St. Stephen’s Catholic Church

Letter to Raise $600,000 for the New Perpetual Adoration Chapel & Columbarium

Dear Beloved Parishioners, Friends, and Benefactors of St. Stephen’s,

Grace and peace of Christ be with you!

I am writing to you today with a heartfelt request, a sacred mission, and a dream that God has placed before us, a dream rooted in prayer, love, and the legacy of one of our most treasured spiritual fathers, Msgr. James Bridges.

A Sacred Wish: Fulfilling Msgr. Bridges’ Final Wish

Many of you remember that I served as Msgr. Bridges’ assistant from 2015–2017. During those years, he shared with me one of his deepest desires: to build a Perpetual Adoration Chapel for our parish.

As he often said, “A parish that adores Jesus grows in holiness.”Before he passed away, this was his last wish for St. Stephen’s.

I truly believe God has sent me here not only to serve you with humility and love, but also to fulfill His Divine Will through this mission entrusted to us: to build a beautiful, reverent, and permanent home for Jesus in the Eucharist open day and night for every soul who seeks Him.

Why We Need This Chapel

For many years, we have been using the cry room as our temporary adoration space. While we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to adore Jesus anywhere, it becomes challenging when:

• There are Masses, funerals, weddings, Retreats, or other events.

People are distracted, and many have told me that they long for a place where they can sit quietly before the Lord without interruption. Jesus deserves a sacred space where His people can encounter Him in silence, love, and prayer.

Our Vision for the New Chapel

With faith and joy, we are planning a Perpetual Adoration Chapel integrated with a Columbarium, located by the bell tower. The design will include:

• A beautiful dome

• Stained-glass windows that lift the heart to God

• A peaceful columbarium for our beloved faithful departed

• A restroom for accessibility and comfort

• A sacred space open at any hour of the day or night

• An atmosphere of silence, reverence, and deep prayer

This chapel will not only honor Msgr. Bridges’ final wish is to nurture prayer, strengthen families, and transform the spiritual life of our parish for generations to come.

Our Goal: $600,000

To complete this holy project, we must raise $600,000. This will cover:

• the construction of the chapel,

• the dome and stained-glass artwork,

• stonework and landscaping around the columbarium,

• security and lighting,

• and the interior furnishings for a prayerful environment.

My beloved parish family, we cannot do this without you.

How You Can Help

Every contribution—large or small—brings this sacred chapel closer to becoming a reality. You can help in several ways:

1. Make a One-Time Donation

You may give joyfully from your heart in any amount the Lord inspires:

• $100

• $250

• $500

• $1,000

• $5,000

• $10,000

• $25,000

• $50,000

• $100,000 and above

If you would like to sponsor a stained-glass window, the dome, the altar, the tabernacle stand, or a section of the columbarium, please get in touch with me directly.

2. Make a Pledge

If you wish to contribute but cannot give all at once, you may pledge:

• Monthly

• Quarterly

• Annually

Every pledge makes a meaningful difference.

3. Offer Your Time, Talent, and Prayer

You can help by:

• Praying for this project daily,

• inviting others to support it,

• volunteering your skills or professional expertise,

• contributing building materials or services, if applicable.

Why Your Gift Matters

Your generosity today will:

• Give Jesus a permanent home of adoration,

• fulfill the legacy of Msgr. Bridges,

• strengthen our parish spiritually,

• provide a peaceful resting place for our faithful departed,

• and bless families for decades to come.

Every brick you help place will become a prayer, a memory, and a gift to the future of St. Stephen’s.

A Pastor’s Gratitude

Since I arrived in July 2023, God has allowed us to accomplish more than we ever imagined. None of this would have been possible without your love, support, and generous hearts. I thank God for you every day. I thank Him for your encouragement during difficult times.I thank Him for your prayers, your kindness, and your faith.

Together, we have built classrooms, a new house for our nuns, installed new A/C systems, undertaken massive parish improvements, and fostered a stronger spiritual life.Now we embark on the most sacred project of all—building a house for Jesus.

May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity. May our parish be known not only for its buildings, but for its deep love for Christ in the Eucharist.

With heartfelt gratitude and prayer,

Rev. Fr. Bala Anthony Govindu

Pastor, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church