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.

Yes. The building committee is working with our architects to design a church that reflects the traditional beauty our parish values. We are also focusing on materials and construction methods that are durable, low maintenance, and appropriate for a building meant to serve our parish for the next 100 years. These priorities are part of the design from the beginning so we can move forward responsibly while creating a sacred space that will stand the test of time.

Yes. We are committed to covering the operating costs of the existing church for the foreseeable future once the new church is complete. At the same time, it is difficult to predict long term maintenance needs for a building that is more than 100 years old, as well as the parish’s future income. We can responsibly plan for routine upkeep, but major structural repairs or large system replacements are not possible to forecast or commit to this far in advance. Our goal is to care for the building as well as we can while continuing to make thoughtful, responsible decisions for the parish.

Yes. Security is one of the required elements in the conceptual design, and it will be incorporated as part of the overall planning for the new church.

No. The purpose of the concept design is to give the parish a clear picture of what a new church could look like within our current budget. It is unlikely that we will raise the exact amount shown in the concept, and making changes now would require additional time and cost. Minor adjustments are possible, but major changes would require redesign or shifting funds from one area to another. The concept design allows us to have a more focused, fact based discussion as a parish. It will be shared at a town hall where feedback will be gathered. Once the capital campaign is complete and we know the actual budget, we will be able to explore which elements of that feedback can be incorporated.

The new design will be shared at a town hall presentation, which will be the best opportunity to understand the intent of the proposed plan and offer your feedback. All comments will be recorded and posted on the parish website. After a successful campaign, we will be able to review that feedback and determine what can be incorporated into the final design.

The plan is to keep the existing church through construction and beyond. Its long term future depends on many factors, including parish growth and financial feasibility, and those decisions are still far ahead of us. If there ever comes a time when we are no longer able to maintain the current church building, we will make that decision together as a parish and determine the best way to honor its legacy. Our commitment is to preserve what is meaningful while making thoughtful, responsible choices for the future.

The Archdiocese has no plans to start another parish near us at this time. If a new parish were ever created in the future, it would involve redrawing boundaries for several nearby parishes, not just ours. Even in that scenario, the long term growth projected for our area is expected to exceed the number of families who might be reassigned. We remain confident in the long term strength and growth of our parish community.

We are blessed to have Fr. Jerry as our pastor, and many people appreciate his leadership. At the same time, priests are reassigned as needed, and parishioners remain part of their parish community. While a few individuals may choose to follow a priest to a new assignment, it is unlikely that enough people would leave to have a long term impact on the parish. Our parish has remained strong through many pastoral transitions, and we expect that to continue.

The number of parking spaces has not been set yet. The final count will be designed to match the intended capacity of the new church. As a cost saving measure, we are also exploring options to prepare the site so additional parking can be added in the future if needed, even if it is not built right away.

A basement is not guaranteed. The primary challenge is cost, and we will have pricing for different basement options as part of the conceptual design. This will allow us to make informed decisions once the capital campaign is complete and we know the actual budget.
If the new church does not include a basement or storm shelter, the parish will update its emergency procedures accordingly. The new school classrooms will include a large FEMA rated storm shelter, which will play an important role in our overall safety plan.

With two large buildings on the campus, there will be some angles where one building partially blocks the view of the other. However, the intent is to provide enough spacing between them so both churches can be seen and appreciated. The final placement of the buildings will be determined during the detailed design phase.

We have hired SFS, a firm with a strong background in designing beautiful churches and a long history of working with our Archdiocese. They will consult additional experts as needed throughout the process. We also have the guidance of our liturgical consultant, Fr. Francis Hund, who will help ensure the design reflects the liturgical and spiritual needs of our parish.

A dedicated acoustics consultant will design the space using architectural features, sound absorbing materials, and a coordinated speaker system to reduce echoes and ensure clear sound throughout the larger church.

Final design details have not been determined, but it is likely that the new church will include stained glass windows. As a cost saving measure, we may choose to add some or all of the stained glass at a later phase. Modern stained glass systems allow us to install an energy efficient window now and add a stained glass insert in the future, giving us flexibility while still planning for beauty.

