Q: I have heard that Our Lady's is thinking about launching a building campaign for the Parish. Why are we undertaking this expansion project?
A: As a foundation for current and future generations of our Maronite Catholic Parish. What will our children's children find? What will be the legacy of Our Lady's in 100 years? What will be our generation's contribution to building on to what previous generations have done?
To provide religious education for adults and children. Ongoing space needs beyond religious education and scheduling issues continue to impact our growth potential.
To reach out to the community at large. These new facilities will provide space and encourage use by groups outside our Parish. We will evangelize and/or encourage interest in the ministries of the Parish.
Q: What are we building?
A: It is our intention to follow through with the planning process that we started over 3 years ago. We visualized a multi-use facility with adequate parking that will serve not only Our Lady's needs but be a resource to the faith community at large.
Q: Why do we need a new building?
A: Over the years our space needs have continued to grow, our Religious Education classes, meeting spaces, and other activities make scheduling a challenge. As the parish prepares for the future and follows our Mission, it's imperative that we expand and have a greater religious and community presence to ensure our own survival. To this end we will continue to explore the possibility of a new building to meet our current and future needs.
Q: How are we going to pay for it?
A: We hope to conduct a Capital Campaign to raise enough money to complete the project in a timely manner. We also will be developing partnerships with other organizations and encourage their financial support when feasible.
Q: Will we build it in phases?
A: Yes. The implementation of the Master Plan most probably requires that construction be completed in phases depending on different factors such as available finances, contracts, timing, etc.
Q: What happens if we don't raise enough money?
A: If we do not raise enough money to complete the Master Plan, then it will be up to the parish leadership and members to revise our plan accordingly.
Q: How much money are we raising?
A: While the final costs have yet to be determined, it is estimated that site preparation, construction, and all associated costs would be approximately $5.5 million.
Q: What is the timeline for groundbreaking?
A: It is anticipated that groundbreaking for the initial phases of the project will be sometime in late 2011.
Q: Is the Bishop and the Diocese aware of this project?
A: The Bishop is aware of our efforts and has given his blessing to move ahead. We will continue to provide him with appropriate updates as the project progresses. The Diocese must approve our project before we move beyond this initial feasibility stage.
Q: How much money do you want from me?
A: This will vary from family to family. Some families may be able to do more and some less. Pledges to the Capital Campaign would be payable over a three/four-year period and would be above and beyond your current offertory contributions. Please do know that whatever the gift amount, your involvement will be sincerely appreciated by Our Lady's Parish.
Q: What can I do to make this a reality?
A: Pray for the success of the Campaign and be willing to share your time and talent to make this a reality. We have had great success here at Our Lady's Parish and see no reason why we cannot prepare for the future to continue our Mission.
Q: Is this realistic?
Q: What role does the Steering Committee play?
A: The Steering Committee will continue to monitor and seek input on the needs of the parish, develop different scenarios, revise facility plans and present their progress to the parish during the next several months.
Q: How do we sustain this project and maintain our parish budget?
A: With any project of this size, the day-to-day operations of the parish must continue. We will continue to ask our parishioners to share their time, talent and treasure to support the parish. Everything we have is a gift from God and we only ask that each family give back as thanksgiving for the many blessings we all have received.
Q: Do we have building plans at this time?
A: Many of you have seen the Master Plan and the various components that are under consideration. As the process moves forward, greater detail on the building plans based on various ministry needs will be discussed with the parish.
Q: How much can we borrow from the Diocese?
A: Direct financial support from the Diocese will be limited.
Q: Whose idea was this?
A: This idea was the result of input and planning over a number of years with the development of the Master Plan.
Q: Who makes the final decision?
A: The final decision will be up to the parishioners to make in conjunction with Msgr. Sawyer.
Q: What are we going to do with our current classrooms?
A: The various ministries, projects and services of the parish will use the current classrooms. Classrooms and meeting space will be expanded significantly once the facility is constructed.
Q: Can we not do this project?
A: We have a responsibility as stated in our Mission Statement to "...strive to profess, live and teach the Faith of the Eastern Christian Tradition of the Maronite Syriac Antiochene Rite of the Catholic Church." If we do not do this project, we face the possibility of not fulfilling our Mission and becoming complacent in our Journey of Faith. This proposed building project creates a new opportunity to profess our faith and build partnerships into the future.
