by Mary Ann McCulley

The name “Project Slate” evolved after many discussions about a major repair problem facing Sacred Heat Church – its roof. Anyone knows that a leaking roof cannot be ignored. Like a toothache, it will only get worse and cause even bigger headaches if not taken care of immediately! Unfortunately, Sacred Heart does not have a capital endowment to take care of major expenses such as the required repairs to its aging slate roof. Sure, the pastor could take out a loan, have the roof fixed, and then keep collecting from parishioners to pay off the loan and its accruing interest, but this would obviously not be financially advantageous.

When discussing the roof situation, some of the parish leaders began to talk about what Sacred Heart stands for both in the parish and in the community of Roslindale. Sacred Heart Church is our “spiritual home.” As with any home, periodic repairs are necessary to keep up this one. We usually want to clean and spruce up our houses for big events like weddings, baptisms, First Communions, graduations, etc. When we know many of our friends and relatives will be stopping by, we want our homes to “shine.”

Well, Sacred Heart hosts all these major events for us, and several more! How would we feel if we could no longer use the church due to severe deterioration? If we had to get married in another place, baptize our children in another place, or bury our parent/sibling in another place? I remember driving by Sacred Heart Church in Weymouth shortly after fire destroyed that wonderful old building. I watched parishioners of all ages carrying small bricks from the church as they walked away with tears in their eyes. It was the first time I actually asked myself, “What if our Sacred Heart was no more?”

Sacred Heart Church is so much more than just a building, however. It represents many generations who have struggled and devoted their time and talents to keep it a vibrant welcoming place for all. Today the parish is comprised of young and old, rich and poor, immigrant and native-born, all of whom continue to keep Sacred Heart fully alive, active and universal. The Roslindale community looks to Sacred Heart for leadership. It benefits from our outreach programs and unites with us in service to our neighbors.

“Project Slate” provides an opportunity to link all the various organizations, societies, groups, and neighborhoods that comprise our “spiritual home” behind a common good. Already, numerous wonderful volunteers are working in many different capacities and coming together because of their love for this, our church. Some of them are meeting each other for the first time.

Make no mistake, Sacred Heart is our church. The early Catholic settlers in Roslin-dale sacrificed and struggled very hard to begin construction of their very own place of worship. Their children and grandchildren reaped the benefits of those sacrifices and joined with them by continuing the tradition as caretakers of our spiritual home. Now it is time for us, young and old, to rise to the occasion, so that the next generation and the ones after it can continue to call Sacred Heart “home.”

When was the last time you remodeled your kitchen, bathroom or den? How old is the carpet in your house? When was the last time you painted your rooms? Well, though it seems like yesterday for some of us, it has actually been over twenty years since we last spruced-up our “spiritual home.” The hundreds who come through the doors of Sacred Heart Church each week have taken their toll on the facility.

The capital campaign, “Project Slate,” asks parishioners and friends to aim high to restore Sacred Heart so that it shines. It requires us to dream of what can be, just as our predecessors did. It calls upon us to care and to unite in creating something beautiful and lasting for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come.

Please don’t sit back and let the other guy do it. Your effort, no matter how small, will shine for you because you gave from your heart to Sacred Heart. On March 5, a kick-off event was held launching the official start of this campaign. In addition, a general mailing, containing a brochure and a pledge card, is being sent to all parishioners to explain “Project Slate.”

Throughout the month of March, neighbors and friends will be gathering at house parties where folks can discuss just how much Sacred Heart means to each of them and how best to help. Open “town meetings” will also be held so that everyone will have an opportunity to ask questions about the campaign, the cost of repairs, how to contribute, etc. Volunteers have come forward to ask if they can put on a concert or other event to help raise the needed funds. Project Slate is more than about raising money, however; it is a chance to unite behind a common goal. In October, we will have a big celebration of our success.

You can help by calling the Rectory, leaving your name and number, and telling them you would like to volunteer for “Project Slate.” A team member will contact you to discuss the various ways available for you to assist, and you can choose what best suits you. More importantly, you can make a pledge which can be paid this year or spread out over three years.

If you don’t think that you can afford to pledge, then consider these examples of how to find extra dollars: (1) One cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts a day times 365 days a year times three years equals $2,190 (and you don’t need all that caffeine anyway); (2) One pizza a week times 52 weeks a year times three years equals $1,404 (and who ever orders just one pizza – and how about those expensive extra toppings?); (3) Two movie tickets a week times 52 weeks a year times three years equals $2,808 (and we didn’t include the popcorn, soda and candy at that show); (4) Two movie rentals a week times 52 weeks a year times three years equals $1,248 (and that doesn’t include the kids’ movies); (5) $20 worth of lottery tickets a week times 52 weeks a year weeks times three years equals $3,120 (of course, if you win, you could also add those proceeds to your Project Slate donation).

Whatever you pledge, please do not take it lightly. Give some serious thought to your pledge, and to what Sacred Heart Church really means in your life. Major contributions will be recognized through a permanent memorial display in the Church. All contributions will be acknowledged in a Project Slate memorial catalog.

Please note that this campaign is not connected to the Archdiocesan appeal, and that all contributions will remain in Sacred Heart Parish. So, now you know what this thing called “Project Slate” is all about. As a final note, please think about this: Where were you on September 11, 2001? I went to Sacred Heart Church to pray, and I was not alone. Project Slate will help ensure that this beautiful building will be there for us and for generations to come.