St. Joseph Capital Campaign
Why A Capital Campaign
Before I ever became your Pastor here at St. Joe’s, I began praying for this parish. I am someone who needs a mission, so I also started writing down things I wanted for the parish, things I thought God was asking me to do; these were groups, ministries, atmospheres, and successes. Nowhere on that list was “dive into a capital campaign!” So, it is important for me to explain why we are here.
When I got to St. Joe’s, I could see the buildings, the leaks, and the many other issues I am sure you have seen for yourself. Still, that is not a good enough reason to do a campaign. I started going through budgets, reports, and all the administrative tasks, which revealed a need for greater support, but that still wasn't a good enough reason for a campaign. At the same time, I began to meet you. I started meeting the kids in the school, in PREP, and your parents. I met lifelong parishioners and many who had just moved to the area. I met with couples wanting to baptize their new child, with families struggling with loss, and with people building friendships through service.
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So why are we doing this campaign? It is because of you and yours; it is because I really believe we are a family, and that living out our faith and building up our future sounds like the perfect way to go about loving our Lord together!
We are setting out on a monumental work; it is beautiful, inspiring, difficult, and so blessed! Even after all of this fundraising and work is completed, the reason for the work will still be here: you and your family, your neighbors, and your community. My friends, this work will not solve every issue there is in our lives, but the parish will serve those in need more readily, it will comfort families more easily, it will inspire people with more vigor, and it will raise up a holy parish family around it to the praise and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.
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In Christ, Fr. Eric Boelscher
Background, News and Updates
Feasibility Study
Summer 2021
This past summer, a feasibility study was conducted to understand the parish's needs and the potential funds available for this campaign. In-person interviews, group discussions, and an online survey were sent to the entire parish, totaling over 150 individuals. These responses were used as the basis for understanding the needs of the parish, if the work/projects outlined are seen as needed, and if the funds are available to complete this work. The study showed great enthusiasm among potential donors to get involved, as well as agreement to do the work described in the case statement (see below for the link). It was also determined that a $5 million goal is attainable and likely.
Forming the Committee
November 2021
This campaign will be successful when everyone does their part. The saying many hands make light work is absolutely true for this work. Sixteen Chair positions, split among 39 individuals, have been accepted. The feasibility study helped to identify individuals interested in helping, as well as several who were nominated and would be instrumental in making this campaign a success. These chairs will help identify additional team members to further spread the workload. If you would like to learn more or join the team, please click the link below.
Paul Ritter, General Co-Chair
Leading this campaign is the answer to many of my prayers. I retired a year ago and had been praying for at least a couple of years before that, for God to help me understand how I should serve Him in this transition period. What a blessing to have such clarity in my calling. And what a blessing to be part of this amazing work; work which will serve all of us in serving Him for many years to come.
Only recently have I begun to understand the importance of the sacredness of the worship environment, and frankly, ours is almost horrifying. It was more horrifying to see the living conditions in the rectory – made me sad. I am totally in favor of the improvements and willing to commit dollars too.
I'm not an expert on mold, but there is definitely black stuff growing on the carpeted walls where the water comes in. I'm afraid to see what is behind it, and worry that it's not healthy for the kids to be eating in here. When it rains hard, water comes in from both sides and through the doors at the bottom of the ramp. We use floor mats and fans to try to dry it up.
Anonymous Survey Respondent
Amy Borchers, Cafeteria Manager
I think we are on the right track now. Fr. Boelscher is building up the parish. He is living the walk with zeal and passion.
With increased access to technology during the school day, we realized that computer class, as it has been, needs to evolve. The original inventors of computers were creative, team-oriented, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. While it is still important that students improve their typing skills and learn to navigate a Windows computer, we need to shift our focus from using today's technology to helping students develop the skills to fix, improve, and invent the technology of the future.
Anonymous Survey Respondent
Mrs. Natalie Brockmeier, Technology Teacher
FAQ
When will the work begin?
We can begin work once we have the funds in hand. The projects have been prioritized and will begin in order of need. Our first priority is to stop the water leaks to create dry spaces. This begins with replacing the roof and gutters and directing water away from the foundation. Work is already underway on the roof.
Will a portion of the funds go to the diocese?
No, the Bishop is allowing all funds generated through this campaign to stay at St. Joseph’s.
What happened to the funds raised through the DPAA?
An account was created for DPAA overages to set this money aside. Because of water damage and the interrelated projects required to maintain a dry facility, work on the updated Noll Hall façade has not been able to begin. With additional funds procured through this capital campaign, these DPAA funds will help to complete the façade renovations as originally stated.
Are parishioners involved in the design and construction of the projects?
Yes! Wonderful professional parishioners have volunteered to provide oversight of the development plans. We have engineers, architects, builders, and designers who have volunteered their services, helping keep costs down and drive efficiency in the work.
How will this work bring parishioners back to the parish and fulfill our mission?
There are multiple plans in place to use this campaign to bring parishioners through our doors. First, the campaign is designed to engage many parishioners and work as a community to build the church. We hope this process makes parishioners feel welcomed, connected, and driven to participate in worship and fellowship. Parishioners will be asked to prayerfully consider how God is calling them to stewardship, which can reignite individual relationships with God. Second, new meeting spaces will be created, and existing spaces will be updated to enable more on-site activities, strengthening our community. Lastly, an altar space that draws the focus toward the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist will serve as a reminder of the beauty and importance of this holy, living Sacrifice of the Mass.
Is a new parish office really needed or can we repair the old building?
While the current parish office has a history with our parish, the structure is deteriorating and no longer meets the parish's needs. The first issue is access. To enter the building, you must walk up stairs or use a steep ramp that leads through the kitchen rather than the main entrance. The basement and second floor also require a flight of stairs. The current office has one small conference room with that doubles as storage space, there is not enough office space for any additional staff and the 1st floor bathroom is about the size of an airplane bathroom. Some electrical systems are original to the building, the basement storage is damp and does not allow for easy access to records or festival materials, and the building needs a new roof, new paint, and new plumbing. The plans for a new build would fix all of these issues and then some.
Current Facilities
