Dear Friends:

Immigrants from Latin American countries, groups from the Philippines, and Caribbean’s are united with African-Americans, and the descendants of 19 ^th century Italian immigrants in common beliefs and common worship at the urban Catholic Church, St. Anthony of Padua in Passaic, New Jersey.  Our people move more easily into American “melting pot” economics and society through their participation in the power of a shared spiritual experience. 

On Holy Thursday, April 13 2017, the church roof collapsed.  We need help.
In an effort to renovate and repair the church quickly, we have sponsored fundraisers, raffles, and cultural events. We have not reached our financial goal of $1 million dollars, despite the generosity of our financially burdened congregants.  Nevertheless, we move forward.  We have hired the firm of DiGeronimo Architects to assist us.  We have identified five absolute necessities for repair:  the sanctuary, ceiling, air conditioning/heating, floor and lighting.  We want to begin construction during March or April of 2018. 

We need help.

I come to you because as business professionals, you understand the potential of a rising work force possessing strong work ethics and moral integrity.  These virtues describe our people.

I come to you hoping that you would join us in re-establishing the significant role St. Anthony’s has played in Passaic’s past.  Second and third generations of Italian-Americans in the New York/New Jersey area, have achieved great success.  St. Anthony of Padua played no small role in the education and acculturation of their forebears, last century’s immigrants.  We truly believe that we can advance the cause of this century’s immigrant worker just as well.  But we need help.

Our gratitude for any monetary donation you give us is guaranteed.  Thank you for your consideration.

With deep respect,

Rev. Hernan Cely
Pastor