St. Thomas More The 50 MORE! Campaign

Transcription

1 St. Thomas More The 50 MORE! Campaign

2 Our Mission We, the faith community of St. Thomas More, confirm our commitment to our Lord and brother, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. We center on the Eucharist and the embodiment of Catholic family values. We commit to love of neighbor: hospitality and compassion; nurturing and enrichment; empathy and social justice, emphasizing the contemporary needs of the church and the poor. Cover Photo is a concept photo only and is being used as a representation of a future design. St. Thomas More 50 MORE! 2

3 Dear People of St. Thomas More, God loves you and so do I! It has been two years since I first walked on this holy ground as your pastor. From that first moment I have been deeply moved by your loving faith and joyful commitment to God. In God s providence, Fr. Gerald Falk has continued to serve in our community, our ministry team has remained together and grown, and we have all been invited to embrace the vision and dreams that God has revealed to us through the Diocese of Green Bay s visioning process. In God s providence, we now enter our Jubilee year, and prepare to celebrate our 50 th anniversary. From our humble beginnings at Rainbow Gardens in 1963 to the building of the gym-church-school in the midst of Randall s woods in 1966, to the building of our current church in 1989, your generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure have always been offered for the glory of God. Special thanks go to Fr. Falk for his 40 years as our Pastor and to our Charter members who have remained faithfully present through the years. In God s providence, we now have the opportunity to make some important investments in our facilities and our future. The 50 MORE! Campaign will provide the resources we need to make significant enhancements to our worship space, grounds, and facilities, as well as provide necessary support to the Youth Ministry, Scholarship Fund, Bishop s Appeal, and Endowment Fund for our growing ministry needs. Thank you to all who have helped prepare our community to embrace this opportunity before us! Please read on to find out more about our Jubilee year dreams and prayerfully consider a generous gift to the 50 MORE! Campaign. Let us join together in Jubilee excitement and joy as we reflect upon the blessings of God s love in our lives; 50 years together...and please God, 50 MORE! Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. Jim Lucas Pastor of St. Thomas More 3 St. Thomas More 50 MORE!

4 Parish History St. Thomas More Parish will soon celebrate fifty years since its founding in Appreciating and honoring our history will be important during the upcoming enhancement of the structure and the celebration throughout the Jubilee year. Rev. Patrick McMahon, the founding pastor of St. Thomas More, celebrated the first Mass held at Rainbow Gardens dance hall in During the following year, building plans were develop to construct a new church facility, school and convent on the 12 acre parcel known as Randall s Woods. In 1966, with 600 parish families and 333 students, the $741,876 project, funded by parishioners, was completed. Church entrance in the 1980 s with parish members being greeted by Rev. Dave Belongea, OFM Cap. and Rev. Gerald Falk. The first project, however, did not include the church structure that is currently used. Weekend Masses were celebrated in the gymnasium. Rev. Gerald Falk was named pastor in September 1970 and faithfully led the parish for 40 years. He continues to serve the people of St. Thomas More as Pastor Emeritus. The 25 th anniversary of the parish marked an opportunity for change and expansion. The parishioners approved the renovation of the existing complex and the construction of a new church facility at a cost of $690,000. View of the facility and grounds in The structure in the center back originally served as both the school gymnasium and the original church. In 1996 the parish saw more changes to the facility. Funded by a generous $1 million donation and $1 million parishioner pledges, the school was completely renovated as well as the parish and religious education offices. The final construction project took place in 1999 when, as a result of another private donation, the Gathering Area of the Church was added. Rev. James Lucas was named the pastor of St. Thomas More Church in September St. Thomas More 50 MORE! 4 Rev. Gerald Falk and Rev. James Lucas at the diocesan-wide Catholic School mass, leading the parish forward into the next 50 years.

