Master Plan Bulletin Article

Growing Together Toward Heaven 
From the Desk of Father Haan 

Anticipation and excitement surround Phase One of our parish 15-year Master Plan! This first effort will accomplish a new, larger, beautiful Church, as well as a new, larger, beautiful perpetual adoration chapel. Our current church will then be utilized as a much larger social hall, directly connected to the narthex of the new church. 

But of course, these plans can only be realized through the sacrifice and generosity of every parishioner during our upcoming Capital Campaign. With our campaign officially launching to the whole SLDM community in January, we are asking the entire parish to begin praying daily for this monumental effort. It will be called the “Growing Together Toward Heaven” campaign, and I thought I’d share a bit about this name. 

Growing. Our parish has been rapidly growing. Nearly 400 new families have registered in the last three years! And with the projected growth of the city of Fishers, we can expect more of the same in the next fifteen years. But “growing” also emphasizes our task as disciples - always growing in our knowledge of Christ and our love for Him.  

Together. One of the most beloved aspects of our wonderful parish is the community that can be found here. This building project will ensure that parishioners will have ample space which encourages all to spend time together and share life together, so that we can live our mission together. 

Toward Heaven. This reminds us of our ultimate mission as a parish: eternal life with the Triune God in heaven. But it also indicates that the beauty of our new church will raise the mind to our heavenly destiny, reminding us that the Holy Mass is where heaven meets earth. 

Hopefully, you took a holy card with you after Mass! If you still need one, they are available in the narthex and at the parish office. You’ll notice the sacred art depicts the Holy Family in their flight into Egypt. There are several reasons for this selection: 

• Holy Family: In the spirit of our patron saint’s deep Marian devotion, we are invoking the intercession of our Blessed Mother, who was perfectly docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and acts as our Queen Mother. And Saint Joseph (a carpenter!) will protect and provide for us. Just like the Holy Family, our parish is a family, too… a family of families! And just like Joseph and Mary, our gaze will remain fixed on Christ. 
• Looking for a home: Each and every week, there are numerous families moving to Fishers looking for a spiritual home. This is our chance to make room for them. 
• Donkey: This humble creature simply went on the path directed by its master. We wish to be like that donkey, doing our part to accomplish God’s Will with simplicity and humility. 
• Angels: A reminder that heaven is near to us in the Presence of Christ, and that our parish family should draw us closer to the angels in heaven. 

Please add this intention to your daily prayers! 

Under the Mercy, 
Father Haan