Common Questions about the Project

What’s involved in the project? The main objective of the Renewal Campaign is the refurbishment of the interior of the church.  In addition, the budget calls for the establishment of a maintenance fund.  For details, see Scope of Project 

Has the project been approved?  In a joint meeting on May 17, 2010, the St. Patrick Parish Advisory Council and Finance Council unanimously endorsed a $1.85M plan to refurbish the sanctuary and address maintenance needs on the near horizon. 

Diocesan oversight is another important part of the system of checks and balances within Canon law. Processes are in place to assure the parish progresses in accordance with its means and benefits from whatever assistance the Diocesan approval bodies can bring, based on their experiences over the years throughout the Diocese.  We are currently in compliance with Diocesan policies, and will have additional reviews by the Diocesan Finance, Building Commission and Liturgical Commission as we move from schematic design to final bid documents.

When will construction begin?  Ideally, construction would begin in late May, 2011, after Confirmation Sunday. 

Will we finance part of the project?  Typically, parishes rely on short term ‘bridge’ financing to complete major projects.  The logic is simple: most people make pledges over a five-year period, but if we were to wait until the last pledge payment was collected, the cost of the project might very well have increased beyond the original budget.  Therefore, most parish campaigns look to “down payments,” and first-year collections to build construction reserves, then rely on five-year bridge financing so that construction can begin.  The Diocese has a 12-page policy regarding approvals of any needed financing.  In short, we must have the full cost of the project pledged, and 50% cash-in-hand in order to begin construction.

Campaign Information: (214) 348-7380x318