Our VisionVestibule Project
Brief History and Vision
Saint Simon Stock Parish was established when two parishes – Saint Edward the Confessor Parish in Pine Hill and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Berlin officially merged on November 4, 2009. Saint Simon Stock Parish nurtures the rich traditions of faith, family, and community of both Saint Edward Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. In 1953, Saint Edward the Confessor Parish was formerly created, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish was formerly created in 1903. Prior its merger, the existing church building we are currently using was completed in 1993. During the construction of the existing church, it was originally intended to have a church vestibule with a foyer. Due to financial challenges facing the Parish then, the church vestibule was never built.
Mission Statement Saint Simon Stock Parish
Saint Simon Stock Parish is a welcoming community. Guided by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Word, Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is the center of parish life.
Through our Baptismal call, we generously share our time, talent, and treasure. As responsible stewards of the Kingdom of God, we give joyful witness to Jesus’s Gospel of love.
Capital Campaign Church VESTIBULE PRAYER
O Gracious God
We are grateful for all the blessings You bestowed upon my family and my parish faith community – Saint Simon Stock.
Please help us to be good stewards of Your grace. Let this capital campaign for the Church Vestibule project reflect our faith, hope, and charity. May we use our gifts according to Your holy will and purpose. Together, with the help of your grace, may we make our vision a reality.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
FAQ
How much will it cost to complete the project?
The estimated cost of the project is $1,000,000. As of the writing of this, we have more than 50% (over $500,000) in our Parish Capital Campaign Account in cash and pledges coming due in the next 2-3 years. We will need an additional $500,000 in new commitments to the campaign to complete the project.
Is it fair to request everyone to contribute?
All Saint Simon Stock Parish parishioners and families are kindly asked to help. Because every parishioner will benefit from the vestibule project, each household is prayerfully requested to participate at the highest level possible to this long-term campaign while still being able to maintain their regular offertory contributions for ongoing parish life.
Does the Diocese of Camden receive a portion of our capital campaign funds?
No. All gifts and pledged capital campaign funds from this point on will be posted in the Parish Capital
Campaign Account and be dedicated solely to the Church Vestibule Project. The funds raised in this campaign are kept separate from the normal parish operating funds and cannot be used for any other purpose.
Where will parishioners attend Mass when the construction is taking place?
Is there a plan to recognize donors to the new Church Vestibule Project?
Yes. Naming opportunities for specific memorial gifts and special intentions are available (see Page 9). At
the same time, we will continue to recognize the donors and memorials to the original and existing Church.
All Donors will have their names enshrined in the “Donor’s Wall”.