BUILDING OUR FUTURE IN CHRIST S t 1 T Heavenly Father, Your Son spoke to St. Francis of Assisi From the crucifix In the Church of San Damiano ~ “Rebuild My Church.” He speaks to us today ~ “Build My Church.” May the prayers of St. Francis, And the prayers and sacrifices We offer today, Bring us to that end And to the salvation we seek. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. tContentsT A Message from the Facilities Planning Team 1 Feasibility Study Results 2–3 The Proposed Project 4–8 Capital Campaign Objectives 9 Building Momentum 9 Important Questions for Consideration 10 Steps Taken, Steps Ahead 11 Volunteer Teams 12 St. Francis Church parishioners have spoken, and we want you to know that you have been heard! Initial floor plans for a new addition and renovation project for the church were presented in the latter months of 2013 and parishioners were asked for their feedback. Our team thoroughly and thoughtfully reviewed the numerous questions, comments, and concerns expressed during the town hall meetings and presentations, through written surveys, and via personal interviews. e parishioners’ valuable and insightful feedback identified that the project plan must focus on the efficient use of existing and new space, including several multipurpose areas, and that a new elevator should be included in the proposed plan. e following areas were identified as priorities: 1) new gathering space, new kitchen, new restrooms 2) better family/cry room area 3) additional parking 4) updated social hall 5) parish offices 6) additional meeting, ministry, and storage spaces. Based on the identified focus and priorities, the team has been developing revised preliminary site and floor plans, exterior conceptual renderings for 3D visualization, and probable construction costs including options that could be completed in phases based on the amount of campaign funds raised. e revised preliminary project plans may be found on pages 4–8 in this document. Please take a look and begin envisioning what our project can become! tFrom the Facilities Planning TeamT St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church BUILDING OUR FUTURE IN CHRIST Debt Retirement–Building Project Update October 2015 There will be two opportunities to review and discuss this update as a group on Tuesday, October 13, 2015: 10 am in the social hall or 7 pm in the church Watch for future updates in the bulletin, website, and on Facebook (St Francis “Building our Future in Christ”)
Transcript
BUILDING OUR FUTURE IN CHRIST S t 1 T
Heavenly Father,Your Son spoke to
St. Francis of Assisi
From the crucifix
In the Church of
San Damiano ~
“Rebuild My Church.”He speaks to us today ~
“Build My Church.”May the prayers of St. Francis,
And the prayers and sacrifices
We offer today,
Bring us to that end
And to the salvation we seek.
We ask this through
Christ our Lord.Amen.
tContentsTA Message from the Facilities Planning Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
St. Francis Church parishioners have spoken, and we want you to know that you have been heard!
Initial floor plans for a new addition and renovation project for the church were presented in the latter months of 2013 and parishioners were asked for their feedback. Our team thoroughly and thoughtfully reviewed the numerous questions, comments, and concerns expressed during the town hall meetings and presentations, through written surveys, and via personal interviews.
The parishioners’ valuable and insightful feedback identified that the project plan must focus on the efficient use of existing and new space, including several multipurpose areas, and that a new elevator should be included in the proposed plan. The following areas were identified as priorities:
1) new gathering space, new kitchen, new restrooms2) better family/cry room area3) additional parking4) updated social hall5) parish offices6) additional meeting, ministry, and storage spaces.
Based on the identified focus and priorities, the team has been developing revised preliminary site and floor plans, exterior conceptual renderings for 3D visualization, and probable construction costs including options that could be completed in phases based on the amount of campaign funds raised.
The revised preliminary project plans may be found on pages 4–8 in this document. Please take a look and begin envisioning what our project can become! �
tFrom the Facilities Planning TeamT
St . Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Building Our Future in Christ
Debt Retirement–Building Project Update October 2015There will be two opportunities to review and discuss this update as a group on Tuesday, October 13, 2015: 10 am in the social hall or 7 pm in the church . Watch for future updates in the bulletin, website, and on Facebook (St Francis “Building our Future in Christ”) .
t 2 T s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church s 9th & Juniper s Brainerd, Minnesota
In October, 2013, St. Francis Church invited all members to attend one of four town hall meetings about a possible capital campaign and building project. Notices were published in the church bulletin, and every registered household was invited by personal phone call and mailed invitation.
