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October 30, 2007

We Belong to Christ - Project Highlights

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• Our Future Site - Status of worksite preparation

Step 1 - Parish Origin

• 1983 - 299 families establish parish
• 1985 - Present church built
• 1997 - Present church paid for
• 1998 - Studies determine that current site is limited

Step 2 - Capital Campaign Efforts Begin

• 2000 - Raise $1.5 million to pay for 50 acre building site and preliminary architect fees
• 2001 - Present church for sale
• 2002 - Site and floor plan selected

Step 3 - Present

• 2004 - Membership grows to over 900 families in less than 20 years
• 2004 - $500,000 remains as cash on hand
• 2004 - Site preparation begins
• 2004/5 - New Goal - Raise $3.5 million in new gifts and pledges
• 2007 -  We Belong to Christ

Step 4 - Future

• Start construction
• Further development of parish campus
• Sale of the current church

New Facility Benefits

• The New Facility - Includes the worship space, administrative offices, meeting rooms, and multi-purpose area. 
• Comfortable Worship Seating for 1,000 - To enthusiastically welcome all who participate in Mass and other liturgical services.
• Also, Increased Gathering Space - To extend hospitality to each other before and after Masses.  To adequately serve a variety of parish events including Fall Bazaars, Winter Escape, breakfasts, dinners, holiday programs, small receptions, funeral wakes, and special group gatherings.  We will be able to host more community programs such as WIC, immunization clinics, blood drives, etc.
• A Welcoming Environment for Infants and Children - It is imperative that young parents bring their children to weekend Mass and Religious Education.  Currently all Sunday pre-school program is held at Learn N'Grow Pre-School (age 3) and Dickinson Funeral Home (age 4).
• Space for Youth Ministry and Retreats - Available for youth programs and activities to help 800+ of our young people to stay involved with the church and in touch with their Catholic faith. 
• Accessible Office and Volunteer Work Areas - Available for conducting parish business, education, counseling, volunteer activities, and the maintenance of parish records.  In our current church, our staff of six is working in a space designed for three people!
• Ample Parking - Immediately adjacent to the church and parish offices.  Sufficient spaces will be provided for disabled persons.  Attendance at 10:15 Sunday Mass is so great that current parking lot is not large enough to accommodate everyone.
• More Area to Display Service Opportunities - With information about ministries and volunteer service opportunities, encouraging increased member participation in parish life. 
• More Storage - To provide adequate space for liturgical materials, office supplies, choir music, musical instruments, and kitchen items.

The Next Steps

The current construction cost estimate is $9 million, including site improvements such as sewer, water, etc.  Our goal is $3.5 million in new gifts and pledges.

Members and friends are being asked to make a sacrificial financial commitment that is over and above ongoing weekly stewardship support.  Here are a few suggested ways you can help:

Prayer - Prayer has been our cornerstone from the start.  Please join us in prayer as we move ahead.  Pray also about your financial part in this project.  Think about how you can make a sacrificial investment in the development of our faith community.  What an exciting time this is!

Outright Gifts - Gifts made now are crucially important.  Early commitments will enable the building project to get underway immediately.

Pledged Gifts - People may find it more convenient to fulfill a building fund commitment over time. - up to three years - in monthly, quarterly, or annual installments.  Remember that a pledge is only a good faith statement of your intentions.  It is not a legally binding contract.  If your circumstances change, you can adjust the amount or term of your building fund pledge at any time.

Appreciated Assets - A gift of stocks, bonds, or investment property (real estate) that has grown in value over time can benefit both the church and the donor.  Such gifts may, for the donor, result in lower capital gains tax, plus additional tax savings as a charitable contribution.  Your financial advisor can assist you with the most advantageous way in which this can be accomplished.

In-kind Contributions - Parishioners and/or friends of St. Elizabeth's may be in a position to contribute skilled labor and/or building materials.  Under certain circumstances, these gifts can greatly reduce the overall project cost.  If you think you are able to help in this way, please contact Father Schaller or Sister Bridget or any member of the Building Committee.

We are most grateful for you prayers, good will and generous participation!