Let’s support the Renewal of Our Mother of Mercy Parish in
Mobile, Alabama!
In partnership with Catholic Extension Society, St. Paul of the Cross is helping breathe new life into the parish by transforming an abandoned building on the parish grounds into a vibrant multifunctional parish and community gathering space. Renovating this building into a multipurpose facility will restore functionality to the parish, providing a space for gathering, community-building, and spiritual growth.
A Historic Parish in a Historic Community Since its establishment as a mission in 1925, Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Mobile, Alabama, has faithfully served the Africatown community. Africatown holds profound historical significance as it was settled by the survivors of the last known slave ship, the Clotilda.
A Project to Transform and Unite Under the leadership of Fr. Victor Ingalls, the time has come to breathe new life into this cornerstone of the community. Fr. Victor wants to renovate an abandoned building on parish grounds. The revitalized building will serve as a multipurpose space, addressing many vital parish and community needs:
Fellowship: A gathering space for parishioners to come together after Mass.
Education: Facilities for Bible studies, faith formation, and youth group activities.
Community Building: A meeting ground for Africatown residents, further fostering unity.
As Africatown experiences a season of renewal, this project will serve as a cornerstone for the revitalization of both the parish and the community.
An Opportunity for Impact Fr. Victor Ingalls—who also serves as Director of Multicultural Ministry for the Archdiocese of Mobile—believes deeply in the power of seeds humbly planted. Regular youth meetings, retreats, and service opportunities are already bearing fruit, and the renovated hall will amplify these efforts. Your Lenten Almsgiving can make this vision a reality. By contributing to this project, you are investing in the future of a historic parish; supporting Africatown’s renewal; and helping to foster a vibrant and united community.
Centennial Celebration in 2025 Our Mother of Mercy Parish’s centennial celebration in October 2025 is approaching quickly. With your help, they can celebrate this milestone in the newly renovated parish hall—a symbol of hope and transformation for the parish and the Africatown community.
A Special Connection Fr. Victor Ingalls and Fr. James Wallace are good friends. Fr. Victor and Fr. James were classmates together at The Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy. This Lent, let’s plant seeds for a brighter future. Together, we can restore Our Mother of Mercy Parish to its full potential and ensure that this sacred space continues to serve the Africatown community for generations to come.
Thank you for your support and generosity!
The following list provides a general summary of the items that St. Paul of the Cross community can fund during our Lenten Almsgiving. 100% of the funds will go towards transforming the abandoned parish building at Our Mother of Mercy church into a multifunctional space for gathering, community-building, and spiritual growth.
Wish List
Renovations to convert the abandoned parish building into a gathering space $ 5,000
Repairs and mold removal to bathrooms in abandoned building $ 3,000
Renovate and update the kitchen area in the abandoned building $ 2,000
Meals for youth group gatherings for a year $ 1,500
Updated Mass books for the Our Mother of Mercy community $ 800
Sponsor a high school student to attend a national retreat $ 600
Sponsor a middle school student to attend a local retreat $ 400
Support the renewal of the youth choir at Our Mother of Mercy $ 200
Gas expense for Fr. Victor Ingalls to travel between 5 churches each weekend $ 100
Books and supplies for 1 RE student $ 60
Hammer and nails $ 35
Football for youth group $ 15
Please use the envelopes provided in the pews to make contributions and place them in the collection basket on Sundays during Lent or drop it off at the rectory. Donations can also be made through Give Central: https://www.givecentral.org/customizable-online-giving/133/event/29561
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