StewardshipAppeal - Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish of Albion, NY

Stewardship Appeal: Each member of our parish is asked to consider making a sacrificial increase in their regular support for our parish. A lasting and meaningful increase by all of the faithful of our Parish will make a tremendous impact on Holy Family. I ask everyone to pray for the success of this appeal.

Major capital improvement projects at hand are the long overdue roof replacements at both campuses: St. Joseph Church ($85,000), St. Joseph School ($28,000) and St. Mary's Rectory ($27,000). The St. Mary's project was originally approved by the parish council back in 2004 prior to the merge, with a price tag of $17,000.

One of the great advantages of properties achieving landmark designation by historical preservation groups, is that they qualify for grant applications that help to properly maintain such buildings. The St. Joseph Campus is located in the Village of Albion historic preservation district and has been recognized by the Western New York Landmark Society. The following programs provide funds for such historic preservation:

The New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) - provides grants for projects to improve, protect, preserve rehabilitate or restore properties. It provides grants of up to 50% of eligible project costs, with funding caps, deadlines and priorities established each year.
Preserve New York - grants between $3,000 and $10,000 provide support for three types of projects: cultural resource surveys, historic structure reports, and historic landmark reports.
The Sacred Sites Program - provides financial and technical asssistance for the maintenance, repair, and restoration of religious properties of all denominations across the state. Funding is available for up to $100,000.
The Community Foundation - funds for projects that focus on preservation, education, and/or information efforts on unique historical assets of the region. Amounts typically awarded are between $10,000 and $20,000.
NYS Legislature (Member Items) - monies obtained through State Senators and/or Assembly members of that district in which the project is located.

Campaign Update as of November 22, 2009: Fr. Dick is pleased to report that 291 families have indicated an increase in their weekly contributions, representing an increase of $1,499.