The purpose of the Archbishop’s Appeal is to support the mission of the Church. The Archbishop’s Appeal Committee formed in October 2010 has as its first mission the renovation/ restoration of Church buildings with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception as its main focus.

The picture show the current state of the Cathedral. Photos by Gregory Scott

To quote our Co-adjutor Archbishop Joseph Harris, “Many social theologians will say to you that when respect for the sacred is lost, there comes with that loss a loss of respect for the sacredness of life. There can be no doubt that respect for the sacredness of life has been lost in T&T and I believe that one of the contributing factors has been a loss of sacred space in our land. It is incumbent therefore on the Catholic Church to do whatever is necessary to restore and maintain our sacred spaces so that they once again give us a sense of awe and respect for the presence of God, so that our respect for the sacred be restored and with that restoration a respect for the sacredness of life.”

An appeal was made to the national Catholic community to come forward to assist in launching the Archbishop’s Appeal. You have not disappointed us. It is due to your tremendous support that we are able to start the restoration on the Cathedral. An initial target of $3.5 million was set for the first year, prior to receiving a dilapidation survey. This comprehensive report indicates that the work will be scheduled in eight phases, with the first phase needing $15 million to complete. This phase addresses important emergency work and restorative work for Year One which includes repairs to the clerestory rose windows, drainage, roof repairs, guttering and structural works, most of which require specialist intervention.

Our journey has just begun. As a national historic site, the Cathedral is an architectural gem and an integral part in the national life in Trinidad and Tobago. We as the Catholic Church owe it to the nation to set an example of how our national treasures are to be maintained, and it is to this end that we call on you, the community, to rise to the cause and maintain your contributions. A number of ways have been devised so that you can assist us. The Ways to Give Box indicates a number of areas. A supporter would obtain a tax benefit by using a Deed of Covenant. You may also wish to speak with us about legacy planning as a way to ensure that your wishes to support the cause are fulfilled for future generations.

A further $9 million is required for the completion of Phase One. We will continue to drive our fundraisng campaign raising the profile of the Appeal to the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora internationally. A number of events are planned so that you will be able to participate in ongoing events and we will be sure to keep you informed. Please keep in mind the upcoming collection on the weekend of November 20, Feast of Christ the King. The entire weekend collection will be going to the Appeal. Donation envelopes are available at all parish offices.

We thank you for your generous ongoing support.

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