Mission Wish List
Mission of Our Lady of the Angels
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| Always Needed! Canned goods and non-perishable foods & supplies. Maybe your church or group would like to sponsor a food drive for the Mission. The food would be welcome and is needed! |
So what is still needed? We are waiting for the drawings right now. We may still need a bit of review from an architect. We'll know more the week of Sept. 15. Then Fr. Bob will be able to make up a more definite list of what is still needed. Here are the priorities:
please let us know. Fr. Bob is away on silent retreat until Sept. 14, but you can send an e-mail to IrishNet@aol.com, call L. Weaver who can give you more information, at 312.320.9916, or wait until Fr. Bob gets back and call him at (773) 486-8431.
accounting. He worked for Price Waterhouse for a few years until he could no longer resist the call to become a priest. He is extremely skilled at efficiently using resources and making the most out of things that others might think worthless. So if you have supplies that might be useful in some aspect of renovating the convent (plumbing, electrical, whatever) just let him know. He might not be able to use them, but they might be just what he needs. Maybe you know a contractor, vendor or supplier who has extra materials left over from a project. Fr. Bob might be able to use them. It never hurts to check. If you are a tradesman of any kind, electrician, architect, plumber, or engineer and would like to get involved, please call Fr. Bob ASAP! Meanwhile other volunteers are working on a plan that will give Fr. Bob the funds for the on-going operations -- a plan that will be self-sustaining so that he can focus on the good work of the Mission and not have to worry about fund raising month to month and year to year. We will have information about that program (which involves Dominick's) posted on the web on or by Saturday, Sept. 13. We are waiting on a few bits of information. Thanks to all those who enthusiastically embraced the concept at the Mobile Food Pantry last Saturday. Even the neighbors we serve in Humboldt Park loved it and were the first to sign up! We can all help build this Mission together.
been awesome. You have been most generous in giving from the heart. |
| Why is Fr. Bob stunned? When Fr. Bob rode into this town a few years ago, he didn't know what to expect. He thought, pensively, "I wonder what kind of people live in this City? Where is Humboldt Park? How will I ever renovate the rectory,..... and then Kelly Hall, ......AND then the Convent?" (with virtually no money....) |
Less than a month ago (on August 10, 2008) we posted an update on the renovation of Kelly Hall. We also posted information about Fr. Bob's need to renovate the convent which will house college kids coming to volunteer with the Urban Plunge and other service programs. The renovation will also allow Fr. Bob to accommodate larger groups that want to come to the Mission for retreats. Since Fr. Bob has virtually no budget to renovate the convent, various groups and individuals volunteered to take on portions of the convent so that it, too, could be complete by Christmas when Kelly Hall is ready (see the August 2008 page for the update on Kelly Hall and the Convent.) On August 10th, we asked you to spread the word about the Convent to your friends, families, co-workers, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers and anyone you thought might be interested in the good work being done at the Mission. |
| With his ever cheerful demeanor and eternal hope, he prayed, as he still does, with confidence to God, for help from his friends and those who would soon become his friends - in Chicago and across the country. |
| His prayers have been and continue to be answered - but not just by those he knows, but by complete strangers- some anonymously. It was only with your help that the Mission has become more than just a dream. We aren't just saying that. It's the truth! Here's an example: |
| We noticed that he actually seems to be glowing. |
| At first he was shocked by your generosity. (Seriously, he was. He walked around one whole day just saying, "I can't believe how generous people are! Isn't God great?!" ) |
| He seemed to float around the Mission as the burden became lighter. |
YOU DID A MOST EXCELLENT JOB!!! Fr. Bob is stunned, and for good reason. In less than 30 days, here are just some of the things that have been donated from various individuals, businesses, and organizations: 160 gallons of white paint 60 room air conditioners 60 beds sheets for all 60 beds desks for the 40 bedrooms dining room furniture tuck pointing of chimney & back wall help with clean up and painting by a university group clean up and restoration of the area around the old boiler a computer and monitor all the furniture needed for the common areas - couches, chairs, end tables, etc. beautiful pure oak wooden doors and... An inquiry from a pastor indicating that his parish wants to become actively involved in the good work of the Mission!!!! Father Bob is soooooo happy. |
When Fr. Bob gets back from his silent retreat and sees these photos, your humble web master may get fired from this volunteer job! : )
| In addition to donating resources, you continue to donate "yourselves"- the best gift of all. Below are just a few of the great kids who came to work at the Mobile Food Pantry on September 6 - including, the Squires from the Knights of Columbus in Arlington Heights to some beautiful young ladies from St. Paul of the Cross. |
| How is your investment portfolio doing? We invest in stocks. We invest in bonds. We invest in real estate. Invest in the one thing that can make a true difference. Invest in The New Evangelization It can change the world. Spread the Word..... It's time to invest in futures! That's exactly what we do at the Mission. We invest in the futures of the people who live in the neighborhood, and in particular in the lives of all those beautiful children. We also invest in our own futures as we work together, building friendships, stronger families and a better world. Thanks for joining us! It wouldn't be the same without you. If you are just hearing about the Mission, come see us soon! |