Many comments and questions emerged. At the end of each meeting, attendees filled out cards indicating their level of agreement with three statements:
1. St. Francis Parish should MOVE FORWARD and take action on the opportunities presented in the document (“A Focus on Facilities and Finances,” which had been sent to each household).
2. Parish leadership should PROCEED WITH FORMAL PLANNING for a capital campaign to raise the money to
help fund the proposed school debt retirement and church facilities expansion.
3. I AM WILLING to offer my financial support for the proposed capital campaign objectives.
One hundred sixty five (165) parishioners completed a card. More than 80% agreed with each statement, while 13%–16% were unsure and 2%–5% disagreed.
In October and November, 2013, feasibility study consultant Hal Johnson and Associates (HJA) interviewed and surveyed a representative sample of parishioners. The results of the surveys and interviews revealed many desires, hopes, and concerns.
The full text of the Feasibility Study prepared by HJA is available for loan at the parish office. The 97‑page report confidentially presents parishioners’ complete responses to
survey and interview questions. It also presents HJA’s observations and recommendations.
In January, 2014, HJA presented the Feasibility Study results to St. Francis Church’s Feasibility Study Committee. HJA advised the committee to take time to digest and respond to the information in the study and subsequently make the results, in their entirety, available to all parishioners. This is consistent with the transparency that was promised by parish leadership at the beginning of the Feasibility Study process.
A summary of the most common feedback gleaned from parishioners in the interviews, surveys, and meetings is included on the following page. Please review this summary to gain a general understanding of parishioners’ overall response to the information presented in the “A Focus on Facilities and Finances” document and at the town hall meetings.
If you would like to read the full Feasibility Study report, please contact the parish office at (218) 822‑4040. �
tFeasibility Study ResultsT
ll the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a
single candle. St. Francis of Assisi, The Little Flowers of
St. Francis of Assisi
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A165 responses were received from parishioners who attended one of four town hall meetings in October and November, 2013. More than 80% agreed with each of three questions posed.
Move Forward on Opportunities Presented
Proceed with Planning Capital Campaign
I am Willing to Offer Financial Support
Not SureAgree or Strongly Agree
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
Move Forward on OpportunitiesPresented
Proceed with Formal Planning for aCapital Campaign
I Am Willing to Offer Financial Support
St. Francis Church Town Hall Meeting Feedback
Agree or Strongly Agree Not Sure Disagree or Strongly Disagree
Disagree or Strongly Disagree
St . Francis Church Town Hall Meeting Feedback
140
60
100
20
BUILDING OUR FUTURE IN CHRIST S t 3 T
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Perceived BenefitsCommunity | A new gathering space would provide a sense of welcome and community at St. Francis Church, according to many parishioners. Words such as “closeness,” “camaraderie,” “community,” and “welcome” surfaced repeatedly. While 38% of respondents indicated the St. Francis community is “Somewhat” or “Not at all” inviting and supportive, feedback indicated that a new gathering space could help address this challenge.
Additional benefits identified were: ` The church could better serve and welcome weddings and funerals.
` A new kitchen would better serve the parish than the current kitchen—and more safely.
` The benefit of family and cry room space was commonly invoked.
` Many parishioners would gain peace and relief if the St. Francis School debt was paid. �
Concerns, Questions, and ObstaclesDebt | Many parishioners were concerned about lingering debt from St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School. Many were insistent that members of other parishes should contribute to the debt repayment. When asked if the school debt should be paid before proceeding with facility improvements at St. Francis Church, 58% of respondents said yes, 28% were uncertain, and 14% said no.
Design | A number of parishioners expressed a desire for more parking spaces at St. Francis Church and were dissatisfied with the number proposed. Some parishioners thought there were too many restrooms proposed in the new addition. Some parishioners asked
if it would be advantageous to place some parish offices in the church basement. Many other constructive comments were given.
Obstacles | Parishioners were asked what factors or obstacles they felt could have a negative impact on the success of a capital campaign if one were launched in the next year. Responses included:
` Economic uncertainty, unemployment, and the number of parishioners who have fixed incomes.
` Uncertainty that the current pastor/priests will remain at St. Francis Church.
