OUR PARISH LEGACY St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church has served the people of Forney, Talty, Crandall, and surrounding areas since 1891. Throughout the 127-year history, the strong faith and selfless sacrifice of the parishioners has made St. Martin of Tours a special place that lifelong parishioners, newcomers, and visitors all find rare and uniquely inviting. Though a fire destroyed the original church in 1929, the parish quickly rebuilt and, only four and a half months later, constructed and dedicated the present church. Standing “like a monument on the prairie,” the “Church on The Ridge” serves as a legacy of the faith and perseverance of the many deeply-rooted families who contributed to what remains and flourishes today.
Today, St. Martin of Tours thrives as a parish with over 600 registered households continuing to serve as a strong witness to the community . . . Unfortunately, our current facilities do not meet our needs, including the desire to worship under the single roof of a beautiful, traditional church and have a parish hall dedicated to forming families.
A larger church is now necessary as we welcome new members and as we strive to be better disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we move forward with great ambition and enthusiasm for a comprehensive parish renewal campaign. Our new church will serve as the centerpiece and a visible sign of our parish mission: to unveil the Eucharistic Christ so that the faithful know their identity and live their purpose. It is now incumbent upon us to give sacrificially to sustain and build upon the remarkable legacy of St. Martin of Tours. CAMPAIGN PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are the Source of all beauty. Through the gift of Your Son, the Eucharistic Christ, our true identity as your beloved sons and daughters is unveiled for us. By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you sanctify our souls and enliven our families. May our Parish campaign embolden us to recognize in every aspect of parish life the opportunity to know, love, and serve You who are Beauty Ever Ancient, Ever New.
St. Martin of Tours, pray for us! “It is with great joy, as a descendent of some of the first parishioners of St. Martin that we work to help build a church to house the growth that God has blessed us with! If they were alive today, I believe they would be excited and 100 percent involved in this process! I will give it 110 percent in their memory!” Julie Shuler A MESSAGE FROM FR. JAMES
DEAR FRIEND IN CHRIST,
St. Martin of Tours is in an incredibly exciting time in our history. Our growth, while presenting challenges, also provides an abundance of opportunities and blessings. My conversations with countless parishioners regarding big-picture choices or new building decisions have led to a greater understanding of who we are and our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ. We put the Word before the world, we empower families, we love the fullness of the Catholic faith, and we pursue nothing short of sainthood.
As you may be aware, parish leadership has prayerfully discerned a unique opportunity to coordinate and combine the efforts to build a new church building with plans integrating all other areas of parish life that anticipate our needs in light of our growth. This parish renewal campaign is intended to help us achieve our mission to be a stronger body of believers – a family of faithful, well-formed and intentional disciples of Jesus Christ in all we do. Like a renewal of wedding vows, parish renewal in turn means an affirmation or re-commitment to our goals.
Based on a quote from the Confessions of St. Augustine of Hippo, an early Father, and great Doctor of the Church, our parish renewal campaign theme – Beauty Ever Ancient, Ever New – is steeped in a Catholic understanding of the attractive power of the truth. The timeless beauty of God, made ever new as we infuse the Gospel into our everyday culture, is a concept that is core to a reclamation and restoration of this culture by Christ. What begins at St. Martin of Tours as the culture of a holy family in Christ will transform the lives of those around us as others encounter the beauty of the faith in every facet of parish life.
In every aspect of this renewal, we intend to honor and embrace our special history and the tremendous blessings it continues to bring us. Our renewal efforts are aimed at protecting and building on the values of our parish family during rapid economic development and swelling membership. As we take the next steps in the life of our parish and as we embark on a capital campaign for the construction of a new church, may we entrust ourselves to Divine Providence so that we may see in every blessing and every opportunity our God who is Beauty Ever Ancient, Ever New.
IN CHRIST,
FR. JAMES YAMAUCHI PARISH RENEWAL CAMPAIGN
ST. MARTIN OF TOURS' MISSION IS TO UNVEIL THE EUCHARISTIC CHRIST SO THAT THE FAITHFUL KNOW THEIR IDENTITY AND LIVE THEIR PURPOSE.
Our vision for parish renewal builds upon this mission by fully embracing the ancient Sacred Tradition of the Church in the modern-day context of our baptismal duty as Christians. Our theme, Beauty Ever Ancient, Ever New, is steeped in a Catholic understanding of the attractive power of the truth.
