ST. PETER THE

APOSTLE

PARISH

New Brunswick

New JerseyTown Hall

Sunday

June 22, 2014

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates2

Results of Spring 2014 Feasibility Study

Parish Strengths

Parish Challenges

Reaction to Statement of Need

Timeline Leading to Current Campaign

Phase I and II

Parish Property and Facility Needs

Short-term Plan

Future Needs

Questions & Answers

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

3

Ruotolo Associates

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

4

Ruotolo Associates

We hired an outside consulting firm to conduct a confidential study to: (All parishioners and Mass attendees were asked to participate)

To determine strengths, weaknesses and overall image of St. Peter the Apostle;

To gauge receptivity to the Statement of Need;

To determine philanthropic potential of the parish;

To define approach in structuring/communicating a capital campaign;

To determine likely strategic issues that may impact the implementation of a capital campaign;

To identify prospective volunteer leadership.

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

5

Ruotolo Associates

47% of the active parish population (which translates to 28% of all registered parishioners) participated in the study. This is a solid response rate.

Respondents are supportive of Father Tom. They feel that Mass attendance has grown and there is a younger community of parishioners since he arrived.

Of the 160 participating households in the study, 89% believed that the Statement of Need adequately reflects the needs of the Church. This is a strong endorsement of the plans.

The majority of participants agreed with the needs although some recognize that there are additional pressing needs in the rectory.

Indications of willingness to support a campaign were very strong with positive responses from 95% of those interviewed, 90% of focus group participants and 70% of survey respondents.

The town hall and this information on the website is in response to some who expressed interest in more information about the prior projects and campaign, current and future needs, and overall parish financial situation.

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates6

The Oratory Priests and Father Tom

The Music and Music Director

Tradition and History

Diversity of an inner city parish

Affiliation with Rutgers and the Students

Direct Quotes:

“I drive past several other Churches to come here.”

“We feel a personal relationship with the pastor and

priests.”

“The Music and Music Director are like no other.”

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates 7

Parking

Building Repairs

Heat

Painting

Air conditioning

There are few families living in the immediate area

People have to make a conscious effort to want to come here

Competition from 4-5 other area Churches

Economy/finances

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates 8

When asked to read and react to the Statement of Need, participants were mostly positive

and agreed with the needs. However, there is much concern over the financial aspect of the

needs.

Below are direct quotes from study participants. They reflect the issues noted repeatedly by

many:

“This is our church - we need to do this.”

“We’re keeping it together with band aids.”

“I’m not sure A/C is worth the cost.”

“Not surprised. Can't wait for it to happen.”

“Well presented; all are needed.”

“These buildings and facilities serve our Father and his purpose on Earth. We should

spare no effort in their preservation.”

“Needs should be prioritized: for example, the boiler is more important than air

conditioning; repairing plaster is more important than the gathering area.”

“There is also a critical need for repairs in the rectory.”

“I know some people go away for the summer, but lack of air conditioning keeps others

away. It affects the collection during those months.”

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates 9

There was a strong response in support of the needs with 95% of interview, 95% of

focus group and 88% of survey participants feeling that the Statement of Need

reflects the needs of St. Peter’s.

9%

5%

5%

3%

0%

0%

88%

95%

95%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Survey

Focus Group

Interviews

Yes No Somewhat or No Answer

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates10

All participants were asked to rate the projects as high, medium orlow in importance. Below are the projects with the results.

11%

9%

9%

8%

8%

48%

15%

11%

1%

1%

31%

36%

26%

27%

8%

12%

41%

54%

64%

84%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Creation of gatheringspace beneath choir loft

Clean & restore ceiling &mural paintings

Air conditioning/choir loft& electrical system

Repairs to plaster/paintwalls, ceiling & columns

New furnace & heatingsystem

High Medium Low No answer

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

11

Ruotolo Associates

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates12

A professional assessment of the condition of the properties was conducted in 2004. The

following needs were prioritized for phase I:

Church – New slate roof, gutters, downspouts, handicap lift, repair & point masonry below

water table, stucco, restore stained glass windows, front doors

Convent - new slate roofs, cornice and gutters, masonry, flat roof, paint

Total Construction Costs $ 2,602,175

Design Fees 258,062

Fundraising Consultant Fees 135,406

Repair of Stained Glass Windows 65,569

Total Phase I Costs $ 3,061,212

Sources of Funds:

Sale of the Lyceum/Field House Property $ 1,020,000

"Upon this Rock" Capital Campaign 977,706

New Jersey Historic Trust Grant 500,000

Church Improvement Funds 504,580

Rebate from Bishop's Appeal 58,926

Total Sources of Funds $ 3,061,212

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates13

Given the state of the economy at the time, the parish did not embark on a capital

campaign and parishioners were not asked to contribute to phase II. The following needs

were prioritized that that phase.

