St Matthew's Revitalization 2000

The signs of a miracle can come
in a variety of sizes.

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

    They say miracles happen every day. We're taught about famous ones; we hear of others in stories of answered prayers; we see miracles in news reports of unexplained phenomena ... but how often do you get the chance to help create one?

    Right now there's a miracle-in-progress going on at St. Matthew The Apostle Catholic Church in North St. Louis. At least it sure looks like a miracle, because there are wonderful things happening that defy simple understanding or common thinking. God's handiwork is evident.

    The miracle is called Revitalization 2000, and it's an appropriate name.We're re-energizing and revitalizing St. Matthew's parish and its neighborhood, but the work is incomplete, and it needs you to become a reality.

Fr. Matt Ruhl, S.J.,
is the pastor of St. Matthew's
parish

HEY, IF IT WEREN'T A BIG CHALLENGE, WE WOULDN'T NEED A MIRACLE

    St. Matthew's is located northwest of downtown in in area known as The Ville, a part of St. Louis rich in its history of cultural diversity.

    The parish was founded in 1893 to serve the many immigrant Irish and German Catholic families in the prosperous surrounding area. The Ville also thrived as the premier African-American neighborhood in St. Louis, and was home to the nationally known Homer G. Phillips Hospital, Annie Malone Children's Home, and Sumner High School.

    Originally staffed by diocesan priests, St. Matthew's parish responsibilities were transferred to the Jesuits in 1959. The Sisters of the St. Joseph have faithfully served our parish ministries since 1902.

    St. Matthew's is still a vibrant, active parish, but we face many obstacles daily. Demographic trends and modern socioeconomic ills have led to a dramatic decline in our number of parishioners, and consequently, in resources and support.

    That's where you and the miracle come in.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
The very heart of
St. Matthew the Apostle
Catholic Church is Jesus
Christ present on the altar.
Our mission, born at that
alter, is to be sent forth into
our neighborhood in order
to build up the Kingdom of
God. The labor of this effort
must address in deed more
than in word the needs of
our people.

WHAT DOES A PARTIAL MIRACLE LOOK LIKE?

Revitalization 2000 is a multi-faceted program to improve the spiritual, social, and economic well-being of St. Matthew's parish and the area around us.

As you approach St. Matthew's church a 1906 Gothic architectural gem whose ornate spires still dominate the neighborhood - the signs of our challenge can be seen all around. But just as obvious is evidence of our progress:

Church Renovation: St. Matthew's recently completed a major restoration of our magnificent church building.

Fat Matt's Barbeque Restaurant: Our unique church-initiated venture provides revenue, training, and some outstanding food. We even cater!

Neighborhood Housing Rehabilitation: Renovation of area homes by students from SLUH, DeSmet, and the Cardinal Ritter high schools.

Northside Community Center: We work in partnership with the NCC to serve the neighborhood with youth and senior programs, housing assistance, tutoring, meals, and other ongoing community projects.

Church-sponsored Programs: St. Matthews provides religious education for children and adults; Bible study; youth group activities; utility assistance; Easter and Christmas baskets; weekly Sunday brunch; and much more.

St.Vincent de Paul Society, St.Ann Sodality, Holy Name Society, Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver: The list could go on and on. If only
the could.

Sunday Mass at
St. Matthew's is always
a joyous experience

WHY ST. MATTHEW'S?

Naturally, there are other causes that need your support, so why find a place for St. Matthew's in your heart?

One way to answer that would be to come meet us - attend 9:30 am Sunday Mass, pay a casual visit, or grab lunch at Fat Matt's. You'll quickly see and feel the commitment, love, and dedication our parish family has for this project and the church's future.

·············

87% of the Catholic Northside
Population has abandoned the
City of St. Louis since 1950.

·············

Simply put, the members, leaders, and friends of St. Matthew's refuse to sit still and be satisfied with the status quo. These inspired people are determined to revitalize this neighborhood and make St. Matthew's the leading force of change in the area around us.

Some folks might say, "You bet that'll take a miracle." Weil, we've got one almost ready to go!

The force of St. Matthew's
is full of hope and promise

COMPLETING THE MIRACLE

    St. Matthew's is the heart and soul of our community.We cannot let it die. Revitalization 2000 can succeed, and it will with help from kind benefactors like you.

    So just what does our miracle - your miracle - entail? We have six clearly defined and obtainable goals for the project:

1. Create a self-sustained balanced budget.
2. Raise $750,000 to renovate and expand the St. Matthew's Parish Center
3. Enhance the livability of our neighborhood.
4. Establish more housing for those in need.
5. Secure access to stable employment opportunities.
6. Promote relationships with the larger Catholic community

    Meeting these goals will ensure that the parish will remain open and continue to serve the Catholic families and neighbors of The Ville, both spiritually and physically. Achieving our goals will also help provide badly needed facilities for youth and seniors programs, meeting places, and much more.

With the help of our friends.
Revitalization 2000 will succeed

WE'VE GOT OUR WORK CUT OUT FOR US.

    It's easy to see what St.Matthew's is up against - and that we're making progress in spite of it. But please, we could sure use your help. Financial assistance is important but we also need volunteers, construction assistance, professional services, bequests, donations of food, and your prayers.

    To make a tax-deductible contribution, simply fill out and mail the card, or pass this brochure on to a friend. All donations to Revitalization 2000 go 100% to the program.We are a totally volunteer organization with no hidden overhead expenses.That's another way to be assured your support is really helping. For more information, or if you know who would like to be on our mailing list, call Fr. Matt Ruhl at (314) 531-6443. Please remember St. Matthew's. Working together, we can make a difference ... we can make a miracle.

    Thank you and God bless

YES, I WANT TO HELP
ST. MATTHEW'S MAKE
A MIRACLE!

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