Divine Mercy Shrine & Retreat Donors

General Information

FAQ For Divine Mercy Shrine & Retreat Center of The West Coast:
CAPITAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
Divine Mercy Eucharistic Society
11152 San Pablo Ave.
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Tel: 510.412.3537
Fax: 510.412.4715

These pages provide supportive documents for the development of a successful fundraising campaign to establish and operate a Divine Mercy Shrine and Retreat Center of the West Coast. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the followers and participants in the Divine Mercy Eucharistic Society (located in El Cerrito, CA) believe there is no better way to share the power of the message of our Merciful God than to touch the hearts and minds of people for generations to come. For that reason we were inspired to establish this Shrine in the Oakland Diocese, CA, a companion to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, which is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Click here to see a description of the National Shrine.

As our project unfolds you will be able to see new and updated information on here. We will provide direct information or downloadable documents to keep this project transparent to all those who invest their faith and resources in our work.

The Catholic Funding Guide states in the preparation section that there are many pressures on religious organizations to be open, professional and transparent with their goals and financial records. As this resource guide makes clear:

“Catholic-oriented foundations today are exercising more caution in their grant making choices. They will require that proposals for assistance be developed with care... Church-related charities and institutions that hope to be successful in enlisting support will have to be clear about their mission, have a compelling need, a well organized and capable leadership, an excellent fundraising plan with broad-based support, and superb accountability and financial transparency.”

This plan is designed to move the Divine Mercy Shrine of the West Coast in this direction. I anticipate that the passion, commitment, and heartfelt faith in the project will continue to come from Thelma Orias' leadership and all the board members as well as the members, devotees and from the love and commitment of the many people who visualize the Shrine as a manifestation in our time of God’s love and mercy for humanity and His providence.

We begin our fundraising plan with a prayer to St. Joseph and to Our Lady of Mercy through the
intercession of St. Faustina:

Prayer to St. Joseph
O’ St. Joseph, Faithful Guardian of Our Redeemer and Protector of Our Mother of God, as our special Patron and Advocate in establishing the Divine Mercy West Coast Shrine, we firmly resolve to honor you throughout our lives. We ask you to guide us in all our works in establishing the Divine Mercy Shrine; we beg you to always provide us for all the resources we need to complete this mission. Keep us humble and always in peace in fulfilling this mission. Help us increase our faith and trust in Our Lord Jesus. O’ dear St. Joseph, protect us from the terror of demons - from distractions, division, pride, confusion - and dispel all our uncertainties, doubts, and discouragements which may keep us away in fulfilling our mission of establishing the Divine Mercy Shrine. We humbly beseech you to hear and answer all our prayers according to God’s will and for His greater glory.
Prayer to our Blessed Mother of Mercy
Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, Our Co-Worker in Heaven, guide us in fulfilling this mission which you have inspired us to do. Please provide us for all the resources we need to complete this sacred Divine Mercy Shrine project. We beg you to hear and answer all our prayers according to God’s will and for His greater glory. Amen.
St. Faustina, pray for us.

What is the Divine Mercy Shrine & Retreat Center Project?

The facilities and spiritual amenities envisioned at this sacred location will serve as a visible sign of hope, renewal, and learning for the Western United States. It will be a place for healing and conversion for people of all ages, races and religious affiliations seeking for the mercy of God. The Divine Mercy Shrine and Retreat Center will be a “sister shrine” to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts where thousands of visitors come to experience and renew their faith.
You can view the Shrine Plan Summary.pdf

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What is the Divine Mercy Eucharist Society?

We offer a variety of services that seek to honor our Merciful Lord. Among these are the prayers and adoration and community support. We started in about 1990 and have developed the Blessed Adoration chapels for prayers and Mary's House, a home for pregnant, single women and their babies, as well as a number of spiritual outreach projects. You can see more about our history in the 2-Page Summary above. You can see more about our history in the Page, “About Us and History”.

What is the Mission Statement of the Divine Mercy Eucharistic Society?

The Divine Mercy Eucharistic Society has the mission of “establishing a center for prayer and evangelization through the propagation of the Divine Mercy message and devotion. We will assist others in deepening their sacramental lives through the promotion of Eucharistic adoration and the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation. Through practicing spiritual and corporal works of mercy, the Body of Christ and the Church will be strengthen to bring about a more just and peaceful society”.

What Will The Shrine Look Like?

Here are some pictures to help you experience the Glory of this experience and the wonder of what God's Mercy has in store for those seeking the truth. These are initial representations. You can view the architectural designs on “Designs & Floor Plans”. Christ’s Presence will be in Sign and Symbols of the Architectural designs.

