STM Capital Campaign:
Building the City of God –
Here and Now
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UPDATE - JUNE 30, 2020
Almost two years ago, our parish launched the Building the City of
God – Here and Now Capital Campaign to remodel our church undercroft, make our
campus fully accessible, and replace exterior windows and electrical facilities
in the school building. To date, the capital campaign has received approximately $4.1 million in pledges or donations
and we have collected over $2.5 million of that
total.
Completed
Projects
School
windows – completed this spring, the project has dramatically improved the
appearance of the school building and improved the comfort and energy
efficiency of our campus.
Total project
cost: $1.1 million.
School electrical –
completed last fall, this project improved the school’s electrical facilities,
including new circuit breakers and control panel. Total project cost: $88,000.
Ongoing
Projects
School
lighting – started this spring, this project will replace existing
classroom lighting with new LED lighting, improving the quality of lighting
while reducing energy costs in the school.
Total project cost: $200,000.
School
Accessibility – bids for modernization of the school
elevator are under review and work will commence shortly on a complete
modernization of the school elevator. Total project cost: $140,000.
Church
Accessibility – plans to improve accessibility of the
church and parish center are key to design of a beautiful new entrance and
gathering space that will connect the church and parish center, provide
accessibility to all levels of both buildings and add much needed bathrooms on
two levels.
Church
Undercroft – the final piece of the building projects
has been designed to take advantage of the existing beauty of our undercroft,
while upgrading lighting, flooring and fixtures. Plans also call for new serving and meeting
areas within this space. When completed,
the project will provide a fully functioning space for meetings, gatherings, and
programs, immediately adjacent to new bathrooms and elevator.
Total project cost for church accessibility
and undercroft: $4.2
million.
Project Funding
The capital campaign committee has identified a gap between projects and funding of approximately $1.7 million. To bridge that gap, we are considering a combination of sources, including additional fundraising, debt and use of existing capital reserves. We are also considering phasing plans for the final improvements until funds are secured.
Construction Start
Given the impact of the pandemic on our community, we are delaying the start of construction from fall of 2020 to spring of 2021. Construction plans will be completed this summer and permitting will begin as soon as project funding is secured.
Thank You
Thank you to those who have supported these projects financially and through your gifts of time! As we keep momentum going on our capital projects in the coming year, please remember that gifts made in support of the capital campaign are tax deductible. Thank you for your financial support, help and prayers for this campaign! Together, we are making a major impact for generations of parishioners and students.
CAPITAL
CAMPAIGN TEAM
Campaign
Co-Chairs: William Griffith & Tiernee Murphy
Campaign
Consultants: Michael & Whitney Davy - Mark Davy & Associates
Campaign
Committee: Jim Fennell, Julius Gernes, Ken Goodpaster, Pat Lofton, Meghan Mohs,
Tracy Pirozzolo, Mike Sarafolean, Fr. Warren Sazama, S.J. (Pastor), Phil
Steger, Kate Theobold, & Steve Thomas
1. Why are we
doing a capital campaign?
The purpose
of this capital campaign is to raise funds which will upgrade Saint Thomas More’s
facilities. This is a special fundraising effort for initiatives we are unable
to pay for through our annual operating budget.
2. Does our
parish support moving forward with a capital campaign?
Saint Thomas
More recently enlisted a fundraising consulting firm to conduct a feasibility
study. All parishioners and school parents were asked to participate through
interviews and surveys. Results indicated that many are willing to volunteer
and 88% of participants said “yes” or “would consider” making a gift,
indicating broad support.
3. What is
the campaign goal and how long will it last?
The
feasibility study results estimated that Saint Thomas More has an ability to
raise a minimum of $2 million over a three‐year period, above and beyond our
annual giving. We will also need an increase in annual giving to fund yearly
operations. A parish education process is underway and will continue throughout
the next few of months. At this time, our plan is to distribute and collect
commitment cards for the annual stewardship and capital campaign in October and
November. The annual stewardship commitment is for one year and is directed
towards parish operations. We are encouraging a three year capital campaign commitment
above and beyond your regular giving. Please do not take away from your regular
giving to make a capital campaign gift.
4. What
initiatives will be completed through this campaign and what is the priority
order?
Remodel Undercroft and Provide Greater Accessibility - Saint Thomas More’s facilities provide limited space for the many groups and activities taking place at our parish. The vision includes remodeling our undercroft for multi‐purpose social and meeting space. Remodeling the undercroft will include a new kitchen to provide necessary functions for receptions and banquets, funeral luncheons, Ignatian and Jesuit speaker events, as well as hosting programming for parishioners and guests of all ages. It is important that our entire facility is accessible for all parishioners and guests. There is currently no handicapped accessibility to the undercroft, and Saint Thomas More only has one accessible restroom. Along with the remodel, we plan on including an elevator to provide church worship space and undercroft access. We would also like to add additional handicapped accessible restrooms.
Replace
Exterior School Building Windows - These windows have passed their life
expectancy and need to be replaced before further damage occurs. This
initiative would include replacing all windows throughout the school building.
The Capital Campaign Committee will keep you informed throughout the next few
months through pulpit announcements, mail, email and other forms of
communication. We will also hold gatherings to offer additional opportunities
for questions and answers.
5. When will the facility maintenance and enhancement projects be completed?
This depends on how much we are able to raise and the timeliness in which dollars are collected. We hope to begin as soon as possible and will keep parishioners and school parents updated on progress throughout the three year campaign.
6. Will we
use any money from the West Campus (formerly Immaculate Heart of Mary) sale for
these projects?
Saint Thomas
More does not plan to use this fund for capital campaign improvements. Funding
acquired from the sale of Immaculate Heart of Mary property is designated to
maintain our facilities. The parish leadership would like to save this for
future maintenance and upkeep rather than spending it on capital projects.
Keeping this fund intact will ensure our ability to maintain the upgrades made
through this campaign.
7. If these
projects don’t affect me personally, why should I support a campaign?
Saint Thomas
More serves as a “conduit” or extension of our individual faith life. As
parishioners and parents of students, we are part of an extended family which
is called upon to actively support an array of worship, education, social
outreach, fellowship programs and activities. As a family member each of us
provides tangible support for all needs within the family, not just those which
are important to us. This is the expectation of discipleship in following our
Lord.
8. Who will
be asked to participate in a campaign?
Each
parishioner will be sent the same campaign information and most importantly
every household will be asked to participate through giving and volunteering.
“Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice,” is the philosophy that best describes
this effort. Not everyone can make the same size gift, but everyone has an
ability to make a prayerful commitment.
9. With other
campaigns currently underway in the community, is this the right time for Saint
Thomas More to conduct this effort?
There is never an ideal time for a campaign due to
the constant economic ebb and flow as well as other Twin Cities and Catholic
Community campaigns. Saint Thomas More has needs that it must address and we
have not conducted an effort like this for decades. Parish leadership hopes all
will participate in this effort by making a gift to the best of their ability.