Feasibility Study to Explore Expansion

Dear Friends,

The favors of the Lord I will recall,
because of all he has done for us.
He has favored us according to his mercy
and his great kindness.

These words from the Prophet Isaiah are so rich in meaning as we celebrate these days of Thanksgiving and enter into another season of Advent when we prepare for the coming of even greater blessings in the Reign of God. I am so grateful to God this Thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve as pastor of St. Mary’s Church. It is a joy to share in the faith and life of this parish community, and I look forward to many years of ministry with you.

Last month I announced at all the weekend Masses that we would engage in a feasibility study on the proposed plans for expanding our parish facilities. Over the past ten years there has been a great deal of discussion and planning for the future of St. Mary’s. Through the efforts of Fr. Paul O’Connell, the parish council and various committees, the current and future needs of the parish have been identified and examined. The 2003 Parish Survey was one of the major vehicles used to gather your input. Given the needs and the continued growth of the parish, it is clear that we need to consider expanding our facilities here at our current location. The possibility of building in a new location has been considered, but ultimately proven to be impractical given the extensive costs involved and difficulties in finding suitable land in Shrewsbury.

The feasibility study will assist us greatly as we consider the following improvements:

• Within the church itself, expand and upgrade seating capacity, provide rest rooms on the main level, an elevator for accessibility and air conditioning
  
• Build a multi-purpose parish center for gatherings, social and athletic functions, concerts and educational programs
  
• Provide additional meeting space for parish ministries and community activities
  
• Add more classroom space for Religious Education and school use
  
• Develop a Media Center for parish and school use
  
• Provide activity space for children and youth
  

Indeed it is an exciting time for St. Mary’s as we plan for our future and seek the best ways in which we can continue our mission and life as a community of faith. Since the first 60 Catholics in Shrewsbury came together in 1872 to build St. Theresa’s Church on Main St. until this present day, people of this parish have exemplified the true Christian spirit of generosity and sacrifice. Let us continue together under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit as we look to our future with hope and confident faith.

Thank-you for all you do to help build up the Body of Christ in our midst.

Fr. Michael Rose