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Project Updates
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July 19, Top priorities & Parish Assembly
As mentioned in Father Jorge’s June 28 letter in the bulletin, we are targeting the top two priorities from the planning study:
- Free up existing parish hall
- Significantly more space for St. Clare’s school
Fortunately, these are entirely complementary priorities, as most respondents agreed that when the school moves out of the parish hall, the available space would be sufficient for parish needs. The study helped us prioritize moving the school into its own space, and that is what we are focusing on.
The current design we are working from is significantly smaller than our previous design, specifically, 5,500 square feet, versus 9,000 square feet.
Learn more at the Parish Assembly, Thursday, July 23, 5:30-7:00pm, where you will hear where we are in the process and have a chance to offer feedback.
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June 28, Letter from Father
Dear Parishioners,
The last two weekends, we shared in the bulletin the results of the planning study conducted by the Steier Group.
I was pleased to learn of the strong support for a potential building to create space for the school and to free up the parish hall and other rooms on that level of the building. It was also good to see a realistic financial range of parishioner and school support for the project ($4.5 million to $8.5 million).
I’ve shared this thought before, and I know that many of you agree with me: supporting the school aligns with our long-term vision and our Catholic responsibility to form our youth. We said that when the parish first welcomed the school into our building four years ago, and I repeat it now that we are all personal witnesses to the vitality the school brings to the parish. St. Francis of Assisi Parish and St. Clare’s Catholic School were already doing well on their own. Together, we are better. What was strong is stronger.
Now, down to business. We heard your priorities and are taking them to heart. Here is what we are now committed to do, based on your feedback.
Next Steps
1. Articulate and share the parish’s and school’s shared mission.
Parish and school leadership sought to put our collaboration into words that reflect what I consider the proper spirit of the relationship, which I think we have done. Here is an excerpt from the Pastoral Covenant Agreement that we are working on:
The Parish and the School joyfully affirm that Catholic education is a work of evangelization and a vital ministry of the Church. Both parties commit to a shared mission of forming disciples of Jesus Christ, nurturing reverence for the sacraments, fostering moral and spiritual growth, and encouraging service to others rooted in Catholic social teaching. The Parish embraces the School as an extension of its pastoral mission, and the School understands itself as serving the Parish and the wider Church.
We will share the entire covenant when completed.
2. Clarify goals.
The number one priority of study respondents is to free up the parish hall. Number two is to create a dedicated space for the school. These are entirely complementary priorities, as most respondents agreed that when the school moves out of the parish hall, the available space would be sufficient for parish needs. So the study helped us prioritize moving the school into its own space, and that is what we are focusing on.
3. Create a more modest project.
I am working with the design committee to explore alternative building solutions. Our goal is to propose refined plans to create space for the school that would reduce the project’s overall scale, scope, and cost.
4. Hold a parish-wide focus group.
We have found your input helpful and have thoughtfully considered all ideas presented to us. By the Fall, we will hold a focus group so you can learn more about the current state of the project’s plans and provide input.
The Steier Group will continue to support parish leadership as we strive to work through their strategic recommendations to prepare us for future success. I will keep you informed as we work on that this summer.
May the Lord bring to fulfilment the good work he has begun among us.
In Christ,
Rev. Jorge Herrera