We are a vibrant Catholic community of disciples, centered on Christ, putting our faith into action, using our God-given gifts to serve our neighbors.
St. Mary's Church- Simsbury, CT
The Hartford Bishops’ Foundation (HBF), a foundation under the control of a lay board, is engaged in a first-ever Archdiocesan-wide Forward with Faith campaign that has already raised $42 Million for investment in Archdiocesan ministries, parishes, education and evangelization.
St. Mary’s is supporting the HBF with a goal of raising $770,000, 50% of which will be remitted back to St. Mary’s to support our own parish needs. Once we reach our fund-raising goal, 80% of all additional contributions will be returned to the parish. We now have an opportunity to put our tangible brick and mortar improvements, including our recently completed Campus Connection to their highest and best use, by investing in programs and services that will spread our faith to others.
Here at St. Mary’s, there are many in our community who no longer practice their faith or have yet to hear the Good News. We seek to reach out to people of all ages – including those who may feel marginalized or abandoned by the Church of their baptism. Most especially, we need to reach the youth of our parish and in the broader community who, in an increasingly secular world, do not feel connected to Christ and His Church, and are unable to recognize or value the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We desire to meet people “where they are” in this life, support and accompany them, that they might have eternal life.
This campaign will allow us to ignite the faith in all members through best practices to engage our youth, young adults and families by:
· Providing training and enrichment opportunities for faith formation leaders
· Inviting guest speakers to provide inspiring presentations on matters of faith
· Adding and upgrading the technology now necessary for faith formation
· Expanding our support and outreach to those who are in need in our community and growing in our understanding and practice of our Catholic teachings;
· Expanding and enhancing our parish ministries by offering opportunities to engage current members to actively live our faith, and inviting new members into our community;
· Enhancing our already vibrant worship and sacramental life by increasing active participation in worship
· Reconfiguring the church seating to provide increased space and comfort
· Upgrading the church audio-visual system and technological capabilities
· Replacing our aging HVAC system for greater health and comfort