Rare Opportunity

There was a time when humanity, particularly in Western civilization, built many churches with great devotion. Not anymore. For at least the last century, in most places, the churches we need are already built. As a result, modern people often do not fully understand why our ancestors built so many churches. Why was it so important to them? Why did they sacrifice so much to do it?

The answer is rooted in faith. The sacraments are physical manifestations of God’s grace at work in the world, and sacraments most often take place in a church building. Our ancestors sensed that for those who help build a Catholic church, every movement of grace in that building somehow, in a small and mysterious way, accrues to them. They receive a share in every sin confessed and forgiven, every Eucharistic sacrifice offered on the altar, every wedding vow lived out, and every loved one laid to rest in the building they helped to build. That is why they built churches.

Right now, there are very few Catholic churches being built. The new St. Teresa’s is a rare opportunity for those who view church building as our ancestors did, and who recognize the lasting spiritual significance of such a work.

Cathedrals are the seat of a bishop and historically the “centers of action” in a diocese. Metaphorically, Newman Centers today are something like new cathedrals. In many places they are true centers of action, where there is much happening—conversions, re-versions, holy marriages, and discernment to priesthood and religious life.

While you may never personally use the building we hope to construct for the new St. Teresa of Calcutta Newman Center, generations of young people will. They will carry the Catholic faith forward on your behalf, with an eternal impact. We believe our Newman Center Catholics are the future of human society as we know it. There is no better use of your resources than to help build them a church.

It is a defining honor for those with resources now to determine what kind of building we will leave behind for future Catholics across the state.

It’s time. Let’s “Build it for Them.”