Yes. We will plan for future expansion so we do not limit ourselves twenty years from now. Current projections show that the planned capacity will meet our needs, but it is still wise to design the building in a way that allows for growth. Planning ahead now helps ensure the parish can adapt as our community continues to develop.

Sound mitigation will be built into the design of both the confessionals and the adoration chapel to ensure privacy, quiet, and a prayerful environment.

Between all the committee members, we have reviewed and visited many churches over the years—far too many to list. The most relevant examples for our situation include Mary Queen of Angels in Fort Scott, Saints Peter and Paul in Seneca, and St. Gregory’s in Marysville. These parishes are closest to us in size, budget, capacity, and history. Fort Scott is in the Diocese of Wichita, but its scale and design considerations were still helpful for comparison.
We have also visited many churches during our personal travels, though finding parishes that have recently built a new church of similar size is challenging. Local construction costs vary widely, and many projects we reviewed were completed, budgeted for, or campaigned for before COVID or before recent inflation, which limits direct comparison.
In addition, we met with the building committee, architect, and contractor for the most recently completed parish project in our Archdiocese at the time—the Fiat Center at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park. Their insights on best practices and navigating the Archdiocesan process were especially valuable.

Terms like Gothic, traditional, German, and Catholic have all been used to describe the beauty of our current church. Gothic architecture is known for features such as pointed arches, strong vertical lines, and stained glass, which makes it an easy way to describe the style and character our parish prefers. It does not have to be strictly Gothic, but that style provides the inspiration and direction we have given the design team. The goal is to create a church that reflects the same sense of beauty, reverence, and tradition that our parish values.

An adoration chapel is one of the required spaces in the design. The plan is to include a dedicated chapel with its own secure entrance, controlled by a keypad, along with a nearby restroom. This approach allows the chapel to be accessible, prayerful, and safe while helping consolidate functions on campus for better flow and improved security.

The needs of all parish organizations were included in the master plan. Because every project has budget limits, we will not be able to meet every need immediately. Our focus is on what absolutely must be part of the new church and what could be located in a separate building if needed. As the project progresses, we will make thoughtful decisions to meet the various needs of the parish with the resources available. After the capital campaign, we will have a clearer picture of what can be included in the first phase and what may need to follow in future phases.

Yes. A bridal area is one of the required spaces included in the conceptual design, and it will be sized to comfortably accommodate wedding parties as they prepare for the ceremony.

We will receive detailed cost comparisons as part of the conceptual design. A basement offers the advantage of keeping key parish functions under one roof, allowing people to move between spaces without concern for weather or safety. If we choose not to include a basement, we would likely need a separate stand alone building to meet the needs identified in the master plan. Because a separate building was not part of the original plan, we would need to update the long term analysis to ensure the layout and future needs of the parish are well supported.

Design details such as ceiling shapes will depend on balancing beauty, budget, and function. It is our desire to build a beautiful church for our parish, but some architectural features are more expensive than others. We will have a clearer understanding of what is possible once the conceptual design is presented at the town hall. That will be the time for more specific feedback and discussion about options.

The budget of $13.1 million comes directly from the professional feasibility study, which identified a maximum project capacity of $16 million. Since $2.9 million is needed for the school addition, that leaves $13.1 million for the church. To receive approval to conduct a capital campaign, we must submit plans and cost estimates that match the feasibility study and align with the master plan.
This budget is a starting point, not a final limit. After the capital campaign, we will know the actual amount pledged and can adjust the design accordingly. We plan to present not only what fits within $13.1 million but also several additive alternates to show what could be included if the campaign exceeds expectations. We are not restricted to $13.1 million if the parish has an exceptionally successful campaign.

There is a shortage of priests, and that reality is not expected to change in the near future. Even if we were assigned an additional priest for a time, it would not be a reliable long‑term solution. Planning for a larger worship space is the prudent approach to ensure we can serve our parish community well for many years to come.

