Update on Parking Lots and Young Adults

by Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.  |  07/20/2025  |  Weekly Reflection

Beloved Parishioners,

I send you my warm greetings in this summer season. I pray for God’s protection upon each of you as I ask the Holy Spirit to continuously abide with you. Many of you who have been following my regular Pastor’s Corner will know there are still some outstanding reflections yet to be completed but I had to pause this weekend to share some updates on the parish life.

First, as some of you can see we have started work on the first phase of the parking lot from the entrance leading to the office and to the school. Hopefully, it will be completed in a week’s time. We are able to do it through the generosity of a parishioner who donated the whole amount for this first phase which cost us $111,000.00. She paid everything in full, and we express our profound appreciation to this woman who prefers to remain anonymous.

The second phase, which is the area of our parking lot that is mostly in a terrible bad shape, is evaluated to cost $166,000.00. So far, we have collected only $40,000.00 from the second collection in the last couple of months. We are looking for $126,000.00 to be able to embark on the second phase of parking lot. Any assistance towards this project would be highly appreciated. I appeal to anyone or families or groups, or organizations who can assist us funding this second phase that it would be welcomed. The last phase will cost $123,000.00. Once again, I thank all for the support so far and continue to appeal for more assistance to get the project finished. No amount is too small and anything one can offer is welcomed.

Secondly, the Diocese is organizing a Synod for young adults in line with the Jubilee Year of Hope. Every parish is requested to hold a listening session for the young adults in the parish between August and November. The goal is to give the young adults a listening opportunity where they can freely share their thoughts on the church and what can help them embrace the church more. There will be people coming from the Diocese who will facilitate this listening session for the young adults, and our own listening session is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Saint Joseph Hall from 10am-12pm. We are inviting all the young adults in our parish to save the date and endeavor to be present on that day. We are calling on everyone to encourage any young person you know from age 18 to 30 years of age, both married and unmarried.

Once again thanks very much for your wonderful support as I pray God to bless you. I will be sending you more updates as we progress.