The Chi Rho (XP) at the center of the logo is an ancient symbol for Christ, who is the center of our lives and our liturgy and is both the beginning and end – the source (alpha) and destination (omega) of all creation. The Holy Trinity is the beauty of the universe that is ever ancient, ever new, made personal and real in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the true vine and we are the branches, symbolized in the border.
The rising smoke of incense symbolizes our communal celebration of the sacred liturgy that is our sacrifice of praise to give God glory and make us holy. This act grafts us to Christ as branches to the true vine, members of his mystical body. It is in this way that we bear fruit in the world, symbolized by grapes. The fruit of this vine becomes a part of our offering, the sacrifice we make of our hearts and our lives joined with the paschal mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection made present at the altar. This participation as members in his body finds its culmination in reception of the Holy Eucharist depicted as the crown of the image – the source and summit of our faith, and that which leads us into the divine life and love of the Holy Trinity in the eternity of heaven, symbolized by circular wreath and the peacocks.
“I believe this Campaign is about more than a beautiful, proper worship space and cushioned kneelers. Fr. James has enfolded this project and all we do at our parish into a focus on serving the Eucharistic Christ. Plus, with the Holy Spirit in charge… hands inside the car, please.” Ray and Kathy Dulanski The new St. Martin of Tours church will serve as a continued beacon and Catholic witness to the community, inspiring with beauty and serving as an expression of the timeless truths of the faith. Designed to reflect our robust parish history and the vibrant tradition of Texas Catholicism as well as accommodate and anticipate the present and future needs of our growing parish, this new church will be one that embraces the opportunity to truly be sacramental. Every element within it is a potential encounter with Jesus Christ, so every architectural decision is also a theological WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF THE one. Designing a sacred building in this way is PARISH RENEWAL CAMPAIGN? what the Church understands as traditional – in keeping with the principles of a living tradition Campus and Building Planning that is at the same time both universal and Designing a new, traditional church, outdoor particularly reflective of a certain culture, time ministry space, parking and a master plan for and region. future campus growth. St. Martin of Tours will look to draw from and Capital Campaign and Stewardship build upon the inspiration of the rich heritage Fundraising for the building project and instilling of Texas Catholic architecture such as the work a culture of Christian stewardship of resources for of the late Nicholas Clayton, the Irish-American the ongoing support of the parish. architect credited with several of the state’s most beautiful churches including our own Cathedral Liturgy and Sacraments of the Guadalupe in downtown Dallas. We will Prioritizing excellent liturgical ministries, prioritize authenticity – preserving the best of this sacramental preparation and mystagogy to tradition in the present age, while also carefully cultivate a liturgical spirituality nourished by discerning where it can evolve and be adapted to personal piety and vibrant devotion. suit current requirements and future needs.
Family and Faith Formation Alongside the work our leadership is engaged Fostering a strong family culture to nourish the in for planning the new church, the parish will true Christian spirit in all the baptized and equip collectively be formed through immersion in them to effectively spread the Good News. mystagogy, the language of signs and symbols that reveals the deeper hidden meaning of the Service, Healing and Pastoral Care liturgy and sacraments that is integral to church Integrating charity, works of mercy and crisis buildings. Understanding the ‘why’ behind each support into the fabric of parish life for every aesthetic decision offers an opportunity to member to serve wholly as the hands and feet deepen our understanding of and participation in of Christ in the world.” the work of Christ in the liturgy. 1891 Bishop Thomas Brennan dedicates the first church building.
ST. MARTIN OF TOURS 1901 St. Martin Academy opens. 1902 School Sisters of Notre Dame arrive Spiritual Statistics to teach at St. Martin Academy. 3,000 registered parishioners from over 600 families 42 Baptisms last year 56 Confirmations last year 1919 Construction 61 First Holy Communions last year of a new school building. 7 weddings last year 1924 Fire destroys 1925 Parishioners the Lady of Lourdes 247 children in K-6 Young Disciples build a new Convent building. convent. 159 teenagers in 7-12 Young Catholics 1929 Parishioners 1929 Tragedy 305 adults actively involved in Faith Formation again rebuild strikes again as fire the campus and destroys the original Bishop Joseph church building. Lynch dedicates the current church on the Solemnity of St. Martin St. Martin of Tours 1944 Academy closes. (November 11).
