Dear Friends,
‘Tis the season for cozy, wool sweaters, delicious, steaming bowls of homemade soup, and friendly fireside chats. It’s also time to crank up the furnace – as winter winds get ready to roar. But when we flipped on the heat at our largest, four-story Marist Brothers’ retirement facility, the 42-year-old system gave us the cold shoulder.
No one was shocked. The furnace was acting “cranky” last winter! It could no longer hold a steady temperature throughout such a large building, with some rooms downright freezing and other rooms uncomfortably warm. So, we saved every possible nickel between then and now. Our hope was to purchase a new furnace before the cold weather hit – but we find ourselves $60,000 short.
In the spirit of Christmas, I turn to you – our devoted Marist Brothers’ friend – and ask for your help.
Because we anticipated this looming cost, we managed to save just about $90,000. However, what we didn’t know last year was that this job is bigger than anyone imagined. After an inspection, we learned that the old furnace and its location are not up to code. To keep the Brothers safe, first we have to replace the old furnace with a larger, stronger, energy efficient unit that can handle a four-story building. Next we must install the new furnace closer to the chimney, which means pouring a new concrete slab in the basement and updating all the building’s ductwork.
Suddenly the new system jumped to nearly $150,000. It feels like we’re buried under a snowdrift. Can we count on your gift?
No matter what you send, it will be greatly appreciated and help make this an especially Merry Christmas for our elderly and disabled Brothers.
When I imagine our friends helping us raise the $60,000 we so very much need, I can also imagine the elderly Brothers’ faces during Christmas Mass. You have no idea how they will rejoice in thanking God for your support and dedication to their wellbeing.
I believe in my heart that you will remember the Brothers with a gift this season, and to show my appreciation for your generosity, I’m sending you a special Christmas prayer card. I pray the words inspire you to remember the season’s true spirit of hope and giving.
Whatever you can afford – whether the amount is large or small – matters a great deal. It’s like the coin tucked in with my letter. Alone there’s no jingle in the nickel! But if you add many more nickels, it’s like a symphony of sleigh bells. In the same way, every gift from every Marist Brothers’ friend will add up, and soon we’ll have the $60,000 we need!
Just as you are here for our elderly and disabled Brothers, they are here for you, too! So, do take a moment to write your prayer intentions on the enclosed response slip and send it back to me with your gift. The Brothers and I will include your intentions in our special Advent devotions.
Looking forward, every Marist Brother wishes you a joyous and peace-filled Advent season. May your home be warm, your holidays filled with love, and your days overflowing with happiness.
God bless you for caring,
Br. Hugh P. Turley, F.M.S.
Director of Development
