Pastor had previously stated that if a plan could be developed and supported by parishioners, it would be presented by the preparers to the Bishop for consideration.
ANTHONY S. FOTI
NOREEN W. FOTI
770 Lantern Hill Road
Shavertown, Pennsylvania18708
(570) 696-3169
November 13, 2006
Rev. Msgr. John J. Sempa, Pastor
Sacred Heart – St. John’s Parish Community
601 North Main Street
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania18705
Subject: Proposed Capital Improvement Plan
Sacred Heart – St. John’s Parish Community
Dear Msgr. Sempa,
I am pleased to report the response and support that has been exhibited thus far for the subject plan as presented at the Parish Meeting on November 6, 2006. This meeting was a follow-up to the Parish Meeting held on October 17, 2006 and attended by our Regional Vicar Msgr. Bambera .
As you recall, the Parish Meeting on November 6, 2006, was attended by approximately 150 parishioners who for the most part were interested in restoring and repairing the church and school. The plan presented is a comprehensive multi-phase plan that addresses the deterioration of the church and school and the repayment of the debt to the diocese. The advantages of this plan include:
· The Parish will be able to complete the capital improvements on the church and school within a reasonable schedule.
· The Diocese will have its debt repaid within a reasonable time frame.
· The proposed fundraising campaigns which spread the payments over several years provide more parishioners with the ability to participate and contribute to the project.
The response from the parishioners has been very encouraging. At the end of the meeting on November 6th, 81 parishioners had signed the attached Letter of Support for this plan. An additional 163 parishioners signed the Letter of Support at the three masses this past weekend. These 244 parishioners have shown their support for the project to restore, improve and preserve the church, school, and grounds for themselves and future generations. The parishioners are aware of the necessary financial commitment required to fund the capital costs and debt reduction, having been presented with a clear picture of the magnitude of this endeavor.
Pursuant to our meeting with the Parish Finance Committee on June 6, 2006, we have fulfilled your request to prepare and present our action plan to the parish, and to evaluate parishioner support. I understand that the next step in this process is to present this plan to the Diocese for approval and permission to proceed with fundraising activities. Considering this is the only plan that has been developed to address these issues, and there is very strong support for action to be taken, I trust that you can make the necessary arrangements with the proper authorities at the Diocesan level. Please advice us of the date and time of the appointment or, if desired, for a preparatory meeting with you, so we can make appropriate arrangements.
On behalf of my wife Noreen and Dave and Mary Jean Tarantini, I want to thank you for the opportunity to present this plan, and we look forward to the meeting and presentation at the Diocese.
Sincerely,
Anthony S. Foti
CC: Dave and Mary Jean Tarantini, Msgr. Joseph C. Bambera, V.E. | 