The Archdiocese is not forcing us to build a new church. Fr. Gary Pennings formed the Building Committee to study three primary concerns: accessible bathrooms, a larger narthex, and increased seating capacity. The Archdiocese does have requirements for the process we follow, but it does not direct the outcome. Our building committee’s responsibility is to study the parish’s needs, develop viable options, and present those options to the parish for discernment.
As part of that process, we completed a master plan, which provides a long term analysis of parish needs. While we are not required to build everything in the master plan, any project we choose to pursue must be consistent with it. The parish ultimately decides whether to move forward. The Archdiocese guides the process only if and when we choose to undertake a project.

If we build a church that is too large for our current needs, it can feel empty and may discourage participation. A larger building also comes with higher construction and long term operating costs. Planning for the right sized church now allows us to balance cost and capacity responsibly. If the capital campaign provides additional resources, we can consider increasing capacity, but only the campaign will show what is possible. Designing for future expansion gives the parish flexibility down the road if growth requires it, while current projections show that expansion is not immediately necessary.

When we plan for the future of our parish, we do so as part of something larger. Every Catholic parish belongs to a wider Church family, united not only by faith but also by structure. At the heart of that structure is the archbishop, who serves as the spiritual leader of the diocese and the shepherd of all its parishes.
Our pastor serves under the authority of the archbishop, who is entrusted with the care of the faithful in our region. This relationship connects our parish to the broader Church and ensures that our mission stays rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith. As a diocesan parish, we are part of a network of churches committed to faith, mission, and stewardship. That connection brings valuable support and guidance, especially during major building projects.
The Archdiocese is involved in our church and school initiative to help ensure that we build wisely, responsibly, and in alignment with the broader goals of the Church. What may feel like oversight is better understood as guidance from a trusted partner. Their role is not to take over our project, but to walk with us and help safeguard the long term well being of the parish.
The Archdiocese offers architectural guidance to help us design spaces that are safe and sacred, supports us with loan and funding processes when financing is needed, and brings experience from working with other parishes on similar efforts. All of this helps us make decisions that are thoughtful, responsible, and aligned with the long term needs of our community.
We want to build something that will serve our parish for generations. That means thinking beyond immediate needs and making decisions with long term vision. From start to finish, the Archdiocese helps us do that. Their involvement gives us confidence that our plans are sound, our spending is responsible, and our goals are achievable. This partnership is a gift. It reminds us that we are not building alone, but as part of a Church that cares deeply about our future and is committed to helping us grow in faith, mission, and community.

These items are not part of a typical architectural scope of work, but our Building Committee is fully aware of the potential impacts and costs. Each of these areas has the ability to influence the overall project budget, so we are planning accordingly. While we cannot control every external factor, knowing about them early allows us to include the right studies, coordination, and preliminary activities in the earliest phases of the project. This helps us reduce risk, avoid surprises, and make informed decisions as the design develops.

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.

The new design will be shared at a town hall presentation, which will be the best opportunity to understand the intent of the proposed plan and offer your feedback. All comments will be recorded and posted on the parish website. After a successful campaign, we will be able to review that feedback and determine what can be incorporated into the final design.

The Archdiocese requires several steps before a parish can begin building or raising funds. These include a comprehensive master plan that shows the long term vision for the parish, a professional feasibility study, a conceptual design with enough detail to understand scope and scale, and a matching cost estimate. Just as you would need plans and financial documentation before building a home, the Archdiocese has requirements to make sure our parish has a clear and viable plan. These steps help protect the parish and ensure we move forward responsibly.

There are two ways to increase the budget. One option would be to start over with a new feasibility study, but it would likely produce similar results and require additional time and cost. The more effective path is to conduct a strong capital campaign and raise more than the initial goal, which would allow us to enhance the project.

Several firms submitted proposals for our feasibility study, and all of them used approaches very similar to the firm we selected. Because of that, it is likely that another study would produce nearly the same results. Feasibility studies are professional services and come with a cost, and we want to be good stewards of parish resources. Rather than spending additional time and money to repeat the same process, the most effective way to increase the budget is through a successful capital campaign. If we raise more than anticipated, those funds can be used to enhance the project.

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%.

While we cannot guarantee specific selections, there is a strong preference to support local contractors whenever possible. We want the project to benefit our parish and the wider community. Contractor selection involves many factors, including qualifications, price, and the working relationship with the general contractor. We will balance all of these considerations to make the best decision for the parish.