Click on picture to enlarge.

Beautiful Pictures! How Can I Get There?

The inspired Divine Mercy Shrine of the West Coast will be located in Sunol, CA on Sheridan Road. South-bound travelers will exit Andrade and immediate left onto Mission Road ( parallel to I-680). Cross the 680 overpass at Sheridan Road to the first gate on the right with white iron gate. North-bound 680 travelers will exit directly onto Sheridan Road. Right onto Sheridan Road to the first gate on the right. Go up the hill about 1/4 mile to a level area and on the right far-end, you will see a wooden cross, this marks the gathering place. Please Park with consideration for others, especially for those who must park near-by because of physical abilities. The ground is rough, so watch your step. The top of the hills is windy please bring your jacket or blanket. We now have a porta-potty. No running water, yet, or power, so bring your favorite beverage or water, and if you wish something for pot-luck. The gatherings are informal, just a big family-style get-together, with prayer and discussion. Please come and help us PRAY the SHRINE into existence. We are depending on God, not man, so we must demonstrate to the Lord our desire to have the Shrine. The rest will come in God’s time. Let us prepare ourselves and our families.

Are You Working On The Site at this Point?

Many people are already making visits to the site. Some people get lost finding the place, so we decided to build the entrance gate, and it is now done. view the gate. We will put “4” ft Image of the Divine Mercy for people to venerate the Image in public. We also plan to put a temporary prayer house on top of the hills with few parking lots. We are just waiting for the county’s approval for the temporary permit. This prayer house will be our place to hold our prayers and petitions for the fulfillment of this Shrine and monthly meetings related to the project. Your prayer and financial supports are greatly needed. Water well is also done.

Click on picture to enlarge.

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Does the Shrine Project have a Fundraising Plan?

Yes we do. You can view the current draft right here: Fundraising Plan.pdf. Please feel free to make suggestions or contact us if you would like to make a gift. He can be reached at AllanShore@msn.com.

Who is on the Divine Mercy and Shrine Project Governing Board?

We have several respected individuals, including members of local and national religious leadership organizations. You can see a summary of them and their qualifications in this document:
Board and Advisors.pdf

What is the Spiritual Purpose Behind The Shrine?

St. Faustina says how after her death, this Divine Mercy devotion will continue to be spread throughout the world. The spirit of these words came from propagating the Message of the Divine Mercy as entrusted by our Lord to St. Faustina, in the 1930s—the first Saint canonized in the 21st Century. To the followers and faithfulness of the Divine Mercy Eucharist Society (El Cerrito, CA), these words inspired both spiritual and corporal works beginning in 1990

Here is a summary statement. It includes a list of the major activities that we hope to see operational at the Shrine once it is completed in the coming years. Spiritual Statement: Spiritual Statement.pdf

Do You Have A 510 ( c ) 3 - An IRS Determination Letter?

We do. Our Tax ID number is 94-3211617. We also have the By-laws and the Articles of Incorporation registered with the State of California in April 1998. We are also registered with the Official Catholic Directory under the Diocese of Oakland.

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How Much is The Shrine Going to Cost?

The Board has designed it in five capital phases. Phases 1 through 3 will focus on securing about $35 million to build the church itself. The remaining phases will add the retreat center and religious house. The total cost is projected to be $45 million.

Attached is a budget overview and a budget narrative to show what we are seeking at the moment and how donations will be used. Capital Budget.pdf

How Far Along Are You?

The caring and faithful devotees of the Divine Mercy Eucharist Society--and friends of our board members and advisors--have provided substantial to enable us to secure the land and begin preparations to make the land usable for those wishing to make a pilgrimage or to contemplate the wonder of the project. The pictures and drawing above show what we have done besides gain control of the land.

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What Do You Need for Help?

Prayers and Financial support. You can contact us, the Divine Mercy Eucharist Society, directly at 510-412-4715 or email: divinemercyjesus @aol.com for more information. We are particularly seeking donors who can give gifts, either immediately or in the form of bequests, to provide magnificent memorial to those who trust in the Lord and His Mercy.

We are currently seeking matching grants and are willing to work with donors to use these gifts as an incentive to invite others. We will also recognize all major donations on site or on the property as it evolves. You can view and print this Donor letter request and share it to all.

When Will The Shrine Be Complete?

Our target date is to have the church itself open by 2011. Perhaps with God's blessings we will have the entire project operational by 2011 or 2012. With your help we will have it ready faster.

Can I See More Information?

You may be able to download this multi-page PDF that operates like a PowerPoint Presentation. If offers more specifics and much of the Christian and Merciful motivation of our works.
FUNDRAISING PRESENTATION.pdf

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