There are no plans to tear down the existing church. It will remain in use as we move forward with building a new church.  We understand how important the current church is to our parish, and we are committed to honoring its history and the sacred elements within it. As part of the new church design, we will thoughtfully plan for how those elements can be incorporated over time.

There are also design options that allow for placeholders and opportunities to incorporate historical items that should be preserved, if the existing church is not there in the future.  The long-term future of the existing church has not been determined. That decision will depend on parish growth, financial considerations, and input from the parish.

We will take the time to make that decision carefully and with the parish.  We also recognize the importance of balancing financial responsibility with honoring our history. It’s a fine line, but we are doing everything we can to respect while making thoughtful, level-headed decisions.  Our focus right now is to move forward in a way that will serve our parish well for the next 100 years.

There may be opportunities to incorporate sacred items such as statues and stained glass into the new church over time.
 
The existing church will remain in use throughout construction, so some elements will not be able to be moved right away. In addition, some decisions about what is transferred and when will be made later as part of future planning.
 
The building committee is working with the architects to allow for flexibility in the design, including placeholders where appropriate, so that important elements can be incorporated if and when those decisions are made. Some items, like stained glass or major focal pieces, will require careful planning.
 
The long-term future of the existing church has not yet been determined and will depend on parish growth, financial considerations, and input from the parish community.
 

Updating the current church building was the initial focus and was thoroughly researched. Solving all 3 of our top issues (accessible restrooms, larger gathering space/narthex, and expanded seating) would have required extensive renovation. Due to the extent of the changes, we would have crossed a threshold of needing to bring the entire building up to the latest building code. We would have needed to modify the building and structure well beyond just solving the top 3 issues. Those modifications would have also fundamentally changed the current look and feel of the building our parish loves. The prime example of this is adding fire sprinkler piping across the ceiling. There is also higher risk in substantially modifying the 100+ yr old building.

The guideline from the archdiocese was to increase the capacity by a minimum of 40%. We could solve one of two of the top issues but not all of them. The renovation to solve all the top issues and other subsequent required changes were estimated to cost close to the construction of a new building. While we did not go through the entire design process for the renovation, we did look at and consulted with other churches that went through similar efforts. The closest example of that is St Peter and Paul in Seneca, KS.

Gifts made to the Rooted in Our Faith, Growing for Our Future campaign are designated gifts to the parish.  That means they are restricted and must be used for the specific purposes outlined in the campaign. The parish is legally required to honor that designation.  There are no archdiocese assessments on gifts to the campaign as there are for gifts given in our monthly envelopes..

The Finance Council and leadership have also established a separate account for these funds. All campaign gifts are being held separately and will not be used for items unrelated to the building projects and capital campaign.  

The current middle school classrooms were originally built as a temporary solution and are now over 15 years old. They’ve reached the point where they are no longer adequate for our students. We’ve had ongoing issues with heating in the winter and water getting into the building, and it’s simply not a space that supports how students learn.

This is not about adding something new; it’s addressing something that is long overdue. In many ways, this is a maintenance need that we now must take care of so we can move forward.  Based on the master plan, the feasibility study, and input from parish leadership, this rose to the top as the most immediate priority.
We also need a new church, and that remains part of the plan. But right now, this is the most pressing need in front of us, and taking care of it puts us in a position to move forward as a parish.

Based on the results of our feasibility study and the giving history of our parishioners, we feel confident in our ability to fund these projects. We have strong leadership in place and a parish community that has consistently stepped up to support what matters most.  Our parish has a long history of doing just that; building, rebuilding, and moving forward with faith and determination. That same spirit is what guides us today as we plan for the future.

If, for an unforeseen reason, we do not reach the full goal for the church, the building committee will revisit the scope of the projects and determine a responsible path forward with the funds committed.  Not having enough funds would limit our ability to address special requests or enhancements for the new church.  Our ability to beautify the new church is dependent on the success of the campaign.

We are committed to moving these projects forward and building a church that will serve our parish for the next 100 years.

