Page 25 - Catholic Extension Magazine Spring 2020

Extension | Spring 2020 25

Father Britto Berchmans, pastor
of St. Paul of the Cross Church in
Park Ridge, Illinois—whose parish
generously supported the renovation
project—celebrated Mass at St. Luke.

means everything.”
“Churches are places of beauty,”
he added. “You are transported to
different dimensions. The outside
of this church is very modest, but
inside it is beautiful.”
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh, principal
of St. Paul of the Cross School, said,
“This is such a vibrant community
here. They have done so much
with so little. They remind me of
Catholic communities that our
grandparents came from—where
the church was at the center of the
community. We have so much to
learn from them.”
Fr. Berchmans,
Bishop Taylor The new St.
and two other staff Luke Church
members at St. was dedicated in
Paul of the Cross, November 2019
Adrienne Timm and has seating for
and Dr. Erika 350, two class-
Mickelburgh
(far right) come rooms, offices and
together at St. a parish hall that
Luke to celebrate will be refinished.
their partnership The new church
in the church is a sign of great
renovation.
hope in an area
where residents
work hard, struggle economically
and lean heavily on their faith. This
new space brightens their days and
enriches their lives.
“This church building has
brought parishioners together,
Catholic Extension Parish Partnership program let them see how much they can
With a compelling list of urgent projects to support our Church, Catholic accomplish and let them realize a
Extension has created a turn-key fundraising program that is easily adapted dream they’ve held for a decade,”
for any parish and provides materials and guidance for fundraising. Please said Father D’Almeida.
contact Natalie Donatello at ndonatello@catholicextension.org