The Grand Annual Parish, aka G.A.P., is an annual appeal by the pastor of St. Augustine Parish for specific purposes. This appeal is sent out to all the active registered families in the parish either by email or by a mailed letter. Donations to the GAP can be made several ways:

  • by check to "St Augustine Church", write "GAP" in the memo and mail or bring to the parish office at 35 Essex St., Andover, MA 01810
  • by credit card at the parish office
  • online through your account at "Online Giving"

This year's G.A.P. letter is shown below:

June 12, 2026                      Please help to close the GAP!

Dear Parishioners:

We all agree that spring was really a tease this year.  Now you see it; now you don’t.  My recollection is that when spring behaves that way, it means summer comes in with a big hot thump.  It’s all part of New England’s charm.  When things are stable, we look for change. When things are changing we long for stability.  In this way we resemble New England weather ourselves.  Our Grand Annual Parish Collection, the “GAP” collection gives everyone an opportunity to do both, to stabilize and to change.  Your support helps us to stabilize our finances, by meeting our budgetary obligations.  We change when we dig deep and give a bit more than usual to take care of those extraordinary expenses, usually capital expenses. These are the kinds of things that can fracture a budget.

Here are some current examples:

  • Replacing 20-year-old A/C units (3) in parish center - $73,000
  • Replacing 20-year-old roof on convent - $14,000
  • Repair front deck and steps of St. Joseph Church – $6,000
  • Patch and repair asphalt in main parking lot - $$6,000
  • Complete phase 3 of church gutter & downspouts replacement - $60,000
  • Replace kneelers in church – TBD

I want to explore installation of solar panels on parish center to help address the $3000 monthly electricity bill for that building.

The GAP helps us pay the bills. When possible, it also helps us do the extra but necessary projects. The GAP supplements the regular weekly offertory, which has stabilized at around $14,000 per week. Many are using online offertory which is immensely helpful. Please consider it. It is easy and dependable. Please visit the stewardship page on the parish website at: staugustineparish.org/parish-stewardship for more information or call the parish office at 978-475-0050 and Betsy will be happy to help you get started. To donate electronically to the GAP, please click on the website GAP button which will take you to PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account and you can select to pay by credit/debit card. A colored return envelope is enclosed in this letter for your contribution by check. Mail it back, drop it in the collection basket or through the mail slot in the friary front door. Thank you!

Some have been able to contribute $1000, $500, or even more to the GAP.  When everyone gives what they can, we will succeed and close the budget gap every year. Your support is most important and much appreciated. May Saint Rita intercede on your behalf for the good or your family and for peace in our world.

Sincerely,

Fr. Peter G. Gori, O.S.A.
Pastor

 

PS:  Another savings for which you are eligible is the Group Auto Insurance discount exclusively available to St. Augustine Parishioners.
Call Doherty Insurance at 978-475-0260. See how you can save!