St. Mary's Featured in the Ramona Sentinel

We’re happy to share that the Ramona Sentinel featured St. Mary’s and our discernment about our land and legacy journey in this week’s paper! The encouraging and hopeful article, written by Julie Gallant, focused on our mission to care for our neighbors. It said that St. Mary’s is exploring the possibility of building affordable housing on 2.5 acres of vacant land, formerly home to a community garden. Vicar Hannah Wilder said the church sees the project as both a social and spiritual calling, rooted in the values of hospitality, justice, and care for the most vulnerable. The Bishop’s Committee voted unanimously in June to study housing options, with the goal of addressing the needs of young couples, families, seniors, and workers who are priced out of Ramona’s housing market. Working with Jessica Ripper, mission real estate portfolio manager for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, the church is considering a three-story apartment complex among other possibilities, and is consulting with local planners, developers, and community leaders to ensure the project is financially and practically viable. Long-term considerations include property management, potential rental income to support the church’s future, and the addition of facilities such as a church office or community resource center. Wilder says the vision is a “win-win” for the congregation and the town: the land is used for the flourishing of the community, while also helping ensure the continuation of the church’s ministry. Read the whole article (Union Tribune subscription required).