1953 St. Martin becomes 1955 Bishop a mission church. Thomas Gorman dedicates a new church bell.
1967 Redecoration of church building parishioners redecorate the church.
1979 Exterior renovation of church.
2001 Msgr. Albert Cuschieri appointed St. Martin of Tours’ first full-time pastor 2006 Renovation in 48 years. of flooring in the church. 2008 Msgr. Glenn “Duffy” Gardner 2009 Construction appointed pastor of of the parish hall. St. Martin of Tours. 2014 Construction of the Maloney Father Building. 2017 James Yamauchi appointed pastor of St. Martin of Tours. THE IDENTITY MANUAL, PARISH RENEWAL CAMPAIGN, & NEW CHURCH
RECENTLY WE PUBLISHED OUR PARISH IDENTITY MANUAL, WHICH SERVES TO GROUND EACH ASPECT OF OUR RENEWAL CAMPAIGN. THE NEW CHURCH WILL PHYSICALLY EMBODY AND EXPRESS EACH OF THESE VALUES.
Catholic Identity – We are God’s family, transformed by sacramental grace. The new church will embody a sacred and living tradition that authentically sacramentalizes the liturgy and enculturates the Gospel in the community; it is not beholden to nostalgia or innovation.
Primacy of Prayer – Liturgy is the place where the Church prays, above all others. The new church will be the unmistakable center of parish life, at the heart of the community.
Pursuing Holiness – Impelled by our baptism, we are called to be holy. A church building must properly form our ideas about what true worship is and challenge us to “lift up our hearts” for real transformation, even in the areas where we feel comfortable as we are.
Real Family – Family imparts authentic liturgical participation and formation. The church is a place where families find support and encouragement in living out their vocation.
Fierce Intentionality – A reason exists for every liturgical and aesthetic decision. A church teaches and inspires through mystagogy – the language of faith made of signs and symbols.
Memorable Moments – A gift to future generations must be designed to last. A church building is a legacy; a standing witness of our faith in Christ for generations to come. TRANSEPT
NARTHEX
SACRISTY SANCTUARY NAVE
UPPER LEVEL
TRANSEPT CHOIR / MEETING
CHOIR LOFT OUR NEW CHURCH
Proposed plans call for the construction of our church in a traditional cruciform design offering comfortable seating for 750 and up to 950 maximum — a great increase over our current CHOIR / accommodations. The building will include a bell tower, stained glass rose window, altar rail, MEETING confessionals, ample narthex with restrooms and sacristies, and a choir loft with practice suite and meeting space. As visitors make their way from the narthex into the nave, they will pass the baptismal font and find the focal point of the church at the altar, behind which the tabernacle is centrally enshrined to encourage worship of the Eucharistic Christ. Upon completion, the new church will allow us to once again worship together under one roof and to use our parish hall as intended, providing the ability to expand opportunities for spiritual growth and to further developing intentional relationships with the Lord and with one another. The fact that the creator of the universe wants me to help build his kingdom on earth is TRANSEPT what motivates me to be a part of this project.” Billy Shuler
NARTHEX
SACRISTY SANCTUARY NAVE
UPPER LEVEL
TRANSEPT CHOIR / MEETING
CHOIR LOFT
CHOIR / MEETING NEW CHURCH FAQ animals and plants, the mountains, and seas flow from him. Despite the fallen state of the world due WHAT DOES ‘A NEW TRADITIONAL to sin, Christ is again restoring everything to its CHURCH’ MEAN? original order and purpose. The geometry of the We will design the new church in continuity with window plays on the outward direction (creation) the 2,000-year-old living tradition of the Catholic and the inward direction (restoration) of these faith and in keeping with the principles handed divine actions that are made present in the liturgy. down, as well as with a respect for the 127-year history of St. Martin of Tours in the vibrant context WHAT DOES ‘CRUCIFORM’ MEAN? of Texas Catholicism. The church will be designed Cruciform refers to a church in the shape of a as an expression of what we received as a parish cross, a widespread practice in the Church for and left as a legacy to those who will follow, not centuries. This form makes visible the invisible as a monument to one person or one idea, but to reality that we are the Body of Christ – an identity a vibrant living faith. found in the Mass through offering ourselves as a living sacrifice of praise with the sacrifice of Christ DOESN’T THAT JUST MEAN THE on the cross made present at the altar through CHURCH WILL LOOK OLD? the power of the Holy Spirit. We assemble at Mass No. The Catholic architectural tradition is based on taking up our cross to be crucified with Christ. ancient systems of order, proportions and symbolic language to visibly communicate God’s nature, WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED SEATING his design for the universe and his plan for our CAPACITY? salvation. When this tradition is intentionally and Currently the design