By Dubravka Kolumbic-Cortese | Correspondent

The parishioners of St. Monica Parish, Jackson, really know how to raise a roof. Through the collective efforts of energetic and tireless parishioners and its ministries, in just two years, the parish of 1,500 members was able to raise more than enough of the $26,000 needed to replace the aging roof. But the roof isn’t the only thing getting a facelift.  

“We worked really hard in the last couple of years to regenerate the building itself, and in doing so, I think a lot of the parishioners have been regenerated as well,” explained parishioner and fundraiser, Caroline White.

Two years ago, faced with a declining membership and the fear of closure, the parish laid out a “Vision 20/20” three-step plan to rejuvenate the parish inside and out. One of the first orders of business was to replace the aging roof. The parish quickly sprung to action with various ministries holding fundraisers and donating items for a gift auction. The first auction held last year raised $14,000. They nearly reached their goal of doubling that by raising $27,000 at the second auction held last month. The funds will more than cover the cost of a new roof, so they are hoping to use the extra funds toward other necessary upgrades, such as a new sound system.

“Two and a half years ago, we thought we were going to close,” White said. “Now we are welcoming new parishioners every week.”

The parish will celebrate the fruits of their combined efforts with a holiday-themed party on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in the church parking lot. The festivities will include Christmas caroling and the lighting of a two-story tall angel that White’s husband built for her years ago when they lived in Alabama. The event will be a celebration of the parish’s rebirth, while the angel will act as a sort of beacon inviting passersby to stop in and see what makes St. Monica so special.

“We’ve invited the whole community,” White said. “We just want people to know that there is a second church in Jackson. St. Monica’s is really a church with heart. We call it the ‘Cheers’ church. It’s where everybody knows your name. It’s so neighborly and friendly.”

The parish has strengthened its connection to the community through its increasingly active ministries such as the youth group, which holds regular car wash fundraisers, Knights of Columbus, religious education, vacation Bible school and Women of St. Monica’s.

 “We have something to offer everyone,” Rosalie Kripinski said of St. Monica Parish. “It’s a real community.”

Kripinski, who is active in various ministries including the Legion of Mary, believes the cohesiveness and camaraderie of the parish serves a bigger purpose.

“It’s better for the parish if you work together and you’re there for a common goal, it’s going to make the parish stronger,” she said. “It’s important for the children to have a sense of community in the church. It strengthens their faith, and that’s something they need to have, even if they go somewhere else later on, they will continue that with their children.”