The goal of the building committee is to create a clear plan.  The building committee is working to develop a plan that is both financially responsible and reflects the character and needs of our parish. Based on feedback from parishioners, there is a strong desire for a church that is beautiful, traditional, and sized appropriately for our community.

We are also completing early design work to better understand scope and cost.

The approach being considered allows us to build a church that meets our needs now, while also allowing it to be enhanced and expanded over time. This includes incorporating sacred elements, artwork, and features as the parish continues to grow.  This approach allows us to move forward responsibly while keeping a long-term vision for a church that will serve our parish for generations.

There are no plans to tear down the existing church. It will remain in use as we move forward with building a new church.  We understand how important the current church is to our parish, and we are committed to honoring its history and the sacred elements within it. As part of the new church design, we will thoughtfully plan for how those elements can be incorporated over time.

There are also design options that allow for placeholders and opportunities to incorporate historical items that should be preserved, if the existing church is not there in the future.  The long-term future of the existing church has not been determined. That decision will depend on parish growth, financial considerations, and input from the parish.

We will take the time to make that decision carefully and with the parish.  We also recognize the importance of balancing financial responsibility with honoring our history. It’s a fine line, but we are doing everything we can to respect while making thoughtful, level-headed decisions.  Our focus right now is to move forward in a way that will serve our parish well for the next 100 years.

There may be opportunities to incorporate sacred items such as statues and stained glass into the new church over time.
 
The existing church will remain in use throughout construction, so some elements will not be able to be moved right away. In addition, some decisions about what is transferred and when will be made later as part of future planning.
 
The building committee is working with the architects to allow for flexibility in the design, including placeholders where appropriate, so that important elements can be incorporated if and when those decisions are made. Some items, like stained glass or major focal pieces, will require careful planning.
 
The long-term future of the existing church has not yet been determined and will depend on parish growth, financial considerations, and input from the parish community.

Conceptual design is an early step in the process. It helps turn the parish’s needs, ideas, and vision into a preliminary plan that we can review and discuss.  It gives us a general picture of what the new church could look like, along with an initial estimate so we can better understand scope and cost.

Nothing is final at this stage. The conceptual design is meant to gather feedback, and there will be opportunities for input before moving into the next phase.  The final design will be shaped by feedback and what we are able to responsibly fund through the capital campaign.

We will not be able to include everything from the master plan in these initial projects.  Our focus is on getting the foundation right, both in how the campus is laid out and how the buildings are designed, so that we can meet our most needs now while allowing for future expansion.

Some spaces, like storage and meeting areas, may be addressed in other ways or later. The building committee will continue to look for paths to meet those needs over time.  We are planning for a church that is designed in a way that it can be expanded and further beautified as additional funds become available.  This approach allows us to move forward responsibly while keeping a long-term vision in place.

No. The master plan is a requirement of the archdiocese, so they have a vested interest in making sure we stay aligned.  They have reviewed and approved our current plan and keep it on file. We remain in communication with them throughout the process and will be advised if anything changes on their end that could impact us.  At this time, there are no anticipated changes from the archdiocese that would affect our Master Plan.

Some of the primary drivers of forming the building committee were to research the limitations of the church. The top 3 issues to address were accessible restrooms, larger gathering space/narthex, and expanded seating. The building committee worked with architects, other committees, and the archdiocese through a master planning effort and the conclusion was that all 3 of these issues could best be addressed through the construction of a new church building.

Updating the current church building was the initial focus and was thoroughly researched. Solving all 3 of our top issues (accessible restrooms, larger gathering space/narthex, and expanded seating) would have required extensive renovation. Due to the extent of the changes, we would have crossed a threshold of needing to bring the entire building up to the latest building code. We would have needed to modify the building and structure well beyond just solving the top 3 issues. Those modifications would have also fundamentally changed the current look and feel of the building our parish loves. The prime example of this is adding fire sprinkler piping across the ceiling. There is also higher risk in substantially modifying the 100+ yr old building.

The guideline from the archdiocese was to increase the capacity by a minimum of 40%. We could solve one of two of the top issues but not all of them. The renovation to solve all the top issues and other subsequent required changes were estimated to cost close to the construction of a new building. While we did not go through the entire design process for the renovation, we did look at and consulted with other churches that went through similar efforts. The closest example of that is St Peter and Paul in Seneca, KS.

