Comments from benefactors of the church building project

In the past six months, we have received over 500 contributions, many accompanied by letters. We are very appreciative of these comments for they are not only informative and inspirational, but they are also a constant reminder of our past, present and future.

From Present and Former Parishioners:

• A retired couple living at the shore reminisced about their parish days with Msgr. Ross and commented that they still visit St. James when they are in the area and still "admire the beauty of the building inside and out."
• A Delaware County couple remarked that although they had lived in other parishes, "St. James will always have a special feeling in our heart."
• A parishioner made a contribution in memory of his mother "who had a special fondness for the parish and the church building."
• A couple with a long-time connection to the parish and area institutions, stated that they enjoyed the homilies at St. Agatha-St. James, and they are very grateful for the ministry we provided to their family.
• Former parishioners from the western suburbs simply commented that "our memories of the parish are many and happy."
• A retired lady, now living in the South, hoped that we would be able to restore our church because its "grandeur was inspirational, and quite unlike today's cinder-block churches."
• Former parishioners from the suburbs assured us that they would spread the word about our needs to their family and friends because this parish was essential to their spiritual life.

From "Friends" of St. Agatha-St. James:

• A family made a contribution in memory of their mother who died this past winter, because we "were very kind in providing her with spiritual comfort."
• A lady from Montgomery County wished us well with our repairs and stated that she had many happy memories of St. James form her years at St. Leonard's Academy.
• A couple from the Midwest thanked us for "continuing to minister to our university students - the future of our country and our church."
• Out-of-towners, here for CHOP, discovered that the church building was closed for repairs and gave us a donation to assist our project.
• A gentleman from Montgomery County hoped that his contribution would help a little as we "continue those good works for our community."
• A family from Delaware County sent a contribution because relatives had been married at our church and they were "pleased to help."
• A parish in Bucks County sent money from their Lenten collection with the thought that their donation would encourage us in our work on behalf of those who look to us for help and assistance.
• A couple from Bucks County wished us well and commented that "running a church is like running a home; there is always something to fix."
• A widow from upstate Pennsylvania made a donation because of her gratitude to Fr. George for administering the Last Rites to her husband.
• A friend who works nearby and recently saw the church exclaimed, "It looks AMAZING! Who knew that it was so beautiful"! It is "an enormous undertaking - but it was well worth it."
• Many students from St. Leonard's e-mailed us with delightful recollections and gave us a glimpse of the way things were (or they thought they were).

From Parents of Students:

• A mother from New Jersey stated that she was happy that her son was a part of our church community and thanked us "for being there for the Penn students."
• Parents from the Midwest thanked us for being a place where Christ resides and "for being a caretaker of the Body of Christ."
• New York parents commented that they had attended Mass at St. Agatha-St. James and that they were "awed by the beauty and special nature" of the parish.
• A father from New Jersey stated that his daughter spoke very highly of our homilies and that she found strength and solace here when her studies were difficult.
• Utah parents wrote to thank us for the church family which we provide for the Penn students, and hoped that we could continue this service.
• Parents from New England declared that they had attended Penn years ago and still have fond memories of the church, midnight Mass and the Newman Center. They are thankful that their daughter has enjoyed our Masses as well.
• A mother from the South exclaimed that her children "have repeatedly told me that they have found great peace and comfort at StA-StJ, and for that I am extremely grateful. I hear that the homilies are significantly better than those here."
• New Jersey parents hoped that their donation would help with the restoration project. They had attended many Parents' Weekends and always admired our beautiful Church.
• A parent from New York wrote that as a father he always felt comforted that there was a church nearby for spiritual needs.
• Maryland parents declared that they were quite distressed to learn about the building's condition, but were very appreciative of St. Agatha-St. James and the Newman Center.
• Parents from Philadelphia are thrilled to see that we are once again a part of their son's life, and added that he loves the student Mass.
• Connecticut parents commented that they were very thankful for the 4 years "we watched over" their daughter.
• One of our most endearing letters came from a mother in the Philadelphia area. She attached a copy of her son's letter to her, and stated that his sentiments are a testimony to the importance of our work with campus ministry. The young man wrote that he was saddened "to hear that this church is in trouble financially...it is truly a beautiful and remarkable building." He added that the Catholic Penn and Drexel students really need this parish to succeed in order to benefit the entire community. He sent a donation and hoped his mom would do as well because he "would really appreciate it."

From Penn Graduates:

• A graduate from New York recalled "with a warm heart the peace and comfort" received from our parish while a student.
• A couple from Virginia wrote of their fond memories of college, particularly attending Mass in our beautiful church, and hoped that St. James could be restored "to its former splendor."
• A St. Leonard's Academy and Penn grad commented on the "many fine memories of events" when our church was used.
• A lady from Georgia stated that "coming from the Protestant Bible Belt of the South, it was great to have a real cathedral-like Catholic Church." She loved the Masses, the congregation and the organ during her college years here.
• A grad from New York remembered the "beautiful church of St. Agatha/St. James as an oasis of calm" that gave her a chance "to reflect on things deeper than the pressures of student life."
• A couple from Montgomery County wised us well and stated that they met in college "and enjoyed going to the Masses together."
• A Californian wrote that "the parish meant so much to me as a student living so far from my family."
• A Texan simply states, "I am happy to donate some money to an organization that actually needs it."
• A graduate from Philadelphia expressed her gratitude to St. AJ's for guiding her during her college years and hoped that we would be able "to continue giving Penn, Drexel and USP students a peaceful place to escape from the stress and confusion of college life."
• A nurse from New York stated that the parish provided her with "a lot of guidance and support" while in college and she understands how important that is, especially during these times.
• A graduate from the area wrote that her family always commented on the beauty of our church compared to the "coldness" of the more modern churches, and hoped that future generations could "enjoy its beauty."
• A lady from Chester County thanked us for all of our "service and outreach to the Penn community."
• A couple from Delaware asserted that their worship together at our church built a "strong friendship and later our lifetime commitment."
• A local graduate stated, "I cannot emphasize enough the tremendous positive impact this parish has had on me over the last 6 years, and I will always remember the role it played in my personal and spiritual development."
• A New Yorker stated that he would always remember "St. Agatha/St. James as a beautiful church and a wonderful retreat from school and everyday worries."
• A grad from the South commented that "those Saturday evening Masses are fond memories for me."
• A graduate now living in the Southwest wrote of his wonderful memories of St. AJ's, especially walking to the 5pm Sunday Mass with several of his friends. He made a contribution in memory of a deceased classmate.
• Penn alums who were married here thanked us for contacting them about the condition of the church and said that they were deeply affected by the sad news.
• A Bostonian commented that our parish was such a part of his spiritual life in college, and wished us well with our repairs.
• A graduate from the New York area stated that our church "truly was a holy ground" for him. He added that his faith became stronger during his time at Penn where he received great comfort by being part of the Church community, especially in "an environment where it was not 'cool' to go to church or to be religious."