by Mary Ann McCulley

“Let’s have a party!” That was the theme motivating the Sacred Heart team members who were planning the official “kick-off” for “Project Slate,” the capital campaign to beautify our own Sacred Heart Church. On Sunday, March 5, as 2:00 o’clock approached, many eyes looked towards the doors of the school hall expectantly, wondering if anyone would come.

Well, they need not have worried. The hall was jammed-packed very quickly. By 2:30 p.m., it was standing room only, and everyone was enjoying the music, food and warm, inviting atmosphere. The hall was decorated with balloons and festive floral arrangements and featured huge buffet and dessert tables. Pictures of precious moments during the life of Sacred Heart Church and its many gatherings throughout the years adorned the walls, together with information about Project Slate.

It was truly heartwarming to see the wonderful tapestry of our parish, the young and not so young from every nationality, which the Parish serves, sharing a table, food, and music together. Even the children who attended were given special treatment by the CYO volunteers who provided food and entertainment in the cafeteria. No one who attended was disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”) sheets regarding Project Slate were on every table, along with song sheets to our own Bill Hart and the O’Connells’ rendition of the song, “Raise the Roof!” Every hour a variety of music and entertainment took place: the Youth Choir Band, the Children’s choir, the Spanish choir, Bob Newman and Letitia Stevens (who twisted a few hymns to fit the occasion), Wendy and Kenny John, and even Fr. Tim Kearney managed to get the crowd chanting during “Raise the Roof.”

Sign-up sheets to attend house gatherings, or even to host a gathering of neighbors to spread the word about Project Slate, were available. These gatherings will take place during May and June. If you are interested, more information can be obtained by calling the Rectory. A very special thank-you to all who helped in any way to make this Kick-off a huge success, particularly Bill Hart and the “Marys”: Devine, Hanrahan, McKeeney, and O’Hara.

Following the Kick-off event, a mailing was sent throughout the Parish with a letter, along with a brochure regarding the need for Project Slate, and a pledge card. This campaign will only be successful if we unite as a parish and all do our part by making a pledge. Your contribution can be spread out over three years, and you can use Parish Pay, too! Many have already returned their pledge cards, but some may have lost it, or put it aside and forgotten about it. So please, think about what Sacred Heart Parish has meant to you and your family over the years, and will continue to mean in the future, and send in that pledge right away!

Looking ahead, “Project Slate” lapel pins are now available to those who make a donation/pledge. A memorial will be placed in the church listing those who have contributed and a book of donors will be issued as well. Most importantly, mark your calendars to “save the date” for a wonderful celebration scheduled for October 20 at Lantana’s as we complete this campaign and come together again to support our church and each other.