Frequently Asked Questions: (newer questions numbered at top)

 

1.    How did we arrive at this plan for the campaign? How are decisions made? What happens if we don’t reach the total for the campaign?

The basic plan developed during the last five years. In 2006 SVdP teamed up with Kirksey architects. A parish survey was conducted in 2008. Over the next three years the plan was refined to what we have today. The only major change was moving the rectory to Bradford Street. This allowed for a bigger daily Mass and sacramental chapel. During the past year we have met with parish and school staff, youth ministers, clergy, and the Archdiocese. Through these meetings we have moved some rooms, expanded the gym, added some restrooms and a few other changes. The plan had the addition of a stage for our performing arts programs. We still have the stage, but in a new spot. These are normal changes in any building program.
a.    At the beginning of June we will know the results of the campaign. At that time we will look at all options. For example, can we do the entire project or some of the project? Should we take a short term loan? There are many possibilities. Msgr. Bill will meet with the Long Range Planning Committee, [David Sears, chair], the architects [Ms. Linda Camacho – project manager], CCE [Sr. Jean Marie], School Board [School board members are listed in the School directory and our website], Pastoral Council [Jerry Maly, chair] and the Finance Council to discuss the possibilities. You can see who is on those Council by going to the parish website and look under the About SVdP tab. The Finance Council will advice Msgr. on financial matters not building plans. It is difficult to list every possible scenario. On a ten million dollar project, a 5% difference is $500,000.00. It would take a lot of time now to have a plan for a 40% success, 45%, 50% etc. In June we will begin to do that.

2.      If parishioners have specific questions, who do they direct those questions to?  The phone number listed has no one manning the line/returning calls.  Is there an email address for parishioners to direct questions to?  Is it [email protected]?
You may call one of the Campaign chairs – Tiffany Leyendecker 713-305-6278 – Penny Grams 713-816-1293 – Peter Raimond  (713) 663-3563– Mrs. Carolyn Sears  (713) 666-2345– or Msgr. Bill 713-667-9111 or you can email [email protected] and someone will respond to you quickly.
 
3.    Where can we view an ongoing update of the campaign status and go for information?  Is it posted on the church website with links posted on school and edline website?  Does it show the campaign goal, deadlines to meet specific goals, amounts of contributions already received, where those funds are designated?  Where does the committee expect the donations to come from?  Is there a target % to be generated from school families, % to be generated from non-school families?

We are working to improve access to our website. We do not have specific dates for amounts to be pledged or paid. In a perfect world, we would have this total all by June 1, 2011.  We will post, bi-weekly, new totals of pledges and amount given. THERE IS NO “TARGET” FOR ANY PARTICULAR POPULATION OF OUR PARISH. From the very beginning we have attempted to make clear that the campaign is a PARISH campaign. All are asked to participate with equal sacrifice. 

At all receptions attendees are told that all families in the parish will be asked to prayerfully consider a $5,000.00 dollar pledge over 3 years. Some are asked to consider prayerfully a gift of $25,000 or $50,000 etc. Some are able to pledge more. We ask that a 10% down payment accompany the pledge. If one can give more that is perfectly acceptable. We do not ask for equal gift but equal sacrifice.

There is no specific date to have this or that amount. The sooner we raise the money needed, the quicker we can begin.

4.    Once construction is complete, what is the anticipated life-span of these additions?  Based on all of the research discussed, how long will these plans take us into the future?  One meeting disclosed a 5 year life-span.  Is that correct?

This new phase for our parish should take us many years into the future. Expanding the school population will probably take  5 to 7 years. It is possible, under a best case, to expand in four years. It will not be swifter than that. It is hard to say what will happen in ten years. In five years the Pastoral Council, School Board etc. may develop a new plan. This current expansion should be a boon to all plans to come.

5.    Currently, how many classes do we have per grade level and what is the teacher to student ratio in each class?  After completion, what are these figures (by each year as classes are added on?
a.    We currently have two sections of each grade. Our plan is to have three sections of each grade with a maximum of 25 students per grade. Note that Pre-K, K and First grade will remain at 18 per class.

6.    If the campaign has the authority to proceed with construction when the June 1^st target is met, how do they plan to finance the remaining budget if additional campaign funds do not come in as hoped?  Is the parish planning to take on debt and under what stipulations?
a.    It is Archdiocesan policy that a parish have 50% of construction costs in hand before construction begins. Even if we do not half of our money in by June, we will continue to develop construction documents. It is not “they” who will take a lone. “We” may do so. “We” may not do so. Whether we finance a loan depends on results of the campaign, cash in hand, projected income, etc. In June Msgr. and other committees [see above] will review the facts.

