Parish Life Center

Construction began at the beginning of February 2022. It is estimated to be completed within 15 - 18 months. As always, our parishioners have been the most accommodating when it comes to construction. We cannot thank you enough for your patience!

During detailed planning, the build team recommended additional items that the Parish and Diocese have agreed to address.

Replacement of campus HVAC system
A large part of the cost of this project (and the large portion of the increase in the cost over original estimates) is the installation/replacement of the heating and air conditioning system (HVAC).

• Because the current equipment is nearing its end of life, replacing the equipment now was deemed better stewardship of our funds than simply trying to reuse the old equipment
• The current system is very energy inefficient
• A new system will allow us better control and fresher and cleaner air in our indoor spaces

Results of Our Soil Review
Because of the poor soil quality to support a foundation for the building, it was determined that it would be a relatively minor cost to add a basement. This presents an opportunity for the church to secure much-needed storage for the church building.

Other Requirements & Recommendations

• Stormwater management
• Renovation for our lower level
• Fire protection
• Relocation of utilities service

See the itemized list here

As of October 31, 2021, we have $7.1M set aside for this project ($4.7M donations, $2.4M reserves). This leaves $4.2M that we will need to fund through a combination of additional fundraising efforts and taking a loan from the OLMC Charitable Trust Fund (effectively borrowing from ourselves). Principal payments (pay downs) on this loan from the OLMC Charitable Trust will be paid over time using any excess funds above annual Parish operating costs. This process will mirror the funding process effectively used during the narthex/Adoration Chapel expansion. As it uses excess funds above operating costs, it will not represent a hardship to the Parish.

Although additional fundraising may be required in the future for debt reduction (depending on the amount that will need to be borrowed), the approach above enables the church to pay a lower effective interest rate than borrowing from a third party banking institution (which would also assess additional loan administration fees), while at the same time leaving the OLMC School Charitable Trust Fund financially secure. In the case of the narthex/Adoration Chapel build project, the Parish was able to pay off the loan in just under five years.

See the itemized list here

Yes, they are absolutely being maintained. All of the contributions for this project have been placed into a separate fund called the “Building Fund.” We believe that it is our moral and fiscal responsibility to ensure that contributions are securely held to the project for which they are intended.

If you would like to give to the project online, click here.

• Masses and sacraments will continue as usual. We are setting up limited cooling for the church nave and chapel until the new system is in place (possibly August). The nave may be warm at times.

• The lower level will be under construction for quite some time, so our ministries and other events will need to seek other venues. The parishes in our area are graciously accommodating our parishioners with spaces while construction goes on, and many coffee shops and restaurants are options.

• Temporary Parish and Faith Formation Office trailers will be located in the north parking lot. Our secretaries will still be on-site and available to help you!