After our current church and school projects are complete, we will go through another master planning exercise. This will be the point for deciding the future of our entire campus, including the current church. Tearing down the existing church will require funding and a consensus among the parish. We won't have either of those for quite some time.

Yes.  All work will be completed by qualified, licensed, and insured professionals, as required by the archdiocese.  The archdiocese is directly involved in the process and provides oversight throughout design and construction to make sure everything is done properly and meets all required standards.

The Rooted in Our Faith, Growing for Our Future campaign will be used for both the school and the church. The conceptual design of the church will include alternatives that we can add to the project if we have additional funds. Decisions on which alternatives are taken will be made with the information at hand by a combination of committees.

Gifts to the Rooted in Our Faith, Growing for Our Future campaign will support both the school and the church.  There are no archdiocese assessments on gifts to the campaign as there are for gifts given in our monthly envelopes.  If more funds are raised than are needed for the initial scope, those funds will be used to enhance the project. The church design includes additional elements that can be incorporated if funding allows.  Any decisions on these additions will be made thoughtfully, based on the needs of the parish and the funds available, with input from parish leadership and committees.

Based on the results of our feasibility study and the giving history of our parishioners, we feel confident in our ability to fund these projects. We have strong leadership in place and a parish community that has consistently stepped up to support what matters most.  Our parish has a long history of doing just that; building, rebuilding, and moving forward with faith and determination. That same spirit is what guides us today as we plan for the future.

If, for an unforeseen reason, we do not reach the full goal for the church, the building committee will revisit the scope of the projects and determine a responsible path forward with the funds committed.  Not having enough funds would limit our ability to address special requests or enhancements for the new church.  Our ability to beautify the new church is dependent on the success of the campaign.

We are committed to moving these projects forward and building a church that will serve our parish for the next 100 years.

Gifts made to the Rooted in Our Faith, Growing for Our Future campaign are designated gifts to the parish.  That means they are restricted and must be used for the specific purposes outlined in the campaign. The parish is legally required to honor that designation.  There are no archdiocese assessments on gifts to the campaign as there are for gifts given in our monthly envelopes..

The Finance Council and leadership have also established a separate account for these funds. All campaign gifts are being held separately and will not be used for items unrelated to the building projects and capital campaign.  

Personal follow-up is the most effective way to ask for support. It keeps the process relational and allows for a more meaningful conversation around the campaign.  It gives us the opportunity to clearly share the vision, answer questions, and connect in a way that a general message cannot. It also allows those involved to share their own enthusiasm and why the capitol campaign matters to them.  At the end of the day, people give to people.

Pledges give donors the opportunity to consider a larger gift than might be possible with a one-time contribution.  Most of us make important commitments over time, whether it’s a home, a car, or other priorities. Giving in this way makes it more manageable and realistic.

Pledge-based giving allows each of us to thoughtfully consider what we can do and make a commitment that reflects our best, given our own circumstances.

Donors are asked to complete a pledge form so their gift can be accurately recorded and acknowledged by the parish.  The form also confirms the donor’s intended commitment, which helps ensure clarity for both the donor and the parish.

As we move forward, having documented pledges allows the parish to responsibly plan for construction and make informed decisions based on the level of support committed.

No, a pledge is not legally binding. It is a gift that you prayerfully consider to be meaningful and appropriate for your situation.  You can revise your pledge at any time if your circumstances change. We simply ask that you do your best and let us know if you need to make an adjustment.  All pledges will be kept confidential. Only those responsible for maintaining the records will have access to your information.

No, pledges are not the only way to give. While they will be the most common, there are other options available.  These include gifts of stock or mutual funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and gifts through Donor Advised Funds.  If you have questions about these options, we are happy to help.

Gifts to the campaign are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.  Because tax situations vary, we encourage donors with specific questions to consult their tax advisor, accountant, or attorney.

We are asking everyone in the parish community, as well as school families who are not members of the parish, to consider a gift to the campaign.  The results of the feasibility study showed strong support for these projects and a willingness to give, which gives us confidence as we move forward.

