My Dear Parish Family,
As we look ahead to the 175th anniversary of our parish—and approach 25 years since our community established our present campus—I am deeply grateful for the blessings God continues to pour out on the people of St. John. Generations before us built a spiritual home rooted in faith, sacrifice, and hope. Many longtime parishioners remember the effort that brought this campus to life. Their generosity gave us a place to worship, learn, and grow. A new generation has grown up in the blessings of that sacrifice.
Today, we are invited to continue that legacy.
To prepare our parish for the future and ensure our campus remains strong, beautiful, and mission-ready, we are undertaking a capital campaign entitled Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord. This effort will allow us to address several essential needs: the replacement of our school roof to protect the heart of our educational and parish life, the modernization of our church’s lighting and sound capabilities, the replacement of aging HVAC units, and finally, the construction of a bell tower and garden plaza adjacent to our church that will strengthen our presence and the sense of welcome on our campus.
These improvements are not simply maintenance. They are investments in our mission—so that all who come here may worship with clarity and beauty, gather in comfort and safety, and continue to encounter Christ in a parish that is vibrant and fully alive.
Your insights and participation will help guide this important work. My hope is that every household will join me in praying for the success of this effort and will give careful consideration to how they might contribute in their own way to support the future of our parish family.
Just as those before us built for a future they could only envision, we now have the privilege of doing the same, ensuring that generations to come inherit a parish strengthened in faith, service, and community.
Thank you for your continued love, generosity, and witness. May the Lord bless the work before us, and may we truly make a joyful noise unto the Lord as we take this next faithful step together.
Love you guys,
Fr. Mark Bialek
OUR NEEDS
Through this $3 million campaign, St. John will undertake a coordinated series of projects over three years that safeguard our campus, enhance our worship, and complete the vision set in motion twenty-five years ago. Organizing the work into phases allows us to manage construction efficiently, minimize disruption to parish life, and complete each project at the most practical and cost-effective time.
Phase 1 - School Roof
Target: Summer 2026 & 2027
The first and most urgent priority is replacing the school roof. Because this work can only occur when school is not in session, funding must be secured early to begin construction in summer 2026. A new roof will protect classrooms and learning spaces for decades to come and will also allow other fully funded school improvements — including the basketball court renovation — to move forward once the roof is complete.
Phase 2 - Facility Upgrades
Target: 2027
Church Lighting – Upgrading the lighting will improve visibility throughout the sanctuary and enhance the experience of Mass, weddings, funerals, and parish celebrations. Most notably, our Stations of the Cross will each be specially lit from above, highlighting these beloved and historic relics of our parish in every Mass.
Church Sound System – A modern sound system will ensure that Scripture, prayer, and sacred music are heard clearly from every seat in the church.
HVAC Replacement – Replacing aging HVAC units across the campus will increase comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency for all who worship, learn, and gather here.
Phase 3 - Bell Tower and Garden Plaza
Target: Fall 2028
As we approach the 175th anniversary of our founding, we intend for our parish to make a joyful noise that will echo into future generations. We are excited to begin construction on a new bell tower which will match our church’s architectural style and serve as a symbol of our stewardship and investment in parish life. This new structure will incorporate the bell of our current bell tower (next to the Portico), along with three reclaimed bells from Seek the City parishes in the Archdiocese. Our goal is to dedicate this new structure as part of our 175th anniversary celebration in October 2028, where it will stand as a symbol that bridges the past and future of this parish.
“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”
Proverbs 18:16
WAYS TO GIVE
Supporting Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord is a chance to invest in the future of St. John. We are asking every household to participate in a way that reflects their gratitude and hope for the future. Every commitment, through prayer, financial sacrifice, or sharing the campaign message helps bring this vision to life.
Pledges: Giving Over Time
Making a pledge allows you to spread your commitment over the three years of this endeavor. This approach makes larger gifts more manageable and gives the parish steady support throughout the campaign.
One-Time Gifts: Immediate Help
One-time gifts of cash, check, or online donations provide immediate resources to move projects forward.
Pledges: Giving Over Time
Making a pledge allows you to spread your commitment over the three years of this endeavor. This approach makes larger gifts more manageable and gives the parish steady support throughout the campaign.
One-Time Gifts: Immediate Help
One-time gifts of cash, check, or online donations provide immediate resources to move projects forward.
Matching Gifts
Check if your employer offers a matching gift program. You may be able to double or triple the impact of your gift with just a few simple forms.
Gifts of Stock or Securities
Donating appreciated securities can be a smart way to give. The Archdiocese of Baltimore can assist in transferring these gifts directly to the parish campaign. Please contact the parish office for assistance.
IRA Contributions
If you are age 73 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA. This can be a tax-efficient way to support the campaign while fulfilling your required minimum distribution.
Matching Gifts
Check if your employer offers a matching gift program. You may be able to double or triple the impact of your gift with just a few simple forms.
Gifts of Stock or Securities
Donating appreciated securities can be a smart way to give. The Archdiocese of Baltimore can assist in transferring these gifts directly to the parish campaign. Please contact the parish office for assistance.
IRA Contributions
If you are age 73 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA. This can be a tax-efficient way to support the campaign while fulfilling your required minimum distribution.
As you prayerfully consider your commitment to Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord, please keep the following in mind:
– Pledges may be fulfilled in regular installments over a three-year period.
– Contributions to this campaign are separate from your regular offertory giving.
– Payment reminders will be sent based on the schedule you select.
– Checks may be made payable St. John Roman Catholic Church with “Make a Joyful Noise” in the memo line.
– Pledge payments are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Will Be Asked To Support The Campaign?
All members of St. John Catholic Church will be invited to participate in this effort. This includes parishioners, regular Mass attendees, visitors, and friends of the parish. Every household is encouraged to consider a prayerful and sacrificial commitment to help us reach our goal.
Will All Of The Funds Raised Stay At St. John?
Yes. Every dollar contributed will remain at St. John and be directed to the important improvements outlined in this campaign.
How Can I Make A Gift?
Gifts can be made by cash, check, or online with a credit card. We also accept stock transfers and planned giving commitments. Pledges may be fulfilled over a three-year period to allow flexibility and prayerful planning.
Click Here to Make Your Gift Online
Can I Make An Anonymous Gift Or Give In Honor Of Someone?
Yes. You may make your gift anonymously or in honor or memory of a loved one. Simply indicate your preference on the pledge form or when making your contribution.
What If My Financial Situation Changes After I Make A Pledge?
We understand that circumstances can change. If you need to adjust your pledge, please contact the Parish Office. We will work with you to make any needed changes to your giving plan.
What Happens If We Exceed Our Goal?
If contributions exceed our $3,000,000 goal, any additional funds will be used to address other pressing capital needs on the campus or to cover unforeseen cost increases associated with the planned improvements.
For more information:
Call the Parish Office at 410-848-4744
Contact our Business Manager, Adam Garheart at 410-876-9446 or adam.garheart@sjwest.org
Thank you for taking the time to prayerfully consider supporting this vital campaign that will renew our parish for generations to come.