From the Pastor: Bridge the Gap (click here)

Dear Family,

I hope the importance of my salutation was not lost on you; indeed, and in fact we are family! We are God’s family that exists under the patronage of St. Paul the Apostle in downtown Lexington for more than 150 years. We are a diverse family and we are an incredible sign to the downtown community – and far beyond – of how diverse people can be family and love one another. Our parish is important to the fabric of Lexington, I am reminded over and over again, and it is a living sign of God’s love far beyond Lexington and Kentucky.

Like many families, sometimes we have to have difficult discussions that are necessary; this is one of them. During June, I have met with our Finance Council and parish leadership twice to figure out how to create a budget in the age of COVID19. That was in addition to doing a lot of budgeting work individually, too. We created a bare bones budget. No perks and nothing outside of what is essential is in the budget. And still, because of the impacts of COVID-19 we will need $125,000 to bridge the gap between projected income and the bare-bones needs of keeping the parish running.

For 4 months we have not had our regular mass attendance. We lost the Holy week and Easter offertory because of the pandemic. We have had no visitors who regularly come to our parish during Keenland meets and because of conventions and other draws. We have sold no parking during games and events because there are no games and events. We have had no fundraisers and cannot have our yearly big Tony’s Dinner fundraiser because of COVID-19. Non-parishioner weddings generate income and we have had to refund money and have only a few new weddings scheduled. In a word, we are in trouble financially, just like every other parish I know of here and throughout the United States.

But, one thing I’ve learned since coming here is that there are generous people who are willing to sacrifice and dig deep in order to keep our parish alive. If you have been one of these folks, thank you very much – mission accomplished. We’re still up and running because of you. Now, we need everyone to pray about and think about how each can help – personally or by making a call to someone with means and asking them to help a parish you love. We must bridge this $125,000 gap or else we will have to make some sad and difficult choices.

I am asking you to think about what you can do. Think about whom you might know in your network that could help us. Think about how much Historic Saint Paul means to you and to Lexington and to downtown and to the people on all kinds of margins who find a home here. Then, help. Help heroically. Help generously. Help the parish you love.

It is never easy to talk about money. But every family has to have these kinds of conversations. Now, it is time for our family to have the conversation. Some priests dislike talking about money. I don’t mind it. I’m not asking for me and I’m not asking for anything for myself. I’m asking to keep our parish afloat and keep the ministries that attracted me to this beautiful parish alive. I’m asking because I believe this parish is a gem and a place where miracles happen and that is why I wanted to come here. I believe we are doing God’s miraculous work here. I also believe we must continue doing it.

So, if you can help, please do. You can write a check and mail it – just make sure it says BRIDGING THE GAP in the memo line, so we know it is not regular weekly offertory. You can go online and give something extra. You can have your bank send a check or make a direct deposit. You can share securities or stock. There are many options. Sharing is what creates miracles – remember the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish? They even had tons of leftovers! 

If you can help bigtime, please do. If you can share a little extra, please do. If you know of someone with significant means who might be able to help us bridge this gap, talk to them – please do. Let’s pray and work for a miracle. And if you need me I am always an email or phone call away.

“We can do this. We can do this together,” our Governor always says. The Gospels said it long before our Governor. Jesus taught us that when we share what we have, miracles happen. Historic Saint Paul Parish needs a miracle. 

In the heart of Jesus,

Fr. Richard Watson

Pastor