Requested pledge amounts were developed based on past giving history and responses from the feasibility study. We also considered the needs of this campaign for the school, along with future needs for the new church.

We have worked with a consulting firm that specializes in capital campaigns to help guide this process and ensure the requests are thoughtful and appropriate. The specific amounts shared with individuals are prepared by the consultant, and those amounts are not known by the parish committees.

At the same time, these amounts are simply guidelines. Every family’s situation is different, and we ask that you prayerfully consider a gift that is meaningful and appropriate for you.  This campaign is rooted in faith, and we recognize that each person is doing their best. We simply ask that you consider Queen of the Holy Rosary as a priority in your charitable giving.

We have seen strong growth in our preschool, which is an encouraging sign for the future of our school. At the same time, enrollment in the upper grades has been more challenging, which reflects broader trends many schools are facing today.

This project is not based on rapid growth, but on creating a school that is sustainable, attractive to new families, and positioned to grow over time. We believe improving our facilities is an important step in strengthening enrollment across all grade levels.

Our school is one of the primary ways families enter and engage with our parish. It is often the front door to building faith, relationships, and long-term community.
We cannot have a strong parish without a strong school, and we cannot have a strong school without a vibrant parish centered in the Eucharist. Both work together to fulfill our mission.

As our parish continues to grow, our current church space also limits our ability to fully gather, worship, and build community. These projects are connected and part of a long-term vision for our parish.

Our current enrollment is 191 students, including preschool. We have seen encouraging growth in our preschool program this year, which is a positive sign for the future of our school.

At the same time, enrollment in the upper grades, including middle school, is smaller, with 26 students currently in grades 7–8. Strengthening those grades is an important focus moving forward.

Expanding the middle school to include 6th grade is one step toward creating a more consistent and sustainable student population. As many families evaluate long-term school options, having strong facilities and a cohesive middle school program plays an important role in retaining students.  This project is not just about accommodating growth—it is about building a stronger school overall and supporting the long-term health of our parish.

The current middle school classrooms were originally built as a temporary solution and are now over 15 years old. They’ve reached the point where they are no longer adequate for our students. We’ve had ongoing issues with heating in the winter and water getting into the building, and it’s simply not a space that supports how students learn.

This is not about adding something new—it’s addressing something that is long overdue. In many ways, this is a maintenance need that we now must take care of so we can move forward.  Based on the master plan, the feasibility study, and input from parish leadership, this rose to the top as the most immediate priority.
We also need a new church, and that remains part of the plan. But right now, this is the most pressing. 

Our current middle school facility was intended to be temporary and no longer meets the needs of our students. It limits what teachers can do and what students are able to experience day to day.

The new classrooms will address those gaps and provide:

• A dedicated science lab so students can do real experiments safely
• Space for students to work together and teachers to work more directly with them
• The ability to include 6th grade in the middle school, which allows us to better organize and deliver a true middle school program
• A safe room for all students and staff during severe weather
• A chapel with a tabernacle, allowing students to spend time in prayer and keeping our Catholic faith at the center of the school day

This is about giving our students a space that works for them, supports their learning, and keeps faith and safety at the center.

The timeline depends on when we reach the level of funding needed to move forward.  We have already made strong progress, and the design for the new classrooms is close to complete. Once funding is in place, we will be ready to move directly into construction.

From that point, construction is expected to take approximately 15–18 months. If funding comes together as expected, we would be in a position to begin construction shortly after.

Our goal is to move forward in a financially responsible way that positions the parish well for both the school project and the future church, in alignment with Archdiocesan guidelines.

Yes.  All work will be completed by qualified, licensed, and insured professionals, as required by the archdiocese.  The archdiocese is directly involved in the process and provides oversight throughout design and construction to make sure everything is done properly and meets all required standards.

The parish provides a subsidy to the school to cover expenses not paid through tuition, fees, fundraising, and other income.  For this year, the approved budget includes a subsidy of $873,000, which is slightly above our 30% target.  We budget conservatively, but historically, the success of Running with the Cows and the school auction has helped keep that support at or below 30%.