Archbishop Burke Offers Help to New Parish of St Gianna

On September 9, 2007, The Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, Archbishop of St Louis, visited the temporary parish facilities of St. Gianna Catholic Church for the celebration of Holy Mass and to offer his encouragement and support to parishioners as they embark of the building of a new church and school.

Archbishop Burke established the new parish in April of 2006 and the first Holy Mass was celebrated in September of 2006. This was Archbishop Burke's first official visit to the parish and he was warmly received by the faithful who were in attendance at the 11:00am Sunday Mass.

Archbishop Burke expressed his solidarity with the parishioners in facing the challenges of beginning a new parish as well as meeting the other challenges with which the faithful must deal in a totally secularized world. He said:

It is your gift and challenge, in building up the life of a new parish, to rest parish life on the solid foundations of the Church's teachings and disciplines, in their fullness, above all, faith in the Most Blessed Sacrament and Eucharistic devotion. I am confident that you are doing so under the priestly care and direction of your pastor, Father Timothy Elliott.

He reminded the parishioners that "God gives us special grace when He calls upon us to take up a difficult challenge for the sake of His Church."

Archbishop Burke provided additional welcomed news to the parish, in that the Archdiocese will match gifts for our Capital Campaign for the current fiscal year up to $500,000 and that this match will be extended for the next fiscal year as well.

He also urged the parish to proceed with the planning and execution of the Capital Campaign among all Catholics who live within the boundaries of St Gianna Parish.

After Mass, Fr. Elliott announced the presentation of a plaque designed and made by Don and Mary Williams to Archbishop Burke in remembrance and gratitude for his establishing the parish of St Gianna.

Source: St Gianna Parish

[Pictured above, Archbishop Raymond Burke and St Gianna Parish Pastor, Fr. Timothy Elliott]