January 5, 2017

Archdiocese of Chicago
PO Box 1979
Chicago, IL 60690

Attention: Greg Salm

Greg,

It is with a sense of gratitude for the people of Prince of Peace that I write this letter and enclose with it the final payment for our construction loan. When I arrived at Prince of Peace nearly 2 1/2 years ago, I was told how wonderful the parishioners were and how committed they were to their responsibility to repay the outstanding loan with the Archdiocese.

I heard the history of how this community had been dedicated to the rebuilding of their parish that at the time found itself in debt, with buildings in disrepair and a school on the watch list. Since 1998, this community has rallied, and at that time began the efforts needed to save the school, get finances in order and create a master plan for repairs and construction that would secure a parish community and school for the future. In the last 18 years this community has built a rectory, enlarged and remodeled their worship space, added meeting rooms, offices, a gathering space connecting the school to the church, remodeled the school (including air conditioning), finished the basement of the rectory, and most recently built a Parish Life Center which includes an academic hallway, meeting rooms and a gymnasium to rival any high school. The Life Center doubled the square footage of the facility.

While accomplishing all of this they continued to support our Sharing Parish, fund all of the Archdiocesan collections and carried out our local almsgiving and outreach. The school has been self supporting, with no subsidy from the parish, for the last 11 years and achieved Blue Ribbon status in 2014.

I recount this history so that you may appreciate, as much as I do, that this community, after paying off their last loan 13 months ahead of schedule, sends this final payment to you only 37 months into our five year loan.

As of today, the people of Prince of Peace can hold their heads high, knowing they have accomplished all of this in God’s name. This weekend we will thank our community and celebrate our accomplishments. I invite you to visit our website in a couple of weeks and view the areal footage of our achievements.

In Christ’s Name,

Rev. Gerald G. Walsh
Pastor

CC: Cardinal Cupich
       Very Rev. Ron Hicks
       Bishop Rassas
       Betsy Bohlen
       Kevin O’Malley
       Dennis Robak
       Steve Gross