Dear Friends of St. John's,

For each of us, St. John's in the Wilderness holds a special place in our hearts. For some, our parish is a strong tie to the families and the history of those who once lived among the beautiful mountains surrounding St. John's in the Wilderness. For others, our parish became a peaceful stop along their hike through the surrounding Harriman State Park - where you are welcome to join us for prayer or maybe even for some refreshments after mass. Whatever your reason or connection with St. John's in the Wilderness, our beautiful 125 year old church has become a part of your life.

I struggled a bit with the wording for this year's Rock of Faith Building Preservation Fund letter of appeal. The problem is that what I wrote last year says it all and says it best - so we begin our Rock of Faith 2005 Building Preservation Fund by asking you, our members and friends for your continued support in raising these much needed funds for repair.

As a thank you for your donation, a Rock of Faith Plaque with your name and memorial will be displayed in the church for one year. Each "rock" is a $25 donation. You may purchase as many rocks as you would like to memorialize and honor an important person or event in your life or the life of a person close to you such as a birth or a marriage. 

There are options are indicated on the Participation Form. Option 1 is for the memorials and may include both the name of the person memorialized as well as the donor. Option 2 is to commemorate events such as weddings, the birth of a child or other blessings, which you have personally received.

For many years now, thanks to each of you, the Rock of Faith Program has been a wonderful way to remember loved ones and events that are special in your lives. We hope that you'll continue to be part of this opportunity to reconfirm your commitment to St. John's in the Wilderness. 

If you know of other persons who might wish to participate in the Rock of Faith Program, we shall be glad to send them a donation form. Please return the enclosed form as soon as possible to the above address, noting "ROCK OF FAITH" on the outside of the envelope.

Your support is needed and always greatly appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

(Mrs.) Joanne Potanovic 
Clerk and Advisory Board Member
Rock of Faith Chairperson