5 Since that time, focus groups of parishioners have discovered strengths and revealed dreams for the future of the parish. Community, Education, Pastoral Care Ministry, Liturgy, and Service and Justice were identified as the core reality of the parish. As the parish approaches its anniversary, a majority of parishioners have shown support for the proposed renovation. This project will bring about important and necessary changes to the parish, through the worship space enhancements and facility renovations being planned. Going Forward Throughout the history of St. Thomas More, parishioners have been guided by the Holy Spirit. Their involvement in community outreach is as an expression of their love of Jesus Christ. Many parishioners serve on committees that support the parish mission. Others are actively involved in music ministry, bible studies, prayer groups, retreats, care of the sick and needy, youth ministry, and social justice concerns. The reach of St. Thomas More is certainly beyond the physical walls of the Church and extends into the larger community and world. Our patron saint inspires us to go beyond the ordinary as a parish through his words, If any good thing shall go forward, something must be adventured. In 2011, a diverse group of parish members and staff joined together and began investigating the needs and desires of our parish. Along every step of the process, respect and honor was given to the past, concern and hope given to the future, and costs versus comfort considered. Although the current church is built simply and fundamentally sound, there are repairs that are needed. The campaign will raise funds for this purpose. More importantly, the Holy Spirit always encourages us to grow in holiness. Therefore, as an expression of our faith, the function, symbolism, beauty, hospitality, and vibrancy of our worship space will be updated. The committee also looked beyond the church building. The campaign will allow us to continue our current ministries and to develop new and extraordinary services and programs. Funds will also be raised for our Youth Ministry allowing our youth to fully engage in our parish and community. St. Thomas More Elementary school provides students the opportunity to experience a toprated Catholic education. Included in the current enhancement project are areas that will benefit the day school as well as other parish events in the lower level. Sound stewardship through regular collections provides for most of the day-to-day needs of the parish. However, the parish currently relies on the Endowment Fund to provide the additional funds needed to maintain a balanced budget. The campaign seeks to grow the Endowment Fund to help ensure the future financial stability of the parish, as well as to grow our programs. If any good thing shall go forward, something must be adventured. Saint Thomas More All 1,200 parish families are asked to join in proclaiming their love for God during the 50 MORE! Campaign and, just as our predecessors, make a meaningful contribution and legacy for future generations. 5 St. Thomas More 50 MORE!

6 Worship Space Enhancements The shape of the sanctuary reflects the new design created for the new entrance area to the worship space and the baptismal font. This visual connection reinforces procession and our theology that only through baptism can we share in Eucharist, the body of Christ. The enhanced sanctuary has a larger surface area. Appropriate recognition is given to the ambo and altar by the creation of more space around both furnishings. The new main altar is created using our current altar, as well as adding marble from the first altar that was used in the gym church, with a new ambo designed to match. The ambo (pulpit) is moved to the left side of the sanctuary to provide visual and physical separation from the music area to enhance attention to the proclamation of the Word. The current sanctuary is not accessible to those in wheelchairs or to those unable to climb steps. The new design provides access to both the sanctuary and the new Eucharistic Reservation Chapel through the addition of two ramps. Handicapped accessible seating will be incorporated in the main seating area. More space is created for procession on the sanctuary platform as well as the opportunity to adjust the location of the furnishings for special liturgical celebrations and needs. Lighting and sound improvements are planned including the installation of a hearing loop system. A corpus (body of Christ), carved by a local artist, will be fastened to the main cross for most of the liturgical year but can be removed when needed. Music area improvements may include redesigned seating for the choir and a new piano and organ. The posture of kneeling during the Eucharistic Prayer and after the Lamb of God is the approved posture of the Catholic bishops of the United States. Kneelers will be installed as a matter of hospitality, for without them, the congregation would be asked to kneel on the floor. Photos on page 6 and 7 are concept photos only and are being used as representations of future designs. St. Thomas More 50 MORE! 6

7 Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism means to plunge or to immerse which is why the font is designed to contain a significant amount of water. The new design of the baptismal font allows for baptisms of both infants and adults. Floor level entry allows easy access to the immersion pool. Specially designed gates provide safety yet are easily removed for access when desired. The alpha and omega base reminds us of Christ (Revelation 22:13) and connects us to our beginning (alpha) of faith in Christ at baptism and completion (omega) of our faith in Christ celebrated at the funeral rites. The cross reminds us of the mystery of the dying and rising of Jesus that we participate in through baptism. The circle represents the universal and inclusive desire of God that all will be saved. Welcoming members through enhanced doors to the church. The enhanced doors to the church entry will remind us that we are entering God s house, a sacred place. The current chapel will be moved to create a more open family area. Parents with young children who wish to, may view mass from large windows and doors located at the entrance to the church. A small Eucharistic Reservation Chapel will be built behind the tabernacle in the sanctuary to create an intimate setting for private prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. When leaving, we will be reminded of our baptismal mission-to live in the Spirit of the Risen Christ! 7 St. Thomas More 50 MORE!

