Restoration Campaign Frequently Asked
Questions
Are these projects
necessary?
Simply
put, yes. The Pastoral Advisory Council and Finance
Council have scrutinized the restoration plans for about a
year. Obviously, the falling bricks in the bell tower
must be fixed. The wiring also desperately needs
changed. The flaking and crumbling stone on the exterior
of the church needs fixed because it causes moisture and
interior plaster damage. Also, the crucifix, altar and
pulpit need addressed in order to more fully comply with the
teaching of the Church. After these projects, the church
will need painted. The church was last painted 22 years
ago (1985-86) and thirteen years before that (1973).
Clearly, this entire project was not undertaken lightly or
without a critical eye!
What is the timeline for our
projects?
As soon as we have enough money to
begin, we will work on the exterior projects, including the
bell tower, stone work, dome and wiring. Once we have
completed, these, we will do the necessary painting and
liturgical items to meet Church requirements. We hope to
have everything completed and consecrate the church on Dec.
12, 2009, the 100th anniversary of the blessing of the
church.
Why are families asked for
pledges?
We are asking for pledges because a
pledge allows a family to make a larger contribution over a
longer period of time. Of course, we are grateful for
all sacrifices. St. Mary's is a home to all of us; we
all share in the responsibility for the upkeep and care of our
beautiful church.
If we have 1080 families, why
doesn't everyone just pledge $1852 toward our
goal?
Each family's situation is
different. Not all families will be able to participate
financially, but each family is asked to make a sacrifice, no
matter how big or small. It is up to each family to
decide how to pledge their gift.
Why are we paying a company to
manage the campaign?
The Pastoral Advisory
Council and the Finance Council agreed to hire the Guidance in
Giving Co. to help manage the campaign. With a goal this
high, these committees agreed to have a professional company
organize the campaign. We pay a flat fee to the company
based on the number of weeks of service (and this fee has been
discounted). We paid more 15 years ago to the company
that helped with our roof campaign, and for a far less
financial goal!
How long will the campaign
run?
The active phase will run through June
8th. Redemption of pledges is over a period of time,
starting soon and going over the next four to five years,
depending on the individuals who pledged.
What happens if we raise more than
$2 million dollars?
That money would be invested
and included in a restoration fund for future needs.
What is we do not meet our $2
million dollar goal?
We will proceed with the
work that most definitely needs addressed, such as the bell
tower, wiring, and stone work. We will then
address the interior needs as funds become available.
Will there be an envelope for
redemption?
Yes, beginning in July an additional
envelope will be included in your monthly packet specifically
for the Restoration Campaign. You may fulfill your
pledge by placing money in that envelope and placing it in the
collection basket. Until July, please indicate if you
are redeeming your pledge on an envelope so we can apply it
correctly.
Who will do the
work?
We hope to hire local contractors as much
as possible.
Why are we paying a cathedral
assessment?
Each parish in the Diocese is
contributing to the new cathedral. The goals for each
parish were based on yearly income. Our parish=s
assessment is about equal to other parishes, based on our
size. In fact, Fr. Mike worked to get our assessment
lowered, which it was. The cathedral is the mother
church of the Diocese. The bishop is committed to
building it, and the parishes are all contributing to the
project. We will pay our portion off over a period of
five years.
What about concerts in the
church? Will we still have concerts in a renovated
sanctuary?
Fr. Mike and Fr. Seth are totally
committed to bringing the arts into the parish. This
past year, we launched the "Musica Sacra" series to enable our
parish, as well as the larger community, to experience a
variety of musical performances in the church. It is our
desire that St. Mary's continue to be a place of worship,
faith, and openness to the arts.
How we will be updated about the
progress of the work?
We will hold more informal
receptions, with photos of the work, and keep everyone updates
on our progress through the bulletin. |