` Concerns and confusion about parish clustering. �
Action StepsA number of concrete steps have been taken to respond to parishioners’ feedback and concerns. While parish leadership studied parishioners’ input and the consultant’s recommendations, the following efforts were made to respond to parish needs:
Burn the Mortgage Committee | Worked on ways to pay down the St. Francis School capital debt, including targeted outreach to potential donors beyond St. Francis Church members.
St . Francis Church Facilities Planning Committee | Discussed design opportunities related to the proposed project (i.e.,
parking, restrooms, and offices) as well as immediate facility needs (e.g., women’s restroom and elevator).
Communications Committee | Provided information about the proposed capital campaign to parishioners. Along with a summary of the Feasibility Study, which was distributed to parishioners, the committee drafted a document to address questions about St. Francis School, its mission, and its relationship to St. Francis Church.
In conjunction with the Parish Council, a committee was formed with the task of strengthening the parish’s sense of identity and community. �
tFeasibility Study Results, continuedTtFeasibility Study Results, continuedT
t 4 T s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church s 9th & Juniper s Brainerd, Minnesota
Figure courtesy Widseth Smith Nolting & Assoc., Inc.
tThe Proposed ProjectTWest Entrance
BUILDING OUR FUTURE IN CHRIST S t 5 T
Figure courtesy Widseth Smith Nolting & Assoc., Inc.
Site Plan
t 6 T s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church s 9th & Juniper s Brainerd, Minnesota
Figure courtesy Widseth Smith Nolting & Assoc., Inc.
Main Level
tThe Proposed ProjectT
BUILDING OUR FUTURE IN CHRIST S t 7 T
Figure courtesy Widseth Smith Nolting & Assoc., Inc.
Lower Level
t 8 T s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church s 9th & Juniper s Brainerd, Minnesota
Figure courtesy Widseth Smith Nolting & Assoc., Inc.
tThe Proposed ProjectTEast Entrance
BUILDING OUR FUTURE IN CHRIST S t 9 T
tCapital Campaign ObjectivesT
tBuilding MomentumT
Phase One | Lower Level (LL) and Main Level (ML)Addition = 4,253 sf (LL) + 4,412 sf (ML) = 8,665 sf x $195–$220/sf $1,907,000Renovation $325,000Construction Contingency (5%) $112,000Approximate Total (Phase 1) $2,344,000
Phase Two | OfficesAddition = 2,173 sf x $160–$185/sf $402,000Construction Contingency (5%) $20,000Approximate Total (Phase 2) $422,000
Professional Fees, Phase 1 and Phase 2 (7%–9%) $250,000Architecture; Site Survey; Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering
Kitchen Equipment and Appliances $150,000
School Debt Retirement (presently $1,700,000 with $200,000 in anticipated pledges) $1,500,000
All items are estimated in today’s (2015) dollars. As the outcome of the campaign is still unknown, no inflation factor was applied
Burn the Mortgage Quiet CampaignOver the past year and a half, a dedicated group of St. Francis Catholic School supporters reached out to area parishes in a quiet capital campaign. The “Burn the Mortgage–Building on Success” Committee conducted one‑on‑one meetings and small gatherings with parishioners from All Saints, St. Andrew, St. Christopher, St. Joseph Crosby/Deerwood, St. Mathias, and other area parishes. Members asked for additional pledges of support to reduce the mortgage for the St. Francis School Improvement Project.
These efforts resulted in gifts and pledges in the amount of $340,000 from people who had already contributed to the School Capital Campaign. This effort has allowed us to continue to make mortgage payments on that debt while planning continued for the Debt Retirement–Building Project campaign. �
Campaign Will Retire Debt and Build FacilitiesFiscal responsibility and forward thinking—two characteristics of a healthy parish—helped guide the decision to initiate a capital campaign. Every parish household will be invited to offer a 36‑month financial commitment payable between May 1, 2016 and April 30, 2019.
These commitments should be in addition to current contributions to weekly parish collections, school tuition and fundraisers, United Catholic Appeal, etc. �
e on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.
Your every act should be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:14
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t 10 T s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church s 9th & Juniper s Brainerd, Minnesota
tImportant Questions for ConsiderationTWhat are the Guiding Principles for the campaign?
Our capital campaign will be well organized, dignified, respectful, confidential, and void of high‑pressure tactics. No one will be told whether or what to contribute. The approach will be one of invitation, and each household will determine its commitment based on its financial capacity and blessings.
