Over the past several months, hundreds of parishioners took part in our parish feasibility study. We are grateful for your prayers, feedback, and encouragement. The study revealed very hopeful news: our parish members are ready to embrace a new church and are willing to contribute significant funds toward its construction.

Why a new church? Our current building presents challenges for accessibility, hearing assistance, and sacred beauty. We also lack adequate gathering space, offices, meeting rooms, and a rectory suitable for our priests. A new church will give us a spiritual home that is welcoming, beautiful, and ready to serve future generations of Catholics.

There are many layers of steps to be taken before this vision becomes a reality. Between now and then, we are interviewing architects, seeking permission from diocesan leaders, and soliciting support from experienced parishioners. Father Tony welcomes your questions, concerns, or suggestions—his door is always open.

Going forward, parishioners can expect timely updates to keep everyone informed and connected. Together, with prayer, unity, and generosity, we will take this Journey Together, building not just a church of stone and wood, but a strong and vibrant parish community rooted in Christ.

1. Why is the parish considering a new church?

The present church was built in 1960 when funds were tight yet there was a critical need for space. It served our congregation’s immediate needs, and we are indebted to those who sacrificed to make it possible to gather here. However, it lacks the beauty and functionality we now know is important to adequately serve our community. Our current building has accessibility challenges for those in wheelchairs, with hearing difficulties, or who struggle with steps. We also lack sufficient gathering spaces, offices, meeting rooms, and a rectory suitable for our priests. A new church will provide a more beautiful, welcoming, and functional space for worship and parish life.

2. What did the feasibility study find?

The study answered several questions. While members have appreciated our existing worship space, they recognize the shortcomings of our current space, and are ready to embrace a new church. They are willing and prepared to donate significant funds to support its creation.

3. When will a new church be built?

There are many steps to be accomplished before ground is broken and a finished church is ready to be occupied. We anticipate this could take a number of years to achieve permission, raise the necessary funds and begin construction.

4. What steps are being taken now?

Father Tony and parish leaders are interviewing architects to establish a relationship with an experienced church designer whose vision matches our own. In time, they will meet with diocesan leaders to present a proposal and seek approval to proceed.

5. Where would a new church be built?

Following a vision initiated decades ago by longtime pastor Father Mark Hollis, Father Tony anticipates building a new church on vacant, parish-owned adjacent land east of the school.

6. If we’re building a new church, why did we raise money to pad the pews?

The truth is, a new church is probably at least five or more years away, assuming that we get permission from the diocese to build and the financial support to do so. The cushion manufacturer says their expected lifespan is six to eight years, although we’ve been fortunate to get nine years from the few that we currently have.

 We have many members for whom sitting on the flat pews is exceptionally difficult, due to their lack of contour. So we hope this relatively minor upgrade accommodates people’s present needs while also adding a quick and relatively easy update to the appearance of our rather tired-looking worship space. The cushions also help dampen sounds in the pews, which we think will be a benefit.

The bottom line is we will have some 4,000+ Masses in that church before we’re in a potential new space, and we have a sacred obligation to be good stewards of this church while it still holds the Body of Christ in its tabernacle and on our altar.

7. How can I ask questions or share ideas?

Father Tony and members of the steering committee welcome your questions, suggestions, or concerns.

8. How will we stay informed?

You can expect timely updates about progress, communications, and milestones.

9. Who are the members of the Steering Committee?

10. What does “Journey Together” mean for our parish?

It means that every step of this campaign—prayer, planning, and giving—is a shared effort. Together, we will build not just a church of stone and wood, but a vibrant parish rooted in Christ that will serve generations to come.