targets a comfortable, authentically drawn from, adapted to a specific average Sunday capacity of around 750 seats. context and built upon, it is expressed in a unique Pews offer greater flexibility than chairs in the way that finds a home in any culture. spacing between people. The rule of thumb is that at around 75-80 percent full, the church WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF INCLUDING will feel full, which means Masses of around 550 A BELL TOWER? and greater. For special liturgies, the capacity, The steeple will serve as a beacon, calling to mind according to the building code for standing-room the image of the Church as a city on a hill. It will crowds with overflow seating, will be around include a spire topped with a Celtic cross and a 950. These numbers help us balance the need to belfry to house the church bell that was cast in accommodate the rapid growth of Forney with a 1955. It is possible one or two complementary need to retain some intimacy as our parish body bells could be added. When church bells are gets larger. This is about the largest church our blessed during a church dedication, the prayer asks present property can support, and it is possible that of God that whenever the bells are rung that the in the future we can add Mass times if necessary. enemy and all evil spirits will flee, that the faithful will hear the call to assemble in faith and be WHAT ABOUT FUTURE EXPANSION? strengthened, and that the clouds will resound as The current plan is the maximum build-out legions of angels stand watch over the assembly. considered among other options that offered expansion capability. Adding on to a cruciform WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ROSE WINDOW? church in the future is extremely costly and difficult to plan for as compared with the value of The rose window is a declaration of what happens adding that additional space now when it is much inside the church in the liturgy: all things restored more cost effective. Therefore, we are opting to to Christ, through whom they were brought into build the church for our ideal size up front, trusting being. Jesus is at the center of creation because he this will be a worthwhile investment for those who is the Word through whom all things were spoken follow us. into existence – everything from angels, humans, DO PLANS INCLUDE A CHOIR LOFT? Yes, similar to our current 1929 church, the new plans include a choir loft above the narthex, which makes efficient use of that area and offers space for two meeting rooms. At the rear of the nave provides a better location for choir to participate liturgically and support the singing assembly, sacramentalizing the song of heaven without presenting visual distraction.
WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF THE CHURCH? The main parts of a church building parallel with the parts of the Old Testament temples of Jerusalem, because through Jesus Christ our Catholic liturgy fulfills the temple worship of the Jewish people. In the Mass, we experience a foretaste of the new heavenly Jerusalem described in the book of Revelation that is anticipated and sacramentalized (making an invisible reality visible) by church buildings. We can understand a Catholic church building as the Christian temple, which symbolizes the Body of Christ the Church, which Scripture says is “built of living stones.”
The narthex (gathering space) serves as a transition from secular to sacred, symbolically, and sacramentally stepping into heaven. The nave (main body of the church) is named after the hull of a ship, recalling the pilgrimage in faith under the protection of Christ and guidance of his Church. The transepts (the arms of the cross) help remind us that the liturgy makes us the Body and Bride of Christ and anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb in heaven when we are joined to God forever. The sanctuary (the elevated platform that houses the altar, ambo and presider’s chair), symbolizes heaven, so the ministers are robed in white. This area is distinct from the nave because there still exists a separation between heaven and earth that is bridged by Christ, the eternal Word of God made flesh who offers himself to us in the Eucharist. He tore the veil of the temple symbolizing our access to God through him, but only at the end of time will this division be removed. Finally, the apse is the place of reservation with the tabernacle behind the sanctuary, symbolizing the Holy of Holies of the old temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed that served as the dwelling place of God, fulfilled in the Incarnation of Christ and his true presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
