The recent parish-wide planning study revealed overwhelming support for a fundraising effort, but also raised a number of appropriate questions regarding Saint Andrew building plans, financial position and the capital campaign needed to fund phase one of the Parish Master Facility Plan. In an effort to answer some of the more common questions surrounding Phase 1 projects and finances, we have assembled a list of frequently asked questions.

We hope the answers given will provide clarity as we prepare to launch a capital campaign.

Your prayers, understanding and support are critical to the future success of our campaign and parish.

When would Phase 1 construction begin? When would it be complete?The diocese requires 40% of a project’s cost be raised in cash and an additional 25% be pledged before we can borrow funds to help us begin Phase 1 construction. We are confident families will pledge 100% of our Campaign Goal of $5.3 million (100% of the project cost), so it is just a matter of obtaining the required cash funds to begin construction. We will be asking families to consider making an initial investment of 10% to 20% on their pledges to help us reach the 40% cash requirement as soon as possible. A best case scenario would anticipate construction beginning in the fall 2017. The completion of Phase 1 would be approximately 14 months after it starts.

Does the parish have a “deferred maintenance plan?”Saint Andrew does have a deferred maintenance plan. The plan was referenced many, many times in the research and discussions revolving around the Parish Pastoral Plan and the need to develop a Master Facility Plan. Quite simply, the burdensome cost of maintaining our buildings was one of the main reasons the Master Facility Plan was created and the decision was made to conduct a capital campaign to renovate and/or replace our current facilities.

How will the campaign funds affect parish offertory?In the short-term, offertory giving is expected to remain at its current level, with only modest growth likely. Through the effort, volunteers will ask parishioners to make pledges above and beyond regular giving. Parishioners are not asked to diminish giving to the parish but rather, to consider a commitment above their normal weekly giving. In the long term, similar campaigns have actually caused increases in parish offertory by raising the sights of parishioners and their commitment to the church.

I know this has been asked before, but it keeps coming up and I just want to be sure I understand, “What is the financial position of the parish? Are we operating in a deficit?”Both the parish and school have money in savings, we are paying all our bills and have no debt. An increase in offertory, of course, would be greatly welcomed, because it would make possible a number of things we would like to do, but lack the needed funds.

PHASE 1 PROJECTS AND FINANCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Church

Will the parish go into debt to address some of these needs?At this time no decision has been made. The best case scenario is we have full participation from the church and school and have the full amount pledged this spring. If pledges are fulfilled in a timely or, hopefully, accelerated manner we will be able to delay taking on debt to finish the Phase 1 projects. Before any loan is arranged with the Diocese, detailed research and discernment by the parish Finance Council, with consultation of the Parish Pastoral Council, will take place. Remaining debt free is the goal.

How did we arrive at the estimates being used for the construction of Phase 1?Our architect, Scott Martsolf, forwarded the schematics to a contractor he has been associated with for similar planning projects in the Fort Worth area and they provided the estimates.

Will the cost of construction affect tuition?Tuition will not be affected by the cost of construction.

If the construction is not starting right away, how are you figuring for increases in labor and materials?An increase of 3% (for inflation) is built into the estimate.

Why do we need to expand the cafeteria and what is the benefit of doing so?The cafeteria, when it was built, was to provide enough space for 250 students. There are over 650 students in the school today. This means students have lunch anywhere between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For some this is too soon after breakfast and for other too long. Expanding the cafeteria by another 1400 sq. ft. will allow another grade (three classrooms) to eat in the cafeteria thus cutting the lunch down from 6 periods to 3 (or 4) allowing children to eat lunch at a time more appropriate for their ages and development.

Will we be able to continue having Mass in the Church during Phase 1 construction?In a word: Yes. We should be able to continue to have Mass in the Church but there will be disruptions to the Church access that we will have to work out.

These are but a few, but some of the most frequently asked, questions in regard to Phase 1 Construction and Finance. Visit the parish website (standrewcc.org) to see an update of questions like these as they arise.

WATCH FOR DETAILS FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTSCampaign Kickoff | Saturday & Sunday, January 14-15

Catholic School Week Open House | Sunday, January 29

Commitment Weekend | Saturday & Sunday, March 25-26

Cafeteria Expansion

Narthex Interior

Pastoral Center