8 $2 Million Goal for 50 MORE! Campaign As St. Thomas More celebrates 50 years of faith and community we embark on a large scale campaign to fund a number of areas of need. Estimates for each component of the campaign are listed below. As good stewards of expected donations the campaign committee plans to spend less than.5% on administrative fees during this campaign. Worship Space Enhancements $ 1,201,703 Some of the improvements in this area will include: Removal and repair of the interior walls due to moisture and cosmetic concerns New sanctuary back wall, Eucharistic Reservation chapel and Tabernacle wall New cross with Jesus on it with flexibility to remove seasonally Music area improvements Flooring replacement and additional persons with disability seating area Hearing impaired loop system and sound improvement Furnish and install kneelers, with potential re-spacing of some pews for additional comfort Design modifications to nave doors to enhance the sacred entry to the nave of the church New Baptismal font Removal of chapel and creation of family area for increased visibility within the Narthex Exterior Enhancement $ 118,232 Exterior signage to invite and welcome members and guests Landscape improvements Carillon (speakers that play music and call to prayer) added near the carport Interior Renovation $ 159,748 Addition of a lower level cafeteria bathroom that will be utilized by the school children and parishioners attending fish fries, bingo, and other hospitality events. Main entrance reception office renovation to improve hospitality and security to parish and school. Bishop s Appeal 2013 $ 64,000 (estimated) The 2013 annual Bishop s Appeal will be rolled into this campaign for one year only. Endowment $ 300,000 The Endowment Fund has assisted the parish in its mission by providing supplemental funding of its programs and services and additional support for its operation, maintenance, and capital requirements that our stewardship support has not provided. It also has allowed the parish to expand its ministries. Scholarship Fund $ 146,317 The Scholarship Fund assists families who need tuition assistance to educate their children in the St. Thomas More day school or night school programs. Youth Ministry $ 10,000 The fiscal year fundraising for youth programs will be funded by the campaign, therefore eliminating many smaller fundraising efforts. St. Thomas More 50 MORE! 8

9 Why Give Not long ago Bishop Ricken announced a Visioning Process for all churches in the Diocese of Green Bay. The process invited us to pray, discover, discuss, and dream about our church and God s calling to us in the time we live. As St. Thomas More approaches the celebration of our 50 th anniversary, we have this unique and timely opportunity to invest in our worship space for the greater honor and glory of God. St. Thomas More is very conscious of our members that need additional assistance to enjoy our worship space. Funding from this campaign will incorporate additional handicap accessibility, as well as improved lighting and sound for all to enjoy. Additional gathering space for growing families will only strengthen our future. Growing the Endowment Fund ensures that our facilities can be maintained and our ministries expanded to meet the growing needs of our faith community. Investing in education through our Scholarship Fund and growing the Youth Ministry area to enhance the faith of our youth will always be a goal of the St. Thomas More parish. Our love for God can always be enhanced and grow stronger. The 50 MORE! Campaign is one significant and lasting way for us to show our love for God. I am truly grateful and blessed because our parish has such a warm family feeling. Charter Member, Bette Toppins What to Give The St. Thomas More Parish community is asking all to make a sacrifice for the Lord during this campaign. One size does not fit all in terms of giving amount. Some families may be able to give more than others. Please pray about what God is calling you to give. We ask that you consider giving the equivalent of your first hour worked each week to this campaign. Or simply 2.5% of your total annual income to the project each year for three years. This gift would be above and beyond your current support of the parish. Please know that whatever you are able to give is greatly appreciated. Ways to Give You may give your gift in one lump sum or over a period of three years. You can give monthly, quarterly or annually to fit your household budget. An ACH direct debit may also be set up for your convenience. Credit cards, stock and other donations are being accepted for this campaign. The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay, Inc. has generously offered to assist St. Thomas More in processing pledges and receipts for this campaign. Please complete a pledge card to ensure your choice of payment is processed per your request. 9 St. Thomas More 50 MORE!

