rooms and office facilities,
provisions for Sunday CCD classes, the creation of an on-site nursery/child care
center for use during Mass, and the installation of a new sound system In the church.
This vision also includes the establishment of an endowment fund to address the ongoing
repair and restoration of our historic church and the parish center.
Our parish school, Sacred Heart Academy, is an integral part of the parish,
and we have made great progress in the restoration and repair of the physical facilities.
We have an excellent faculty, comprised of dedicated teachers and a strong administration.
We need to continue to make improvements to the facilities and enrich the curriculum to
provide a quality Catholic education for the children who attend.
We wish to thank those of you who helped to make Phase I of the capital campaign so successful.
The goal oft he first phase was $2.5 million, and the Parish raised approximately $2.8 million.
Please refer to the enclosed chart for information on how those funds were applied.
We now embark on Phase II of the campaign.
We do so with the recognition that our goals are ambitious but with the faith that
the Lord will provide according to His will. Our goal for this phase Is $5.0 million,
with $2.5 million to be applied to Identified projects and obligations.
The Parish support obligation ($612,000) to the Diocesan capital campaign will also
be fulfilled through this phase of our capital campaign.
An endowment fund to support Sacred Heart Church and Sacred Heart Academy
will makeup the remaining $2.5 million.
Please refer to the enclosed charts for Information related to the proposed
application of funds collected, opportunities for memorials, and for personal
recognition within the church building and school facilities.
You have always responded when called to support the needs of your parish.
Over the past 15 years, we have successfully completed campaigns to repair the organ,
build a rectory, repair the pews, and many other projects.
We are blessed with one of the true architectural treasures of Tampa
and the opportunity to preserve it for generations to come.
We believe that with this campaign it will be possible to preserve our
historic building and thereby do our part to pass on our magnificent church to
future generations as well as to further the temporal good works of our Parish,
the Diocese and the Church in general.
We thank you for your support and service to the Lords works.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Paul Osterle
Pastor
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