Church – clean, point, repair/replace stone N & W sides; bell tower roof & pinnacles; rose

window frame

Rectory - roofs, gutters, downspouts, chimneys; façade restoration, porch, front windows

Total Construction Costs $ 2,201,029

Design Fees $ 116,074

Fundraising Consultant Fees NONE

Repair of Stained Glass Windows $ 6,600

(contractor credit) $ (7,500)

Total Phase I Costs $ 2,316,203

Sources of Funds:

Sale of the Lyceum/Field House Property 1,262,479

No Capital Campaign NONE

New Jersey Historic Trust Grant 750,000

Church Improvement Funds $ 303,724

Total Sources of Funds 2,316,203

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates14

SCHOOL PROPERTY TRANSACTION (Oct. 30, 2013)

Sale Price $7,400,000

credit for environment issues -$50,000

settlement charges (lawyers &

fees)-$103,065

escrow for abatement -$600,000

Diocese of Metuchen -$1,000,000*

St. Peter's $5,646,935

Church Investment Account

$5,646,935

$266,000

Added about $266K to parish investment account from

parish funds (2 CDs, a/c acct, ML acct)

-$427,000

Loaned $427K to cemetery operating investment

account; to be paid back to parish

$5,485,935

plus interest

* It is customary for the Diocese to receive a portion of the sale of a property. The

Diocese had subsidized the schools in excess of $6 million over the years.

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

15

Ruotolo Associates

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

16

Ruotolo Associates

Replace Furnace and Heating System in

Church – including boiler, pipes and

radiators

Repair and paint plaster walls, ceiling,

columns

Restore ceiling and mural paintings

Estimated

$800,000+

Study results indicated that replacing the heating system and repairing plaster and

painting are the first priorities. Restoring the ceiling and murals will be done at the

same time because logistically, it makes sense.

The heating system is being installed in advance of the campaign so that it can be

completed during the summer months and be fully functioning when needed in the fall.

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

17

Ruotolo Associates

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates18

INTERIOR

New air conditioning system*, related renovation

to loft, gathering space in the entranceway,

electrical upgrade

Abate and replace entire floor, pews/kneeler

repair

Install new, additional handicap accessible

bathroom

EXTERIOR

Replace/repair front church steps

Restore remaining stained glass windows

Clean (restore) remaining stone walls (east &

south elevations)

*There is a small amount reserved in an account from a previous attempt to

raise money for air-conditioning. It will be applied when the time comes.

Estimated

$1,500,000+

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates19

As with the Church, the Rectory is an old structure and in need of

repairs and renovations. These projects will also be undertaken as

funding becomes available and need warrants.

INTERIOR

Abatement (lead and asbestos)

Install upgraded electric/install fire safety system

Plumbing

Renovate bathrooms, new finishes, exhaust

Repair/replace any necessary walls or ceilings

Replace carpeting, hardwood floors

Renovate kitchen

EXTERIOR

Remove stucco and brick

Restore clapboard

Repair/replace window headers, other misc wood work

Replace doors (4), windows (35)

Estimated

$1,300,000+

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates20

Potential Funding Sources:

Capital campaign funds (financing short-term plan projects)

Existing cash on hand

Interest from parish investment accounts

Historic restoration grant funds for any exterior work, if possible

Possible matching funds from the Diocese for liability repairs

Funds borrowed from our parish investment account endowment

Financial Responsibility Plan:

Maintain a principal total of $5 million in parish investment account

Maintain a $300,000 operating reserve.

The projects may be completed over several years with the help of the interest earned on

the parish investments accounts. Although there may be enough cash on hand to complete

the projects now, it is not in the long-term best interest of the parish to deplete, or

eliminate the parish savings that is also needed to supplement the annual operating deficit.

By keeping the principal intact, we are assuring the financial health of the parish for many

years to come.

Total estimated need $3,700,000

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates21

1. When will renovations begin?The first and most important project is the replacement of the church heating system

before the arrival of winter. That project will begin immediately using funds from our

reserve . Other renovation projects will follow according to a long-range plan and the

availability of funding.

2. What happened to the money designated for air-conditioning?Approximately $29,000 that was raised for air conditioning at an earlier time was set

aside in a separate account. Within the past year that account and a couple of others

were consolidated into a higher interest bearing fund. The proposed plan would be to

apply that money to the installation of air conditioning in the future. In the feasibility

study parishioners ranked other projects as more important. In the current long-term

plan the air conditioning project follows the plaster repair and paint project. It is

probably at least two years away.

