WHAT WAS THE DESIGN PROCESS? IS THIS PROJECT APPROVED BY THE ARCHDIOCESE?

This renovation project began with the voices and dreams of the parishioners - fixing the subsurface drainage, the desire for more bathrooms, a chapel for Adoration, moving the Tabernacle, removing Sanctuary carpeting, and beautifying our church building are all changes that parishioners have requested for many years. The discernment regarding the renovation designs was a two-year process guided by our Art and Architecture consultants - St. Louis IX Art Society and Sainte Chapelle Studios - along with a committee of 14 long-standing parishioners:

Greg and Anne Southworth, Scott and Wendy Whittaker, Joe and Cate Uzee, Jesse and Debbie Talley, Megan Caire, Richard Hill, Crystal Vaccaro, Deacon Tommy Lotz, Staci Gelpi, Ruby Kirsch.

Betty Ann Hickey and Fr. Nile Gross from the Office of Worship, Ken Zito from the Archdiocesan Building Office, as well as Archbishop Aymond have been involved from the very beginning. The Archbishop and I met in person for several hours to review every part of the proposed renovations. He is very supportive of the project and has expressed his personal joy in knowing that this is taking place. 

In order to obtain official approval to begin the work of this renovation, we needed to formally present our project to the Archdiocese Finance Council. Each member reviewed all of the proposed renovations and unanimously approved the project. Several of these members also expressed gratitude and excitement that this project was taking place.

After this approval was received, the proposed design and plans were displayed on boards in the church for 6 weeks with the opportunity for parishioners to offer feedback and ask questions. After collecting this feedback, we finalized the designs and began preparations for the capital campaign.

Every part of this renovation has been carefully and prayerfully considered with many levels of consultation. 

WILL THE CENTRAL DOME BE COMPLETELY COVERED? ARE WE REMOVING THE STAINED GLASS?

The central dome will not be completely enclosed. The painting of Christ Ascended in Triumph will be slightly suspended. This will allow the light from the stained glass to shine through and allow for backlighting to be installed which will shine out and illuminate the mural. The stained glass in the dome will remain and will be backlit to be seen at night. As well, all of the stained glass in the main church will remain in the church. For the sake of simplifying the image, the stained glass was removed from the renderings.

HOW MUCH DO WE NEED TO RAISE?

$1.8 Million

WHAT IS THE CURRENT FINANCIAL STANDING OF THE PARISH?

We are blessed to be in a strong financial position at this time. Fr. Harry did a masterful job of preparing for our future which he knew would include projects such as this. The Archdiocesan Finance Council reviewed our financials and has given us approval to begin this project now.

CONSIDERING THE ARCHDIOCESAN BANKRUPTCY AND SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS, IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO INITIATE A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN?

Any funds collected for the St. Philip Neri Parish’s Capital Campaign will be deposited into a restricted fund that will be protected from any bankruptcy or settlement actions. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are choosing to move forward with this Campaign and this project as a visible sign that we are a people of hope. We refuse to allow the bankruptcy to inhibit the incredible ministry and necessary mission the Lord has called us to. We are choosing to make this the headline - not the bankruptcy.

IF I GIVE MONEY TO THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, DO I STILL NEED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WEEKLY OFFERTORY COLLECTION?

Please do not change your weekly contribution or replace it with your contribution to the campaign! It is through this offering that we are able to maintain daily parish operations. We are blessed to be a vibrant and growing parish, but with increased growth and life come increased expenses, and we are dependent on collections to cover these expenses and sustain our growth.

HOW WILL THE PLEDGE MONEY BE COLLECTED?

You will have many options as to how you wish to fulfill your pledge. Payments can be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

You may choose to be billed from the parish office and return your payment in the provided envelope or you may choose the convenience of online giving and set up payments from your bank account or credit card set to automatically withdraw.

WHAT IS THE TIME PERIOD TO FULFILL A FINANCIAL COMMITMENT? IS THE PLEDGE LEGALLY BINDING?

We are offering a pledge period of up to three years and payments can be made on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly basis. One-time gifts are also accepted. The pledge is not legally binding, but when money is committed, we are counting on it and this is between you and God.

WILL THERE BE NAMING AND MEMORIAL OPPORTUNITIES?

There will be Legacy and Dedication opportunities for various items. We have specific pricing for the Saints, the central image of Christ Ascended in Triumph, and the mural inscription. There will be other opportunities available. To learn more please go to the campaign website or call the Parish Office at 504-887-5535.

HOW IMPORTANT IS MY GIFT?

Every single gift brings us closer to our goal - no matter the size. It is our dream that every parishioner would discern what it is that God is inviting them to give, and that they will give this with a joyful heart. We want all of our parishioners to be a part of this mission! We are in this together! When you give to this mission, regardless of the amount, you are not simply giving money for a building project - you are investing in our mission to glorify God, to inspire hope, and to form our children in faith.