About two years ago, we sprung a leak in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. These things happen in a 30-year-old building, and our staff worked quickly to repair the damage. While that work was happening, we temporarily moved the Tabernacle to the Sanctuary, situated behind the altar. That’s when something incredible - though not altogether unexpected - happened. When Jesus was present in front of us in the Eucharist, we adored Him and we were changed. More people visited the church to pray and more of them left with lighter steps after their time with the Lord. Hearts were burning.

Not long after that, we conducted a survey of Our Lady of Grace parishioners in conjunction with the diocesan Uniting in Heart Pastoral Plan, and we received an overwhelming response expressing the desire for the tabernacle to be moved to the sanctuary permanently. This move was discussed in depth by our Pastoral Council and added to the Parish Vision Plan. From there a highly-skilled committee of parishioners spent months researching the teachings of the Church and deliberating over what would make our space most conducive to prayer and worship. Benefactors made generous contributions beyond their regular giving, renderings were designed and redesigned, contractors were carefully selected, and we shared the message of this exciting project in many ways.

In December, we completed our Sanctuary Makeover, the most significant and largest project at Our Lady of Grace since we built our school. It’s an exciting achievement that begins and ends with Jesus. 

Jesus called, and we responded. This is what we can do when we are in communion with God and with one another.  

We are very excited to continue pursuing our mission to be a parish that forms a culture of enduring faith. Of course, we cannot continue to move forward as a parish without the buy-in of our parishioners. I do not desire for you to simply be an observer of what is happening at Our Lady of Grace. I want you to be a partner in our mission.

One way to partner with us is by contributing to our Mission Campaign this year. As we did last year, we are combining two appeals into one. We’re asking all of our parishioners to make two financial gifts. One of these gifts will support our diocese as a part of the annual Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana is more than a governing body; it is our connection to the larger Catholic Church, founded by Christ and perpetuated by apostles. A gift to the CMA means that priests and parish staff continue to be supported and that seminarians are able to be formed into future pastoral leaders. The other gift is to your regular giving to Our Lady of Grace as a part of our Offertory fund. By giving weekly or monthly, you make a statement that the Catholic Church in Noblesville is valuable and vital. Many of you already give generously in this way, but I would ask that you consider increasing your regular contribution not only to further our mission but also to practice the self-sacrifice that is a hallmark trait of a Catholic Christian. If you would be willing to make a significant commitment to these two elements of our Mission Campaign now, then we can more quickly move forward to the mission and ministry work we are anxious to continue.

As you pray about what you are able to sacrifice, know of my prayers for you, your family, and your invaluable place in the Body of Christ. 

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Clayton

• Give a one-time, recurring, or pledged gift at dol-in.org/cma.
• Use the mailing you received (or soon will) from the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana to mail a cash or check gift or make a pledge.
• Make a pledge at our Giving Weekend (February 4-5, 2023) or at another upcoming Mass by placing a payment in the collection basket.

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• Give a one-time or recurring gift using OSV. Click the button below to log in or create an account.
• Use envelopes or check/cash in the weekly collection basket at Sunday Mass.

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