Page 22 - Catholic Extension Magazine Spring 2020

22 INSPIRE

Cover Story

Parishioners are so proud of their new
church, which was recently dedicated. It
contains many salvageable pieces from
their old church, including the Stations of
the Cross, crucifix, tabernacle, statues and
stained-glass windows. The altar and pews
were donated from other churches.

Faith & Mission was established to
expand places of worship in poor
areas across the state. The brain-
child of Bishop Anthony Taylor,
the program invites all parishes
in Arkansas to partner with a
struggling, neighboring parish to
help it become a thriving faith
community.
“The program is a great example
of how the parishes of our diocese
can band together to assist select a site for its new church,
rural parishes with the special purchasing the property of the HELP FROM CATHOLIC
challenges they face,” said Bishop Bradley County Farmers Associ- EXTENSION AND OTHERS
Taylor. St. Luke Parish was selected ation, an old co-op warehouse, Even with continued fundrais-
as the first community to receive not far from the original St. Luke. ing and assistance from the One
a fundraising boost through this While the building was rundown, Church program, St. Luke Parish
initiative. it was what the parish could afford, still faced steep costs to renovate
With aid from the One Church and parishioners immediately the old building. Catholic Exten-
program, the parish was able to envisioned creating a sacred place sion was asked to help.
of dignity.