Phase III – Faithful Then, Faithful Now, Faithful Forward

CASE FOR SUPPORT

“Faithful Then, Faithful Now, Faithful Forward”

St. Mary Parish is more than a place of worship — we are a family united in faith, called to bring God’s love to the world. Since our parish’s founding, we have experienced this love through the celebration of liturgy and the sacraments, prayer, active participation in ministry and service, formation in the faith, and the rich bonds of parish family life. This lived experience has formed us into a joyful community, one that desires to share Christ with others as missionary disciples.

Today, that same joy and missionary spirit invite us to take the next step together. Guided by prayer, listening, and careful discernment with parish leadership and parishioners, we believe God is calling St. Mary to grow — not simply in size, but in our capacity to serve, welcome, and form disciples. Jesus’ command, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34), compels us to create spaces that foster strong families, deepen faith, celebrate life’s sacred moments, and open our hearts to the needs of others.

A Vision for Our Parish Campus

Father Bob J. Jallas is pleased to announce the launch of a Feasibility Study as we prepare for a potential 2026 Capital Campaign. This important step will help us listen to our parish community, assess our readiness, and discern the best path forward for our campus and the people we serve.

This campaign is about much more than buildings. It represents our commitment to living our faith with strength today, handing it on faithfully to the next generation, and investing in the legacy we hope to leave for our community. The full plan being studied is estimated at $1,807,000 and encompasses four key priorities shaped by our parish’s most pressing needs.

Over the coming weeks, parishioners will be invited to participate through personal interviews, town hall meetings, and an online survey. Your voice matters — your feedback will guide the decisions we make and ensure that our efforts reflect the hopes and needs of our entire parish family.

What This Campaign Makes Possible

Through the generosity of our parish families, this campaign will address four critical priorities — each one a tangible investment in the mission, the people, and the future of St. Mary Parish.

• Priority One — Roof Replacement & Facility Repairs

Major concerns include roof repairs across several campus buildings. Earlier estimates are outdated, and updated bids are now being gathered. Our working estimate for roof replacement and related facility work is approximately $750, 000, and we will share updated figures before the campaign begins.

• Priority Two — Debt Retirement

The parish has approximately $567,000 in outstanding debt from our previous capital campaign. Most donors are on three-year payment plans, with some still contributing under five-year agreements. Retiring this debt will free the parish for new growth and honor the generosity of past donors.

• Priority Three — Ministries & Programs

Investing in people is as important as investing in buildings. We propose allocating $320,000 to support parish ministries and programs, including religious education, youth ministry, and part-time ministry staff. This funding would cover salary and program costs over several years, allowing time to assess impact and gradually fold these positions into the regular budget. We would also evaluate our church sound system for possible upgrades to improve the Mass experience.

• Priority Four — School Enhancements, Campus Beautification & Diocesan Stewardship

Our school and campus remain central to parish life. This priority includes security enhancements, playground improvements, and campus beautification such as updated signage, improved gardens, and general aesthetic upgrades. The combined estimated investment is approximately $170,000, with final figures pending security and grounds assessments.

Total Phase Three Campaign Goal: $1,807,000

Built on a Foundation of Trust

St. Mary Parish has a proven record of faithful stewardship. Our previous capital campaigns — Phase I and Phase II — were completed with transparency, accountability, and deep gratitude to every family who gave. Many parishioners continued their monthly contributions beyond their initial pledges, a remarkable sign of trust and affection for this community. That foundation of trust is what makes this next phase not only possible but exciting.

As we move forward, we remain committed to clear reporting on how funds are used, honest communication about project timelines and costs, and regular updates so every donor can see the impact of their generosity. When you give, you will know — because of you, here is what happened.

An Invitation to Participate

This campaign reflects who we are at this juncture in time. It is part of the gift of ourselves to the Lord and the gift we leave to the future of our parish. I sincerely mean it when I say that St. Mary parishioners are exceptionally generous and faithful. The motto for our Phase III study and campaign is “Faithful Then, Faithful Now, Faithful Forward.” It describes well St. Mary’s – a faithfulness that is a response to the Lord’s faithfulness to us at all times.

In the coming weeks, parishioners will be invited to share feedback through surveys, interviews, and listening sessions. Your voice matters and will help guide our next steps as a parish.

With generous hearts, we can strengthen our parish for today and for the future. Thank you for your prayerful support and continued commitment to the family of faith that is St. Mary’s.

With gratitude and blessings,

Father Bob J. Jallas Pastor, St. Mary Parish