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Why is this project necessary?
We cannot become one true parish until we unite and worship together under one roof. The diocesan policy is that all priests work towards three masses per weekend. If we did that right now, and if all the Masses were held at St. Paul, the larger of the two churches, we would be at 98% capacity. There is certainly a need for more space and we hope you will join us in building a place of worship and A Future Full of Hope for the generations to come.
What is included in the cost?
Working with our architects, we discovered an estimated total cost of $6 million to build a new facility. The estimated cost for the new site preparation is approximately $900,500. The cost of the professional development and new construction will cost approximately $4.75 million and the furnishings are estimated to cost approximately $150,000.
When can we begin construction of the church?
St. John Paul II Catholic Parish can only begin construction once 50% of the total project cost has been collected in cash and 100% of the cost in pledges has been fulfilled. Therefore, we are encouraging our community to prayerfully consider making an initial down payment of 10% of their pledge. This will allow us to break ground on the new St. John Paul II Church more quickly.
I read that the plans originally called for a $8 million project. Why is the goal now $6 million?
Originally, the cost was projected at $8 million. In response to the feasibility study, we adjusted the project scope and prioritized the most pressing needs for the church. After much thought and research, the parish is moving forward with a goal of $6 million. This goal will be challenging but feasible; If giving exceeds expectations, we may be able to adjust the project scope again.
Who made the decision to complete this project?
In our Archdiocese, we currently have 144 diocesan priests serving 133 parishes. In the next 5 years, 29 of those priests will reach the retirement age of 70. At the same time, we only have 7 men currently in seminary that could be ordained by that time. Minimally, that is a net loss for 22 men. As such, in 2004, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis announced a plan for the future staffing of parishes, calling for St. Joe Hill and St. Paul Parishes to eventually share one priest. Rather than wait for the Archdiocese to determine how this might occur, in 2006, a proactive committee comprised of members of both parish communities presented a new vision for the Catholic Church for Western Clark County. This new vision, called Vision 2020, was adopted by each community and sanctioned by Archbishop Daniel. In 2009, both parishes entered an agreement to purchase approximately 30 acres of land adjacent to St. Joe Hill Parish. St. John Paul II Catholic Parish is the result of that unification. The Parish and Finance Councils have also approved our moving forward with this important campaign. We have a unique opportunity to align our vision with God’s vision and timing.
Who is being asked to support this campaign?
Every household in the parish will be asked to prayerfully consider a multi-year commitment to the campaign. We will ask that each family make an equal sacrifice, rather than an equal gift.
Do most parishioners support these plans?
Interviews and surveys conducted in December 2015 indicate overwhelming support for these plans, and a clear intention to support the project with prayers and financial gifts. Parishioners affirmed that the time to address these needs is now.
Are gifts to this campaign tax-deductible?
Yes. All gifts to this campaign are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Parishioners with specific questions regarding tax implications should contact your accountant or tax attorney.
Why are we starting this project now?
St. John Paul II Parish has been blessed with a growing community of faith in recent years. Our parish has great things happening with over 1,200 families and about 3,000 members involved. In the previous two years alone, our parish has had a net growth of 65 new families. With the rapid community development throughout Sellersburg and the surrounding communities recently, we expect our parish to continue growing at a higher rate over the next 10 years. Rather than reacting to an increase in parishioners and struggling to serve our parish families, we must work toward the growth of our facilities in phases to prepare for the future of St. John Paul II by building a new home where we can practice our Catholic faith together.
Why are we emphasizing pledges?
Pledged commitments allow parishioners to take a longer-term perspective and consider a higher level of generosity than they may be able to with one-time gifts, helping the parish successfully reach its goal. Previous experience demonstrates that parishes like ours raise over four times more through multi-year, pledged commitments than through one-time gifts.
Why is each donor asked to complete a commitment card?
Documentation of your pledge allows the campaign to record each gift appropriately and personally thank each parishioner. The act of signing a specific pledge helps to emphasize the personal nature of this sacrificial commitment, and will lead to a more successful fulfillment process for the parish. The card is not a legally binding document. We understand that people’s financial circumstances can change unexpectedly. If you believe you may not be able to fulfill your pledge as expected, please contact Father Tom Clegg to discuss options for making payments toward your gift.
Will each donor be asked for a specific gift?
Yes, we do this to communicate to all prospective donors the level of support necessary to achieve our goal. We do not know anyone’s private financial circumstances, and we receive gifts at all levels with gratitude. We ask each parishioner to prayerfully consider a gift that is appropriate and personally sacrificial.
Why ask different parishioners for different amounts?
Because each family has been blessed differently, this campaign follows the principle of equal sacrifice rather than equal giving. Asking for equal gifts is a method that has been proven in other parishes to lead to unsuccessful campaigns. Such an approach would prevent us from reaching our goal. Instead, our success depends on seeking larger commitments from those in a better position to consider them, and from those who have been most generous to the parish in the past.
What if we do not raise enough to meet our goal?
We expect to meet our goal. We will not initiate new construction until we have received 50% of the funds, and all contributions will be held in a special account until then. In the unlikely event that we raise significantly less than anticipated, we will prioritize each project element and scale back the current design. If we surpass our goal, parish leadership will initiate a community conversation to prayerfully determine the best use of the excess funds in accordance with our parish’s mission.