Parishes blessed by the fruits of Alive in Christ

Clergy, religious and Christ's faithful have pledged more than $145 million for the Alive in Christ Campaign, planting the seeds that have already started to bear fruit on the spiritual, educational and social needs of our community.

As the faithful make payments on their generous pledges, more and more parishes are moving forward with their Alive in Christ priorities. Even at this early stage of pledge collection, which is scheduled to continue through 2015, nearly one-third of the parishes in the Diocese of Orlando have already accessed their campaign funds to support Alive in Christ projects.

St. Matthew Parish creates space for partnership with Catholic Charities

 
St. Matthew and Catholic Charities of Central Florida Inc. (CCCF) have collaborated to more effectively serve the people of Polk County. "It started with the Alive in Christ campaign," explained Father Charles Viviano, pastor of St. Matthew Parish. "We needed to relocate the thrift shop because it had outgrown the space, and part of the campaign was to buy a building."

The new facility includes ample space for the thrift shop as well as a satellite office where CCCF can offer counseling services and an office site for "My Sister's House," a new ministry to mothers and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Nativity prepares to give parish center a new face

Nativity Catholic Church is one of 16 parishes in the Diocese of Orlando currently in the planning, design or construction phase of a building project. Using proceeds from Alive in Christ, the Longwood parish is ready to launch a major overhaul of the parish center this summer.

"We will bring our kitchen up to code and give a fresh look to the parish center," explained Peggy Blickenstaff, business manager for Nativity. "Last year our parish celebrated its 50th anniversary with the theme of 'Faith, Families and Fellowship.' The renovation will enable us to have more social functions and build up our ministry to feed the homeless. That is a wonderful way to honor our jubilee message."

Newly renovated cathedral honored with prestigious award

For the Cathedral's role in making downtown Orlando a more diverse and appealing place to live and work, the Downtown Orlando Partnership awarded the St. James Cathedral renovation project a 2010 Golden Brick Award on April 7 at the Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel.

Antonio Aguerrevere, Senior Director of Design and Construction Services for the Diocese of Orlando accepted the award on behalf of the project team. Aguerrevere noted that the renovation, an Alive in Christ Campaign project, was finished on time and under budget.

"This recognition is an honor for everyone in our Diocese, because so many people put their hearts and souls into it," said Aguerrevere.

To read more about what's happening at the Diocese of Orlando, the Catholic Foundation and The Florida Catholic, links are provided in the left column.