Why do we need to build a new church? We have outgrown our current church and facilities. The Catholic community in Richmond Hill has nearly doubled over the last ten years and the rapid growth rate is expected to continue. The existing church, built in 1936, has a capacity of about 150 parishioners per service and cannot satisfy our future needs. St. Anne’s Parish currently has approximately 1000 registered families and more than 2,000 total parishioners. The limited seating capacity often results in people walking away from Mass when they enter and see no seating available. Even Holy Family Hall has reached “standing room only” at most Sunday Masses. We have a responsibility to welcome Catholic Christians to our faith community, and we need the space in which to do so. Does our parish support building a new church? Yes. In September 2009, we completed a survey to assess the sentiment of our parishioners regarding the construction of a new St. Anne Catholic Church. The results indicated strong support for building a new church and felt it should be built within the next three years. The response also indicated that parishioners feel a strong obligation to contribute time and money to build a new church. Our parishioners understand the importance of building a new St. Anne Catholic Church for our families, our children, and the generations to follow. How will a new church help with parish religioneducation program overcrowding? The space in Holy Family Hall will be used more efficiently, since we will not have to hold Masses there every weekend. We will be able to reconfigure the available space to better accomodate all of our parish needs. How was the new building planned? A building committee was formed in January 2007 to develop plans for the design of a new St. Anne Catholic Church. The Boudreaux Group, LLC was selected to produce designs for consideration by the committee and the Parish Council. The preliminary designs completed by the architects were then presented to the parishioners in a town hall meeting in June 2009. Modifications to the design were completed in late August and were presented for diocesan review in September 2009. In October 2009, the revised conceptual designs were presented to members of the Parish Council, Building Committee, and Finance Committee for review and approval. After a presentation of the architectural drawings, all attendees unanimously approved the conceptual drawings presented at the meeting.
How many people will the new church seat? The new church will have a footprint of approximately 21,000 square feet and will accommodate between 800–900 parishioners for each Mass. The plans have been designed to accommodate further expansion, if necessary, in the future. What will happen to the current buildings and land? The current church is part of the history and tradition of this parish and community and we will continue to honor that legacy. Once the new church is constructed, the current church will be used for weddings and funerals and as a day chapel. Holy Family Hall will be used to house the parish offices, parish social events, religious education, and sacramental preparation classes for Holy Communion and Confirmation. This space will be used more efficiently and wisely, since we will not have to celebrate Masses in the hall every weekend. Why not just add more Masses each weekend? Mass is a time-honored and sacramental tradition that brings our parish family together as one each weekend. Much like successful families come together at dinner, so too, should our parish come together at Mass. In light of the present shortage of vocations and the average age of priests in our diocese, we cannot expect a second priest. Also, priests are limited by Canon Law to say no more than three Masses each day. The issue is more than just Masses—we need a larger worship space to increase the sense of community and welcome among parishioners. Are we planning to build a school, too? We do not currently have plans to build a school, but prayers are encouraged so that one day we may expand our faith community to include a school. When will construction on the new church begin? We will begin when we fulfill our diocesan planning and financial requirements. Now is the time to make your decision to invest in the future of our parish. We have recently contracted our architectural firm to complete detail designs, and have proceeded with site preparations to finalize the construction master plan. How does the Diocese support growing parishes? We have been in regular contact with diocesan officials to receive their input, direction, and approval. The diocese will continue to oversee the development of our plans and the construction of the church, through their construction inspection and legal departments, at no cost to our parish. Diocesan leaders hope our project succeeds so as to serve a model for other areas. Will the Diocese offer financial support? The diocese will approve our plans and provide guidance through the entire process. Their support allows us to borrow money at a lower rate of interest, and they guarantee the loan for us.
How will our parish afford a new church? Other parishes similar in size have undertaken comparable projects and have succeeded. Our parish takes seriously its financial obligations, and has planned a capital campaign to finance the project. We anticipate support from our current community of worshippers, and additional support from the growing community. We expect to borrow part of the money that will be required, and we will service that debt as we have in the past for previous expansions and purchases. In addition, we will have the oversight of the diocese to make sure we meet our obligations. We in America are blessed with abundance, and it is our Catholic Christian duty to share that abundance with the Church. How will the money be raised for a new church? We are actively planning a capital campaign to build our new church. A Capital Campaign Committee has been established by Father Smith. Rick Paduszynski, a parishioner, is chair of this committee. If you would like to get more information, or are interested in contributing your time and talent to assist in fund raising actvities to construct our new church, please contact Rick at 912–704–5424. Why don’t we pay off our current debt before we build a new church? The current debt is being retired through our normal operating budget and through special donations. Throughout the past four years, we have reduced our debt by more than $1 million. We have had expansion programs in the parish since the early 1990s. Through the generosity of our parish and the good stewardship of our Parish Council, we have been able to carry this debt responsibly and reduce it as scheduled. Taking on debt is a normal means by which parishes expand, but we cannot take on the entire debt for the new church. We must raise a substantial amount of money through a Capital Campaign to responsibly finance the project. What will the new church cost? The total project is currently estimated at $8 million.
How will the capital campaign be supported? Every household registered with our parish will be asked to prayerfully consider financial support for the construction of our new church. Financial support from the Richmond Hill community, and from part-time residents will also be welcomed. Is my financial support for building the new church expected in addition to my weekly offering? Yes, the money you give for the construction of the new church is separate from the money you give through your annual stewardship giving. The church’s operational budget is ongoing for our present ministry and will continue during this growth process. All funds received for the construction of the new church will only be used for that purpose. Are pledges and one-time gifts the only kinds of gifts accepted? Although cash gifts and pledges are most common, please consider additional ways in which to donate to our building campaign, such as appreciated stock, matching gifts, appreciated assets, deferred giving, insurance, property and house donations, and estate and will planning. If you’d like more information about these types of giving, please contact the parish office at (912) 756-3343. What types of donations are accepted? Donations may be a one-time gift, a weekly offering, a monthly automatic withdrawal, or an annual tithe. We also accept gifts in kind, as outlined above.
May I donate electronically?
Yes, we offer electronic giving. All transactions are without cost to you, and all financial information is handled and stored in a safe, and confidential manner. You won't have to remeber to write a check for your pledge, and your donation becomes part of your family budget. The church will benefit from having increased accuracy of financial statements and other financial reporting, and time and money will be saved in preparing deposits and record keeping. How may I contribute to these efforts besides monetarily? We encourage your active participation in this project, to help us build not only a new sanctuary, but also a stronger faith. Please pray for our success, and if possible, volunteer your time when help is needed to accomplish the many tasks this project will demand over time. Since this project contains so many different tasks in so many areas, your time and talents will surely be needed. Please contact the parish office at (912) 756–3343 or june@stannerh.org or Rick Paduszynski, our Capital Campaign Chair (912) 704–5424 for specific needs.
What if I have more questions? Please contact Father Joe Smith at the parish office (912) 756–3343 or jasmith@stannerh.org . You may also wish to contact Rick Paduszynski, our Capital Campaign Chair, at (912) 704–5424 or rickpaski@comcast.net. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.