Oratory of Ss. Gregory & Augustine

Dear Faithful,
   
Welcome to our 4th Giving Tuesday Campaign. I know I am not alone in saying how deeply edifying it is to see the generosity of our Oratory community each year. Our campaign goals are always directed towards items that further the beauty of our church and our liturgies, and the zeal with which you, the faithful, have responded to these goals calls to mind a verse in Psalm 25 that I pray while washing my hands during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: "I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house and the place where Thy glory dwelleth." It is evident from the success of each of our previous campaigns that you have this great love for the beauty of God's house and for His Glory. May Our Lord, Who is never outdone in generosity, reward you both in this life and the next. I invite you now to consider our 2025 campaign goals below. Thank you, and may God reward you.
   

Peace in Christ,
Msgr. Morris

Processional Crucifix 

Our Oratory's yearly calendar now has over 10 major outdoor processions, celebrating feasts such as Corpus Christi, the Assumption of Our Lady, and Saint Louis. Perhaps the most important emblem of any procession is the Crucifix, the Vexilla Regis, that leads Christians to victory. The below Cathedral style processional Crucifix is a worthy work of art to lead us in prayerful processions for years to come:

Cost: $2,500

Ombrellino

An Ombrellino shelters the Holy Eucharist while it is being transferred from the altar to the processional canopy. Like the canopy, the monstrance, and the sacred vessels, it is traditionally made of the finest materials. Since 2021, we have used an improvised ombrellino home-made by a member who used a large golf umbrella and cheap polyester. Although the materials weren't ideal, the makeshift ombrellino held together longer than could have been expected. Recently, however, the umbrella mechanism finally gave out making it evident that the time has come to order an ombrellino of better quality. We have commissioned a small liturgical arts company to make us a beautiful and durable ombrellino with a long-pole mechanism and fine English gothic silk. Not only will this ombrellino function better, it will more aptly reflect the grandeur of the Eucharistic Lord.
   

Cost $3,000

Baptistry Beautification

Since our community came to St. Luke's church in 2019, our baptistry has hosted close to 300 Baptisms! This small alcove in the back of the church is the space in which we celebrate the Sacrament that places the indelible mark of the Christian on the souls of the children, siblings, or grandchildren of our community. We desire now to make it a place which further reflects this sacramental wonder. Possible improvements for this space include an updated lamp and altar.

Estimated cost of new lamp: $15,000
Estimated cost for entire project: $30,000

Expanding Our Nativity Set

It has become a beloved tradition of our community each year to expand the figures of our Nativity Creche. In honor of the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, we would like to add a camel and a camel driver to our Wise Men's retinue. The Prophet Isaias paints a wonderful picture of the caravan from the east: 

"Then shalt thou see and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense and showing forth the praise to the Lord."

Let's add to our Wise Men's caravan this year to help bring these beautiful words to life!
   

Cost: $3,000

May God reward you for your generosity!