Thanks to a Parish Assistance Grant, supported by the Bishop's Annual Appeal (BAA), St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Tarboro has been able to enhance parish life, strengthen faith formation, and support one of the community's most cherished evangelization traditions.
One of the most visible improvements was the installation of a gazebo behind the parish hall. Parish volunteers regularly prepare meals for parish events, fundraisers, and community gatherings using the parish kitchen and outdoor grill. Prior to receiving the grant, volunteers often worked directly under the hot sun and had limited access to lighting and electricity during evening events. The new gazebo now provides a comfortable, shaded space for food preparation while also offering essential lighting and electrical access. Parishioners have greatly appreciated the improved conditions, making hospitality ministries more efficient and enjoyable for everyone involved.
The grant also funded the purchase of important resources to strengthen daily parish operations and religious education programs. A new parish printer now provides reliable copying and scanning capabilities, helping streamline office functions and communication. In addition, a television and projector were purchased to enhance faith formation classes through video presentations and multimedia learning opportunities. These resources are already benefiting parishioners of all ages by improving educational programming and the delivery of parish services.
Finally, grant funding supported the purchase of vestments and costumes for the parish's Hispanic ministry Passion Play during Holy Week. Each year, St. Catherine of Siena presents a live reenactment of Christ's Passion for the entire Tarboro community, drawing participants and spectators together in prayer and reflection. In previous years, limited resources required actors to wear their everyday clothing. This year, the new costumes and vestments helped create a more authentic and meaningful experience, allowing participants to more fully portray the events of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. The actors expressed deep gratitude for the support, and the enhanced presentation helped bring the Gospel message to life for all who attended.
Through this Parish Assistance Grant, made possible by generous supporters of the Bishop's Annual Appeal, St. Catherine of Siena Parish has strengthened its ministries, improved parish facilities, and enriched the faith experience of parishioners and the wider Tarboro community. The impact of these investments will continue to be felt for years to come.