10 To our fellow parishioners, The faith community of St. Thomas More has come together to develop worship enhancement projects and a fundraising campaign to meet the current needs of our parish as well as future needs through endowment funding. We take a moment to thank the members who have given of their time and talent to this endeavor. As co-chairs of the campaign we look forward to the opportunity for all parishioners to come together through a project of this magnitude. What a tremendous way to show current and future members the value of a Catholic community that embraces growing their faith through such beautiful enhancements, future growth through endowment contributions, and the overall excitement of working with each other to share a new worship space. Thank you for being members of St. Thomas More and for your consideration in joining us for 50 MORE! Pat and Helen Hart Dave and Kim O Brien Worship Space Enhancement Committee: Fr. Mark Joseph Costello, OFM Cap., Liturgical Design Dennis Horbinski, Liturgical Design Consultant Pat DelPonte, Hoffman Project Planning Director Todd Bushmaker, Hoffman Architect and Design Fr. Jim Lucas Sr. Betty Reinders Sr. Mary Rose Menting Bob Balza Jim and Diane Guckenberg Bill and Kiki Harke Don and Sue Johnson Joan Kula Kim and Mark Mettelmann Jim and Jill Nelson Scott Pearce Anita Revord Tim and Judy Rothe Sandy Scheibe Chris and Carol Sullivan Jim and Maria Totzke Patricia Verbrick Therese Magnus Wang Ed and Ginny Wurzer Parish Council: Fr. Jim Lucas Brad Donnermeyer Kiki Harke Sharon Maretech Jim Nelson Joyce Paltzer Sandy Scheibe Dawn Severson Jim Totzke JuanValdez Finance Council: Fr. Jim Lucas Tony Balza Karen Bendel Roy Conrad Lori Lanser Kim O Brien Dan Rorabeck Paul Werner Mike Wodushek St. Thomas More 50 MORE! 10

11 Communications Committee: Fr. Jim Lucas Sr. Mary Rose Menting Sr. Betty Reinders Kiki Harke Joan Kula Mark Mettelmann Kim O Brien Scott Pearce Art and Environment Leader: Joan Kula Building and Grounds Leader: Jim Totzke Advance Giving Leaders: Maria Totzke Mike Wodushek Student/Children Activity Leader: Maria Totzke Outreach Leader: Scott Pearce Food, Fun & Fellowship Team: Betty Conrad Karla Gunville Deb Kaufman Bobbi Lanser Lisa Pfaff Karen Rickert Kathy Sasman Prayer Leaders Worship and Spiritual Life Commission Sr. Mary Rose Menting Sr. Betty Reinders Brian Conrad Don Johnson Joan Kula Dean Laux Kim Lesperance Mary Ann Pflum Judy Rothe Sandy Scheibe Patricia Verbrick Ginny Wurzer There are many additional campaign members that have helped, and will continue to help, in moving St. Thomas More toward 50 MORE! years of faith and fellowship. Thank you to all that contributed. There is still more to do so if you are interested in joining one of the many committees please contact the campaign at stm50more@gmail.com or call the parish office. We have been blessed with 50 years of dedicated priests, nuns, and lay personnel and just as important, we have made loving, lasting friends here. St. Thomas More continues to be a very meaningful part of our lives. Charter Members, Jerry & Joyce Depies 11 St. Thomas More 50 MORE!

12 St. Thomas More Catholic Church 1810 North McDonald Street Appleton, WI Website: Parish Office Phone: (920) Fax: (920) Jubilee Prayer Gracious God, source of all life and holiness, fill us your St. Thomas More Faith Community with love, in joyful anticipation of our parish s 50th anniversary. Touch our hearts with a spirit of thankfulness and generosity as we gather each week to receive your Word and be nourished with your Body and Blood. May St. Thomas More, our patron, intercede for us another 50 years, as we strengthen and beautify our church. May we continue to be a Spirit-filled community of love and service, working together to give you glory. We ask this through Jesus, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit enfold us in your love, now and forever. Amen.