This weekend, our pastor Father Tom is announcing the inauguration of a parish Capital Campaign – Faith in Our Future – with a goal of raising $1,250,000 in order to address some much needed updates to our parish facilities. Sections of the original part of the church, most notably the tower, are in need of significant repair and reconstruction. Our heating and cooling systems need updating and our parking lot needs repaving and improved lighting. This campaign will allow us to address these important projects that have been deferred over the years because we are unable to fund them through our regular operating budget and Grand Annual collection.
This past spring we conducted a Planning Study to determine the extent of support for this effort. Input was sought from parishioners in a variety of ways, including one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and a general parish-wide mailing. Thank you to all who participated in the study. The primary concern people raised was the new Archdiocesan pastoral plan for parishes. This plan means that St John’s and St Paul’s will be in a Collaborative together. In this new relationship, each parish is still responsible for the upkeep and care of their own assets, such as the church and other facilities. Parish income, including our Capital Campaign, will remain designated for St. John Parish.
There will be more information about the Capital Campaign in the up-coming weeks. Watch for a special invitation to be sent to all registered parishioners. You and your family will be invited to attend a special Campaign Reception hosted by Father Tom.
