The Filipino community is growing; and the Catholic congregation of St. Peter Church is growing too. In view of this continuous growth, St. Peter Church has to find ways to build a much bigger facilities to address the growing parishioners of the parish. And to start with the project, a series of fundraising efforts are conducted by members of the St. Peter Chruch headed by Luchi Sanchez. And in order to give more light and inspiration on the project, the Filipino Journal is pleased to get more views from Monsignor Enrique Samson, Parish Priest.
FJ: In Ten years time, what is the vision of St. Peter’s Parish?
MS: In ten years time and with God’s grace, we hope to be able to move forward to the realization of our Parish Vision/Mission i.e. to be able to build a vibrant, and family oriented Christian community that is united in love and in service, a community of people practicing Christian Stewardship in their lives for the proclamation of God’s Kingdom through sharing of their Time, Talents and Treasures not only within the parish but even with others in need and in cooperation and coordination with the programs of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg.
FJ: There is the so-called Separation between the Church and the State, how would the parish raise the necessary funds to build a new church?
MS: Personally, this principle of Separation between the Church and the Sate is just a distinction of the means of services that both institutions however in as much as both institutions serve the same people there must always be rooms for cooperation, coordination and respect. Moreover, both serve the same people, creatures of the same God.
MS: Secondly, right from the very beginning of the planning particularly on fundraising for this mission to build a new Church there has never been a plan to ask monetary help from the government except in other matters that concern Government intervention. But of course any financial contribution from sincere donors/sponsors will always be appreciated.
FJ: Right now there is also a plan to build a new Catholic Church in the Southend, would this project be in conflict with the Archdiocese?
MS: This mission to build a new Church for St. Peter’s Parish can never be in conflict with the Archdiocese because we do not do anything unless approved by the Archdiocese and this can never be in conflict with the other Church mission since we serve different communities as far as Canonical jurisdiction is concerned.
FJ: With the strength of the Parish Stewards, their commitment and dedication, would the needed fund for the construction be raised by the community?
MS: Yes, we strongly believe in the “Power of Unity”, and we believe this is God given mission so God will always be with us and provide us but in His time.
FJ: For the time being, would there be additional Holy Mass celebrations to accommodate the growing number of parishioners?
MS: This question of additional Holy Mass Celebrations has been considered already, however, let us remember that the Church is not only concerned about Mass celebrations. There are other concerns/ ministries that must be taken into considerations.
FJ: Would the new site of the Church be accessible to all parishioners in terms of services?
MS: Definitely the Church will always be accessible not only to parishioners but even those future visitors of the Parish. In fact, one very positive development is the widening of Inkster Road on that location. Does this give a message to all of us?
FJ: What is the total cost of the New Church? How would we raise the funds? What will happen to the current House Of Prayer of St. Peter at Keewatin?
MS: Total Cost will be –
MS: We hope to raise the necessary funds for the construction through:
a. At present we have money held in trust by the Archdiocese of Winnipeg.
b. The present Church building will be sold and there are several religious groups that have approached and called us already.
c. We hope to gather pledges from the people both parishioners and generous people here and outside Winnipeg.
d. We also hope to have some funds from our planned fund raisers.
FJ: How many Church Organizations are behind this project?
MS: This is a mission entrusted to the whole Christian community so this is an Apostolic endeavour of everybody both belonging to and not belonging to any Religious Organizations and Movements.
FJ: How positive you are that this first kick off of the fundraising will generate more interest and cooperation for the mission?
MS: Actually and thanks be to God more and more people are interested in sharing their Time, Talents, and Treasures for this project even before the conceptualization of the Power of Unity Concert. In fact people are already starting to give their pledges and some have already donated for a specific place of the Building. Of it is always God who will encourage people and for this we always pray.
FJ: With you as an inspiration for this project, would you ask favours from all walks of life?
MS: HA….Of course am not the inspiration of this mission. It is God! And to God we give honour and praise…WE are just God’s instruments. Let us remember i am just continuing what my predecessors have begun.