7.    What are the current operating costs for the existing church?  If the new chapel is built, what are the anticipated operating costs of it?  What % in decreased use is expected of the main church once the new chapel is operational?  What are the anticipated savings from having the new chapel and how/who made these calculations?  Recently, parishioners were provided information that the existing church would undergo changes to facilitate more efficient electrical, HVAC systems, etc.  Are those plans part of the capital campaign, and if not, do they plan to proceed with those enhancements?
a.    If you mean, “What was our electricity last year?” — It was [$339,348.66]. Last summer the parish invested in a system to automate the A/C system in the church. We invested $50,000.00 and are realizing a $3,000 to $4,000.00 decrease in utility bills. It is not part of the project. We have finished all major changes to our building plans and are working with the engineers, HVAC experts to arrive at more accurate projections. Indeed, there will be increased utility costs. Increased student enrollment will be able to meet those increased costs without causing any burdens on the school or parish budgets.
b.    It is difficult to give exact numbers about how much the cost savings may. In total, we will have an increase. The new multi-purpose and classrooms will add about 32,000 square feet. The new chapel about 5,000 square feet. In our current church we heat and air condition over 525,000 cubic feet. Our current rectory space will be a “wash.” We already heat and air condition that space. Our new chapel will have about 150,000 cubic feet. You can see the difference. We are working with HVAC, architects and engineers to develop the best system. Other factors might include a new chiller system that is somewhat less expensive to run, but more expensive to repair. As we begin the design document phase of the project we will have more exact projections. As you can see, we are carefully considering the many possibilities.

8.    What will happen to the playground?

The playground will be rearranged to fit into a new space. No equipment will be lost. Also, please remember that our children will have the availability of the new multi-purpose room for recess especially when raining and hot days.

9.    Is the parish capable of handling direct pay pledges for a given length of time?  When is the actual cut-off date for commitments?
a.      The parish is able to accept payments through Parish Pay, bank drafts, etc. Please remember that when you use Parish Pay, the parish is charged a 3% fee [3% on 10,000.00 will incur a $300.00 fee]. If you can have your bank send a regular check instead of Parish Pay, we will realize more income. We are asking that pledges be paid over a three year period. If one desires to carry that a longer time, we can do that. There is no actual “cut-off” for commitments. Our active phase ends the first week of June. After that, a continuation committee will invite new parishioners to take part in the campaign.

 

What will happen to the bleachers and outside seating for outdoor sporting events ie. Football games if the current gym wall is pushed out towards the sidewalk?

The seating will remain but will move out away from the current wall and basically on the current sidewalk area.  

 

Will there be seating in the new gym?

Yes.  We will have folding chairs set up along the side areas and will also allow seating on the stage area.  We are also considering adding bleachers that will fold out from under the new stage.

 

Why should our parish be taking on such an aggressive capital campaign now? What are the key drivers for moving these projects forward? Why are all of these things needed?
Almost three years ago our parish employed Guidance in Giving to conduct a survey of parish needs and desires. This plan is a result of the feedback from many parishioners. The plan was set to proceed a year and a half ago but was delayed until now. We are engaged in this project to meet better the current needs and build for the future. You will find specifics in our campaign brochure.
 
What is the overall campaign fundraising goal and what items will the funds be used for?
Please refer to our campaign brochure, which explains this.
 
When will the construction/renovations start and can you give me an idea for the overall schedule/timeline for the various components of the project?  What is the timeline to complete the overall project?
The Archdiocese requires that we have at least half of our needed funds before construction begins. A Successful campaign could produce the needed funds sometime in late 2011. It is very possible we could begin in Nov. or Dec. 2011 if the funds are in hand. Our General Contractor estimates about 10 months for substantial completion.
 
Will there be any disruption/impacts on to masses/worship services, ministries/church services or school activities during the construction period?
We do not anticipate any disruptions. There may a particular day when parking will be required only off Holcombe because of a construction issue. They will NOT be working on the weekends.
 
Summarize how the entire parish community will benefit from the campaign? I always hear that the benefits of these types of campaign benefit the parish school and my children do not attend here.  What will those of us who do not have children in the parish school gain from this campaign?
This is a parish campaign. We are increasing meeting/classroom space, recreation areas, Youth Ministry, availability of increased space for parish organizations and our school, parish fund-raisers, a sacramental chapel for weddings, funerals daily Mass and more meeting rooms for our current and increasing demands.
 
Will there be a short term or long-term impacts on parking?
We do not anticipate any impacts other than a day here or there.
 
Can you give me a feel for the cost associated with the various elements of the upgrades/renovations? How will the various projects be prioritized in the event funds raised are not sufficient to cover the full scope of the campaign?
Our campaign brochure gives a breakdown of different areas. In the event we do not reach our goal our Long Range planning committee, Pastoral Council and Finance Board will meet and establish a plan.
 

With the increase in meeting/classrooms, do you plan to add additional students to the parish school?
Over the next few years we hope to be able to add additional students to our school. For this to occur we must reach the total goal of our campaign.
 
