St. Veronica's Church

“Reaching out to help save St. Veronica's Church. I feel that having a Church in our community is vital to our spiritual wellbeing. Our spirituality is as important as every other aspect of our being. I would like to help and hope everyone else feels the same so that we can actually sustain and keep St. Veronica open and alive.”


“Father, we received your letter and are pleased to make this donation. Regards”, 
 

 ST. VERONICA’S CHURCH
559 Douglas Street, Sault Ste Marie, ON, P6C 1V3   
Telephone: (705) 253-9411 
Email:  stveronica@ssmd.ca
www.veronica.church

To all registered parishioners of St. Veronica’s church.


Dear: Parishioner:


We hope that this letter  find you and your family in good health and good spirits.

As you know we have all been through challenging times these past two years with the Covid virus, lockdowns and restrictions and now inflation.

Although the restrictions for church attendance have been lifted, there still are about 50% of our regular parishioners who have not yet returned. We miss your presence, your smiles, and your talents.

St. Veronica’s has existed over 80 years and during that time we have been a constant light in the west end of the city. Initially helping people who came from Europe to Canada after World War II, looking for employment and a safe place to call home. We provided community and assistance to all who were in need. When the original church burnt down in the 1950’s, it was the parishioners, who through their hard work and determination, multiple fundraising efforts and by offering all they could, this beautiful church we call home today was built.

St. Veronica’s was there when the steel plant was on strike for lengthy periods of time and the workers needed help. In recent years we have raised $10,000 to renovate our hall, $15,000 to install air conditioning, $50,000 to replace our furnace and then in the middle of Covid we asked for $15,000 to purchase equipment to livestream our Masses and people responded.

We are generous people!!!

Many priests and religious women are former members of our parish. Many of our volunteers have helped not only in our parish but out in our city of Sault Ste. Marie, through various charitable events and undertakings. The people of St. Veronica’s take pride in their Parish and the community and have always been there when the Church is in need.

Now we are depending on you to continue to be that light and help this church that needs you.

As attendance dropped during Covid-19 so did our Sunday Collection donations.

In reviewing our income this year, we are in a position of not being able to continue as we have in the past. Last year we had to lay off our staff for six months. We received some government subsidies which enabled us to meet our expenses. This year our staff is back for their regular hours and there is no longer any government funding. We continue to have bills for electricity, heat, elevator upkeep and safety checks and snow plowing as winter will soon be upon us.
This Fall, we had an unforeseen expense as the roof over the Sacristy needed to be replaced.

So, it is normal that we turn to those who have traditionally supported St. Veronica’s parish with their charitable donations. We rely totally on regular weekly or monthly donations from our parishioners. We do receive other forms of income from weddings, funerals, Memorial fund donations and candles; but that varies from year to year. This year we have been using the churches savings to subsidize expenses to keep the parish functioning, but we cannot continue on this trajectory much longer.

In the enclosed brochure you will see the many things that we have done and are planning to do to continue to be a witness to the Lord in our community. You will also see the ways that you can donate and help support St. Veronica’s in its time of need. We will also be looking for volunteers to help us in upcoming outreach and fundraising initiatives.

And so, in saying this…we need your help brothers and sisters.

We ask that if you have not done so already, please return to contributing financially to the parish on a regular basis even if you are not able to attend. This gives us financial stability and enables us to continue the work of the Lord in our community.

We encourage you to give what you can, as every dollar helps. If you can afford to give a bit more than you have been giving, it would help us out a lot. We are in an unfortunate position, but with your love and generosity we can return to financial health and continue to be a beacon of light and hope for our community.

We fully realize that with inflation everyone is paying more for everything, and we are no exception, but with our income decreased by 50% we will not be able to sustain this.

We certainly thank everyone who has been donating over the past two years, even with the lockdowns, and we encourage those who are viewing our Masses online or on Shaw Cable to please consider seriously, donating what you can so that we may continue.

During Covid it was easy to forget about taking time to come to Mass. Please try to set aside that hour each week to be with the church community. We are here for you, with love.


Okay
Thank you for your consideration.    

St. Veronica’s Finance Committee




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WAYS TO GIVE


!. PRE-AUTHORIZED DEBIT FORMS: can be obtained from Father Ron or call the Parish Office. To increase your donation, please come into the office or call. (705) 253-9411)

2. AUTO-DEPOSIT E-TRANSFER: send your e-transfer to stveronica@ssmd.ca  It will be deposited automatically.

3. CREDIT CARD, PAY-PAL, OR INTERAC: Visit our website: veronica.church and follow the link for Donations.

4. GREEN ENVELOPES: are available at the back of the church, if you wish to give occasionally. Please fill in your information and place the envelope in the collection basket.

To those of you who donate to St. Veronica’s, we appreciate your ongoing generosity. Don’t worry if you are unable to donate,  but please come to Mass. There is a place waiting here for you.