St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish
Capital Projects Fundraising Campaign
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Partners for Sacred Places?
St. John the Baptist parish has contracted with Partners for Sacred Places (Partners) to conduct a feasibility study to determine the probability of raising funds needed to repair and replace the school’s heating system and build a new parish office. The results of this study will provide an estimate of the likelihood of the parish raising the funds. In-depth interviews of parishioners, community leaders, and others will take place during September. A summary of feedback received from interviewees will determine how best to proceed.
Partners may also be providing support in securing potential internal and external gifts and funders to donate to the campaign, providing communication, material support, and coordinating many aspects of the capital campaign with the Capital Projects Fundraising committee.
- What is a Capital Campaign and why are we conducting one?
A Capital Campaign is a formal fundraising effort aimed at upgrading, preserving and making needed repairs to our parish school’s heating system. This will be a multi-year fundraising campaign. The current school was dedicated in 1950, just 19 years after the existing church was dedicated. In 1955, the new wing of the school was dedicated. The original school building (the “old” wing) is 73 years old while the new wing is 68. Additionally, a new parish business office will be constructed which will replace the existing rectory.
Capital Campaigns gifts are generally "above and beyond" giving from regular tithes and offerings, which support the day-to-day operations and ministries of the church. Full participation by the congregation is important especially to outside funders who want to see strong internal support.
The Capital Projects Fundraising Committee is co-chaired by Father Mark Peres and Tom Markovich. Committee members are Becky Flores, Becky Coleman, Marty Dybel, Tom Dabertin, Linda Gajewski, Milan Kruszynski, Brian Lowry, Andrea Lucas, and Joe Shimala.
- Why is there a need to raise funds right now?
First, in 2023, one of the pipes that carries steam heat to the school from the church boiler began to leak, causing damage in various places in the school building. The latest leak occurred in the gymnasium and has buckled a portion of the floor. The gym is now unusable for CYO sports activities. Fixing the problem will require a complete replacement of the school’s heating system since the steam lines are reaching the end of their useful age.
Secondly, the current rectory is sinking due to the presence of natural springs underneath the foundation. Structural integrity is being challenged as floors heave, walls crack, and doors jam due to the stress of a shifting foundation. The new office will provide office space for parish staff, meeting rooms, and handicap-accessible bathrooms which will be available to parishioners before, during, and after Mass.
- What will this project cost?
The cost of the replacement of the school’s heating system will be approximately $5.4 million, split among four phases, each of which will prioritize and correct problems across the entire system.
Phase 5, construction of a new parish business office, is estimated to cost $2.3 million and will begin after the school’s heating and air conditioning systems have been replaced and upgraded.
- Phase 1 -- $1.4 million (Already paid for thanks to the generosity of current and former parishioners and benefactors,)
- Phase 2 -- $2.05 million
- Phase 3 -- $1.4 million
- Phase 4 -- $575,000
- Phase 5 -- $2.3 million
- Why can’t the school heating system project be completed in one phase?
The school’s academic calendar and the presence of students in the building make it necessary to perform most of the repairs and upgrades when school is not in session. Construction is disruptive and noisy.
- What will take place during each of the phases?
During Phase 1, we will build a new boiler plant which will be set up for four boilers. New heating for the gymnasium/locker room, and Kindergarten areas will be installed along with new temperature controls and a control management system. Piping will be set up for future air conditioning as well. The gymnasium areas will be disconnected from the church’s steam pipe feed.
In Phase 2, new heating and temperature controls will be installed for all classrooms in the new wing, the office areas, ground floor meeting and social rooms, and other areas. Two additional boilers will be installed. Once completed, the area of the building will be disconnected from the church’s steam pipe feed.
In Phase 3, new heating and temperature controls will be installed on all three floors of the “old” wing of the school, the Panel Room, meeting rooms, cafeteria kitchen and supporting areas, old convent (temporary heat). The auditorium will receive a temperature control upgrade. Once complete, the area will be disconnected from the church’s steam heating system.
Phase 4 will include the addition of a chiller to the piping system and a full upgrade of electrical service. As a general note, piping set-up for future air conditioning will be included in each phase as required.
Phase 5 will occur after the school’s heating and cooling systems have been installed. It will include demolition of the existing rectory, construction of a business office with small meeting rooms and restrooms which will be available for use by the congregation, reconfiguration of the existing parking lot, and construction of landscaped outdoor gathering spaces.
NOTE: Donations for Phase 2 will be accepted pending favorable results of the feasibility study.
When outside funders and donors see that a parish has strong internal support, it indicates a well-run campaign where everyone is working together. Outside funders find it more compelling to donate when they see that kind of unity and enthusiasm.
Every gift is important! Gifts can be made in cash, by check or bank account debit, or by credit card. Lump sum donations and recurring donations can be set up to match individual circumstances. We will be collecting funds pledged from 2024 through 2029. Pledge forms will be available in church and at the rectory.
If you have questions, comments, or need copies of capital campaign materials, please contact the parish office at (219) 659-0023.
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