The parish already subsidizes $1,000 per year per parish student. I do not have children at the parish school, why should I give more money to the campaign? Why don?t you increase the yearly tuition per family?
This project will benefit our entire parish. The Parish Day School tuition has regular increases. It is the mission of our parish to help support the school. Everyone in the parish has a stake in Catholic schools and education.
 
Why do we need to build a new chapel?  Provide the benefits that justify this expense in the campaign.
Our parish survey pointed to a significant concern for this part of the project. We have a church building that sits almost 1,100 people. Daily Mass has 100 to 125 in attendance. We have weddings and funerals with very few people. A sacramental chapel for those events and daily Mass will help provide a more intimate space for these special events as well as giving the parish a financial benefit. We will not to cool and heat a very large space hence reducing our utilities expense.
 
What can?t we build a new chapel and leave the current rectory alone?
That could be a possibility, but the decision to use the rectory space for the new chapel allows us to have a larger space of daily Mass. It also keeps more of our green space intact.
 
What will happen to the existing scout house?
A firm plan has not been established. Current plans include converting it to restrooms for use at our games, Fun Fest, etc.
 
Why can?t we connect the cafeteria to the scout house?
There is City of Houston easement between the current building and the Scout House/Maintenance room.
 
Will we gain additional parking spaces during this construction/renovation?
No, we will not.
 
Will you be improving the primary building for the parish school and CCE students? 
Our next phase for our parish will include this area for update and improvement. It is not included now.
 
Can I give my money to something specific in this campaign?
Yes, you may. Please see our brochure for specific procedures and opportunities.
 
Can I make a stock gift? How?
Yes. Please see our brochure for specific procedures.
 

Our goal is $12,500,000.00, which includes hard [actual construction] and soft costs [architects, fees, landscaping, etc.]
How will donors be recognized?
Everyone giving to the campaign will have their names on a donor wall. Other recognition is available when specific naming opportunities are realized
 
What are the parish most pressing needs?
In terms of the physical plant ? the current building plans. In terms of ministries ? greater access to our facilities. In terms of spirituality ? a greater sense of community and the idea that we are one parish.
 
Are you going to finance any of this campaign in order to break ground?
We plan to begin construction when we have at least one-half of needed funds. We may have to do some short term financing while pledges are fulfilled.
 
What will happen if we purchase more land on Bradford Street?
We do not have specific plans for such a purchase now, but when land becomes available, we will review our options.
 
What land do we already own?
We own the lot next to the sister?s parking lot and the lots (2) where the new rectory will be built. We are reviewing options for the lot next to the parking lot.
 
Is my pledge in place of on my weekly offering or in addition to it?
Your pledge is in addition to the weekly offering.
 
 
How much should I consider giving?
Each family must decide that for themselves. We ask that whatever your pledge is, it is one made from prayer, a spirit of generosity and that it represents your desire for the best for our parish.
 
 
To what extent are gifts to the campaign tax deductible?
All gifts to the campaign are 100% tax deductable.
 
 
How are the parish portion and Archdiocesan portion determined?
The Archdiocese assesses a 10% tax on all campaign funds collected. That is our only requirement to the Archdiocese.
 
 
What if we don?t make out goal? How will the funds be distributed?
It is very difficult to answer this question. What if we achieve 90%, 75%, 50%, etc? At the end of the three-month active part of the campaign, we will have more information. If we do not reach the goal, our Parish Finance Council will meet and design a specific plan.
 
 
Who will receive pledge cards?
Every parishioner will be invited to a reception and receive a Pledge card. Those who are unable to attend one of the receptions will be mailed a card. Everyone will be invited to participate.
 
 
When will we know the totals?
We will report, at least monthly, through the bulletin and on our web site. After the end of the active phase of our campaign we will have quarterly reports.
 
Is this the best time for the campaign?
We believe it is.
 
How will parishioners know that donations will be used for the intended purposes?
Our reporting will be public and you will see the results.
 
How many families are registered at SVDP?
We currently list 3,750 families.
 
When does the campaign end?
Formal requests and receptions will end in April 2011. We ask that pledges be paid over a three year period but you may extend [shorten] that if you desire. If there are any questions, our Campaign Office will be happy to assist you.
 
When will pledge payments begin?
You may begin your pledge payments as soon as you make the pledge.
 
Can my company match my contribution?  Do you have a list of corporation matches?
Companies will match gifts to schools but rarely churches. If your company does match gifts, please mark your pledge to go to the Multi-purpose building or a classroom, etc.
 
Can I contribute from an IRA?
The option of giving directly from an IRA to a qualified charity was not renewed for 2010. It is still possible that Congress will renew that option. Please check with you financial advisor when making this kind of decision.
 
What materials are available for me to give to my company or others to solicit contributions?
We have a campaign brochure which explains the various elements of our project. Most companies will not donate to a new chapel, but may to new classrooms, fine arts, programs. When you ask them to contribute you should make clear that their donation is targeted to aid the academic, sports or arts program of the school.
Your company will be able to aid you in addressing the proper methods of requesting a matching gift. Check with your HR department.