
Letter from Father Peter
Theology of Sanctuary Elements Explained

Painting of the Immaculate Conception
Painting of the Annunciation
Blue background with stars
White marble tile
The gold behind the Altar
The three stairs ascending to the Altar
Grow with Grace
planted in purpose, sowing our future
Our Goal $500,000 - Completed!

Equivalent of 10K raised.
Updated: April 2024. GOAL REACHED!
Testimonials from Parishioners
We’re looking forward to the church renovations as a means for securing the future of our parish, but most importantly as a way to bring the greatest possible glory to God. We hope this project honors the faithful followers that were here before us and those that come after us. We are so grateful for our ICC family, and we pray this project will help others feel the same sense of comfort and joy this church family brings us.
Growing up, I heard stories of my ancestors and the part they played in forming the Catholic community in Watertown. It is our duty to continue that tradition for generations to come, so that we may watch out children’s children come to know God as members of Immaculate Conception.
ICC is an amazing parish and one that our family is so grateful to be a part of. What a wonderful opportunity the capital campaign is creating as a means to nurture the space that we have to honor and praise God and where we can continue to learn and grow in our faith. Not only will the church renovations have an impact now, but also for our children and future generations as they come to know Jesus and the love he has for them.
We are truly grateful for being life-long members of Immaculate Conception Church. Both of us were baptized at ICC and then 24 years later, we were united in marriage here too. We have also had the joy of raising our children, Wyatt, Maggie and Grace in the parish family. In order for our church and faith community to remain strong, we hope you will join us in supporting the Grow with Grace capital campaign. This campaign will allow future generations to experience and share the beautiful traditions of our Catholic faith at ICC!
ICC has been my home parish since 1974. Over the years, the various volunteer positions that I have held have increased my awareness of the need to provide a safer, more welcoming environment to encourage new memberships and increased focus of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Recently, I have reminisced about all the updates I have made to my home over the years and realize that the home of my Lord certainly deserves an update, too. As a retiree, I am privileged to attend many weekly services and now I can’t wait to spend Friday Adorations in the presence of Jesus in that beautifully decorated sanctuary.
Immaculate Conception has greatly impacted my life and the life of each and every parishioner in ways we are not even fully aware. As a member since 1996, my now late husband Steve and I enjoyed serving the parish in varied ways while raising a son and daughter in the beautiful Catholic faith. Our ICC parish community continues to strengthen my faith. I wish to give back in gratitude. It is our obligation to make sure a strong ICC with an updated, beautiful & well-maintained environment is in place, both for ourselves and the next generation. Our Capital Campaign is more important than ever and easily arguably long overdue. With no guarantee anywhere that the next generation will come to the rescue, all parishes everywhere rely on present support. We are all blessed and we must give back in gratitude. Both in and out of church, I see our parish as a vehicle to serve others by way of the fuel we receive from the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, a treasure we either take for granted or fail to accept as truth. We need reminding that the COVID crisis meant we could not receive Jesus in person. As we gather again, we need to come forward with financial support so that ICC can continue to facilitate Christ’s mission of generosity, love & mercy ~ and at the same time add something specific that is missing as we look around our altar, an aesthetic beauty that speaks to our namesake, the Immaculate Conception.
ICC Watertown has a special place in my heart for many reasons. I’ve been blessed to have three children receive their sacraments here. I’ve been able to celebrate two daughters married here, multiple grandchildren baptized here, and a granddaughter who took part in her First Holy Communion at ICC this April. I have been honored to sing in the choir for over 30 years and am grateful to have seen many priests serve this parish. Over these years, I have met so many wonderful people at this church. I cherish the history of this church knowing we can also embrace change. Change is good for everyone. I believe redesigning the sanctuary, to help us focus on the Eucharist, is the right thing to do. And I pray our Church can be a source of cherished sacraments for other families for generations to come. I support the Capital Campaign because I know how important these maintenance and rebuilding projects are to the health and future of our parish.
38 years ago early in our marriage we relocated to Watertown with a 5 month old baby and basically no ties to this little town. We were warmly welcomed into this Immaculate Conception Family and raised our family here. It has sustained us over these many years at times of life’s highest highs, lowest lows and the ordinary everything in between! This Parish continues to be an amazing community of love, faith and action. We are blessed to live in this faith community and feel The ‘Grow with Grace’ campaign will ensure this community remains vibrant and strong for generations to come. We have been entrusted to care for this precious gift of faith and family. We’d like to encourage you to prayerfully consider participating in this endeavor!
ICC is a family and the church building is our home. Like anyone’s home, we want it to be beautiful, welcoming and secure. I think the improvements to our space will help us do that for this generation and for generations to come.
Bruce and I moved to Watertown 41 years ago. Being part of the ICC parish has provided us with many opportunities to continue our spiritual growth. I am proud of our parish as it is evident during the “Fall Festival” how we all work together to make our festival a success. Just as we work to keep our own homes in good repair, it is important to restore and beautify our church for us and future generations to continue their faith journey.

Campaign Prayer
We praise You for You are the source of life. We thank You for our parish and the many blessings You have given us over the past 159 years. Open our hearts and minds to Your purpose and vision. Help us to be good stewards of the many gifts You have given us, sowing seeds now and for future generations of saints to come. Help us be like Mary, always faithful to You. We especially pray for the success of our capital campaign. Together, help us step forward in faith and recommit ourselves to Your mission of love. May our effort, combined with Your aid, allow us to serve the people of the Watertown area, and to grow with grace.
Amen.