WHAT IS ‘ROOD SCREEN’? part of our sacred architecture tradition. It serves Rood is an archaic Old English word meaning to express the distinction between the sanctuary cross. A rood screen was a wooden partition used, and nave by symbolizing the veil of the temple, similarly to an altar rail, to distinguish between the which was the symbol of the division between sanctuary and the nave, often topped by crucifix. heaven and earth that remains until the end of The current design for St. Martin makes use of time. Only the high priest of Israel could enter the screen to create a slightly different distinction the Holy of Holies – now the great high priest behind the altar to delineate a place of reservation is Christ, symbolized by the priest who serves in for the Blessed Sacrament in the apse. The crucifix persona Christi, and the ministers who serve in the part of the screen is instead attached to a beam sanctuary symbolizing his attendants in heaven. (rood beam) located above the altar across the sanctuary. It serves as a sign of victory and marks WHAT FEATURES WILL WE ENJOY WHEN THE NEW CHURCH OPENS? the place where the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary and his Resurrection – the paschal mystery – is We must include principal liturgical furnishings made present: the altar. (altar, ambo, tabernacle, chair, font) – the most important elements in the church, along with the WHAT ABOUT THE ALTAR RAIL? Stations of the Cross and items such as candlesticks. It may take time to purchase an organ in its full Like the original wooden rail that was in our state, but it can gradually expand over time. We may church, the altar rail is a richly symbolic part of gradually purchase other items, devotional in nature, many Catholic churches that remains a beautiful such as stained glass and statues. Campaign Goals and Costs
CELEBRATION GOAL CHALLENGE GOAL VICTORY GOAL $4 MILLION $6 MILLION $8 MILLION St. Martin of Tours marks St. Martin of Tours is The ultimate Victory Goal the halfway point of a new three-quarters of a way to allows St. Martin of Tours to church building. the construction of the new build a new church building church building. without the need of a loan. METHODS OF GIVING
A pledge is a non-binding commitment made in good faith. To make it easier for donors to complete a pledge, we encourage commitments fulfilled over the three-year pledge period. A donor may satisfy his/her commitment through monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual installments. Most donors use one of these options when fulfilling a pledge.
CASH/CHECK LIFE INSURANCE The most common gifts received in a Donate an old policy by simply naming campaign are gifts fulfilled by cash or check. St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church as the This allows St. Martin of Tours Catholic owner and beneficiary. Or consider donating Church to address its immediate needs. a new policy.
Please make checks payable to the: PLANNED GIFT St. Martin of Tours capital campaign Planned giving is the process of carefully selecting the best method and assets for SECURITIES Appreciated charitable gifts of stocks, bonds making a charitable gift. Such a gift can or mutual funds offer special tax advantages enable a donor take full advantage of the and can be a great way to provide a significant tax laws to accomplish their financial and gift to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. charitable goals. A bequest contained in a will is the most common form of planned giving. REAL ESTATE Gifts of property entitle a donor to an income CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS tax deduction equal to the full market value A matching gift program provided through with no tax on any capital gains. an employer or board membership may allow the donor to increase the value of their gift. Many companies match charitable gifts of employees, retirees or board members.
Note: Please do not interpret this information as legal advice. Instead consult your own qualified professional adviser for specific recommendations. FULFILLING YOUR OBLIGATION This 3-year gift chart serves as a guide as you prayerfully consider your level of support.
Total Gift Initial 10% Investment Balance Monthly Quarterly Semiannual Annual $75,000 $7,500 $67,500 $1,875 $5,625 $11,250 $22,500 $50,000 $5,000 $45,000 $1,250 $3,750 $7,500 $15,000 $40,000 $4,000 $36,000 $1,000 $3,000 $6,000 $12,000 $30,000 $3,000 $27,000 $750 $2,250 $4,500 $9,000 $25,000 $2,500 $22,500 $625 $1,875 $3,750 $7,500 Note: The $15,000 $1,500 $13,500 $375 $1,125 $2,250 $4,500 incremental payment $12,000 $1,200 $10,800 $300 $900 $1,800 $3,600 examples $10,000 $1,000 $9,000 $250 $750 $1,500 $3,000 are based on an initial $9,000 $900 $8,100 $225 $675 $1,350 $2,700 10 percent investment $6,000 $600 $5,400 $150 $450 $900 $1,800 followed by $3,600 $360 $3,240 $90 $270 $540 $1,080 the preferred payment plan $2,100 $210 $1,890 $52.50 $157.50 $315 $630 for three years. CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP Pastor Fr. James Yamauchi General Chairs Ray and Kathy Dulanski General Chairs Billy and Julie Shuler Campaign Cabinet Mike and Karen Eberle Donna Gonzalez Juan and Yolanda Hernandez Mark and Tyler Leever Tony Rangel Tom and Elaine Stocks Emily Warnasch Liz Winchester Veronica Wilson Honorary Chairs John Mastervich Evelyn Moore Development Counsel Steier Group
9470 CR 213, Forney, TX 75126 | 972.564.9114 | StMartinForney.org | @StMartinForney