Denver Catholic

13 DENVER CATHOLIC | APRIL 27-MAY 10, 2019 the gift of faith and the community that we've received here in Loveland and will hopefully set us up for the next 50 years," said pastor Father Steve Adams. Co-chairmen of the capital campaign are the Rezniks, along with Becky and Lou Gerken, who have belonged to the parish for 40 years. "We believe this campaign is critical for our parish to fl ourish and transform the lives of future generations here in Loveland," said Becky. "Our hope is to welcome new fami- lies and individuals, as well as long-time parishioners, to practice and share their faith more fully," she said. St. John the Evangelist plans to build a more accessible fellowship hall, parish o¢ ce building, rectory and youth room, as well as enlarge its nursery. It will also remodel its meeting rooms and reno- vate the interior of the church. The interior renovations are partic- ularly essential for this project, as the parish seeks to "bring it up to the stan- dards of the 21st century," said Dick, particularly with modern audio-visual equipment. The co-chairs hope the upgrades will enhance parishioners' faith experience. "We want the inside of our sanctuary to refl ect the beauty of the liturgy and enable a deep relationship with Christ and the sacraments," said Lou. This capital campaign is essential for St. John the Evangelist, particularly because it's the only Catholic parish in Loveland, where the population is somewhere between 75-80,000. Because of this, "tradition is really important," said Father Adams. "This is the only place for Catholic sacra- ments. It's the only place for Catholic Eucharist." One key aspect of the renovation project is creating a "one-stop location for all of our parish family to access those resources under the church umbrella," said Dick. This will make it easier for parishio- ners to access all the parish has to ož er. "Any big function that the church doesn't really have a place for typically can go to the Knights Hall, which is a very old structure across the street," said Sue. "It's hard in the snow for the elderly to get across the street for any kind of function." The new fellowship hall will be attached to the church so parishioners don't have to walk outside to get there. "This will allow us to do a whole lot more outreach and evangelization," said Father Adams, "which is exactly where the Church needs to be right now." For the Rezniks, getting involved in some of the ministries the parish has to ož er, and particularly this capital campaign, has been a blessing. "It's been a really unique oppor- tunity to meet more people that we haven't met and get involved with something that's so important for our church," said Sue. The Gerkens, whose three daugh- ters grew up at St. John Catholic School and whose six grandchildren currently attend it, are also grateful to be a part of this undertaking. "We are excited about the current capital campaign and are thankful to those who, years ago, had a vision to pass their faith on to future generations here at St. John's," said Lou. "It is time for us to carry that vision forward." With no job and empty pockets, Jennifer needed help to start a new life. Our staff at Marisol Homes welcomed her and her son, making them feel right at home at our interim housing. Four months later, Jennifer moved into stable housing with her son. "I left with self-esteem, responsibility and an education," Jennifer said. "They supported me in everything. I'm very blessed to have been at Marisol (Catholic Charities' interim housing)." In honor of Mother's Day, will you make a gift today and help mothers like Jennifer find renewed hope. This Mother's Day, give the gift of hope. Support mothers and children experiencing homelessness Four months later, Jennifer moved into stable housing with her son. "I left with self-esteem, responsibility and an education," Jennifer said. "They supported me in everything. I'm very blessed to have been at This Mother's Day, give the gift of hope. Support mothers and children Donate at ccdenver.org/give (720) 799-9311 A capital campaign at St. John the Evangelist Parish seeks to renovate and expand the church to meet the growing population in Loveland. It is currently the only Catholic church in the northern Colorado city. PHOTO PROVIDED

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