3. What will the operating cost of air-conditioning be? . Based on typical

operating conditions and estimates of energy cost it is estimated that a/c will increase

our utility cost by approx. $4,000.

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates22

4. Can the existing boiler be fixed? Why do we need to replace all

of the piping?

First of all, our steam boiler was leaking and would not pass inspection. If that was the

only problem it might be reasonable to simply replace the boiler. However, another

condition also exists. Before the church basement was renovated, our steam heat

system serviced both the main church and the basement. When the parish hall was

renovated a new heat and a/c system was installed for the basement only. Some pipes

and radiators in the basement were removed and the remaining pipes were reconnected

to close the loop for the main church. We believe that some of the pipes were not

reconnected properly. As a result, raw steam and intense heat was returning to the

boiler room. The remaining old pipes are now behind finished walls and we are unable

to easily and with certainty find where the incorrect pipe connections are located. The

benefits of a new hot water heat system: Confidence - We won’t have the uncertainties

of the old pipes; greater energy efficiency; easier to repair and maintain; greater

control and flexibility.

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates23

5. Please clarify the relationship between St. Peter’s parish, the Catholic

Center and the Diocese.Nine years ago the interior of the convent building was a shambles and the building was

empty and unusable. Fr. Joe Curry was trying to explore options for the building’s use but

there was no favorable outcome. The parish did not have the necessary resources to fix

and maintain the building. Consideration was also being given to building a new campus

ministry center on Mine Street, the site of the old campus ministry center, but funding

was an issue. A solution to both of those situations was to use the old convent as a new

campus ministry center. The diocese sold the former Catholic Center property and funded

the complete renovation of the old convent building, investing millions of dollars. The

Catholic Center and campus ministry is a diocesan mission and responsibility. It is

supported and administered by the Diocese of Metuchen, not by the parish. The

“business” of the parish and the Catholic Center is almost completely separate, although

we share some staff and space. Funds we raise from this capital campaign do not go to

the Catholic Center. St. Peter’s has been associated with campus ministry at RU for a long

time, but even more so with the arrival of the priests of the Congregation of the Oratory

of St. Philip Neri, whose apostolates included campus ministry. Because of the location of

St. Peter’s with respect to Rutgers University and now having the Catholic Center here, it

makes sense for St. Peter’s to become the “University and Community Parish”. If we had

not done so, the alternative under the Renewing the Church in New Brunswick process

may have led to a loss of our historic parish identity through a merger with another parish

or parishes.

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates24

5. Please clarify the relationship between St. Peter’s parish, the Catholic

Center and the Diocese? (cont’d)We need to look positively at the benefits of our current situation:

We share the use of newly renovated space for meetings and other gatherings.

We do not have the expense of maintaining the former convent and parking lot

properties. The transfer of those properties to the Diocese does not affect our ability to

make use of them.

We no longer have the burden of paying for property insurance for those properties.

We share two employees, enabling us to hire them on a full-time basis but for both the

church and Catholic Center.

Both the parish and campus ministry staffs sharing a common mission and purpose.

St. Peter’s continues as the historic parish it is and now journeys forward and evolves with

new vibrancy and hope.

With openness and acceptance, there is tremendous potential for the faith life of St.

Peter’s to be renewed; the relationship and interaction of the younger and the older

generations in our community can powerfully impact the discipleship of both.

SAINT PETER

THE APOSTLE

Roman Catholic

Church

Ruotolo Associates25

6. Why do we need a wall/gathering space at the back of the church?A transparent divider wall will create and define a bigger gathering area in the back of

the church. This project would include the removal of the pews beneath the choir loft,

where the sound quality is poor anyway, creating a large, open common area. The floor

would be replaced. The framing for the partition sections will maintain the style and look

of the existing woodwork in the church interior so that the historic appearance of the

church is not compromised. Additionally, a larger handicap accessible bathroom is being

considered at the location of the iron gate statuary. The confessional would be rotated so

that it faces into the worship space.

The partition would provide a sound and weather barrier for the main worship space.

The gathering area would improve interaction and communication among members of our

community. It would be a versatile space where registrations can take place, information

exchanged, receiving lines after weddings can form, ministers can gather and prepare for

Mass without blocking doorways, people can still comfortably meet and talk, either before

or after Mass, without disturbing those in the worship area.

7. Are we carrying the cemetery financially?

No, although there is concern that the perpetual care fund needs to be increased. This

has been an issue for decades. The sale of crypts and niches in the new addition to the

mausoleum will hopefully improve the long term financial position of the cemetery.

THANK YOU!

Ruotolo Associates 26