Who will be invited to offer financial support?Every registered household will be personally contacted and invited to offer a 36‑month financial commitment to help build our future.
What is the proposed strategy and timing for the campaign? Phase One | Advance Gifts will invite households with greater financial capacity to help jump‑start the capital campaign.
Phase Two | Circles of Support will invite households involved in ministry groups to continue the fundraising effort and build confidence through group gatherings.
Phase Three | Personal Contact will offer an opportunity for the remaining households to offer their financial commitments through personal contact.
Phase Four | Follow Up strategies will be developed to contact and invite those parishioners who have not responded to the earlier phases of activity.
Phase Five | New Parishioners strategies will be developed to invite new parishioners to offer their financial support.
How much do we need to raise before we can proceed?According to Diocese of Duluth policy we must raise 75% of the total building project cost in cash and pledges before we can proceed with construction. Although we fully expect to collect nearly 95% of all pledges, based on our consultant’s experience over the past 42 years, the diocese will, nonetheless, discount all pledges by 25% based on its policies. Regardless the formula for pledge redemption, our commitment is to be fiscally responsible as stewards of our parish’s financial resources.
What will happen after the capital campaign?Once the capital campaign is completed, parish leaders will evaluate to what extent the St. Francis School debt can be retired and the church building project can be funded.
After our fundraising efforts conclude, we will report results to the Diocese of Duluth Building Committee and provide evidence that we can afford to proceed with our project within the fiscal policies (percentage of cash and pledges) established by the diocese.
Following our diocesan conversation, we will report the final campaign results and the next steps in the bulletin, at Masses, and through a parish presentation meeting where all interested parishioners will have an opportunity to offer questions and comments before we proceed with the next steps.
BUILDING OUR FUTURE IN CHRIST S t 11 T
So That Our Story May EndureIn 2021, our parish will celebrate its 150th Anniversary. Could Monsignor Buh have imagined, when he founded St. Francis of Assisi in 1871, that so many years later a parish and school would be thriving? Could he have imagined that a third and glorious stone church would be standing in place of that first simple and small chapel? Could he have imagined that from the small seed of faith that he planted there would be additional Catholic parishes sprouting and growing nearby?
And yet, that is the same story that has been repeated throughout the history of the Church. Seeds are planted. Work is performed in the vineyard. Sacrifices are made. And future generations know Christ because of those seeds sown and tended.
That’s precisely what St. Francis of Assisi did 800 years ago. He heard God tell him to rebuild the Church.
Although he misunderstood at first, and began to rebuild a run‑down chapel, soon he came to realize God was asking more from him—much more. And look what he was able to accomplish when he gave over his entire life to Christ and His Church! Not only has St. Francis become one of the most beloved of Saints, he has moved millions of people to embrace Jesus Christ and the Church that the Lord began.
And what about us? What sacrifices will we make now so that when others look back on this time in history, they will see the mark of Faithful Disciples of the Lord? Will they be able to point to the sacrifices we made to continue to build the Church of Christ in this portion of the Lord’s vineyard? Will they see and experience the fruit of our labors? Will they see that the same story of the Church has been repeated once again? �
tSteps Taken, Steps AheadT
Determining the Feasibility and Affordability of our Proposed ObjectivesWe’ve taken several steps toward realizing our parish’s vision, and several more remain. This graphic illustrates the steps needed to determine the feasibility and affordability of our proposed objectives as well as indicating where we currently are in the process.
ApproAch to Determining FeAsibility AnD AFForDAbility
Figure courtesy Hal Johnson and Associates
PRESENT STEP
t 12 T s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church s 9th & Juniper s Brainerd, Minnesota
We want to hear from you! On Tuesday, October 13, there will be two opportunities to review and discuss this update as a group: 10:00 a.m. (St. Francis Social Hall) or 7:00 p.m. (St. Francis Church).
If you can’t make either of those times, please use the space to the right to jot down your comments, questions, and reactions to the information presented in this document, and pass it along to the Volunteer Teams in any of the following ways:
` Clip this and drop it in the collection basket at Mass.
` Fax it to the parish office: 218‑829‑8754.
` Mail it to the parish office: 411 N. 10th Street, Brainerd, MN 56401
