My Dear Parishioners:

As many of you are aware, the climate of our economy as of late has created challenges to undertaking construction projects such as the one we are preparing to begin at St. Joseph’s.  One such challenge has been ever increasing costs of construction materials.  Since the last presentation of the design of our expansion last April, the total cost of our envisioned project has increase by the amount of $650,000.  This amount raises the total cost of our parish expansion to approximately $3,750,000.  Taking into consideration the amount that we raised in our “The Spirit is Building” campaign—approximately $1,200,000—and our current operating budget, the parish Finance Council has determined that we can afford a project of $2,500,000 at this time. This means that we are going to have to approach our parish expansion in phases that will occur over a period of several years.

At our last Parish Council meeting, we discussed how approaching the expansion in phases, instead of completing it all at once, would affect the morale and interest of parishioners in the project.  The members of the Parish Council indicated that the design we created was still a very good solution to our space constraints and that it was worth proceeding to build, even if we had to approach construction in phases over several years.  Some members suggested that phasing was a prudent approach, so that we do not incur a greater debt than we can handle.  Other members suggested that parishioners might be willing to extend their pledge commitments over a longer period of time to make ends meet.  All the suggestions indicated to me that the expansion project is still worthwhile and well supported by the parish, even if we cannot accomplish it all at once.

With this support of the Parish Council in mind, and taking into consideration the suggestion of the Finance Council, we will move ahead with preparations for expansion.  The goal of the first phase of construction will include the following areas:

• The construction of the new bell tower, adoration chapel and decorative colonnade on the northeast corner of the church
• The remodel of the parish and school offices to incorporate the former rectory and the additional space it provides.
• Beginning the remodel of the current gym/hall into a dedicated parish hall for parish use.
• Adding the new activity center wing which also includes the new lunchroom/commons space, school lunch prep kitchen and restrooms for school and parish use.

All together, our hope is to accomplish the first phase at the cost of $2,500,000.  This also depends upon final approval from the diocese on the phasing as well as final word from the Diocesan Finance Office on the amount of a loan we would receive.  Once we have official confirmation from the Bishop’s office, we will provide updated drawings to show the areas that will be remodeled and added in the first phase.

As we continue forward with our expansion efforts, I believe it is important to keep in mind that all good things come to those who wait and are prudent and patient.  As much as all of us would like to have accomplished our expansion in one phase, the current economic climate has determined that we exercise caution and that we look forward to the full completion of our project in the future and with God’s guidance.

Sincerely, Fr. David