Q&A
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.