Mater Dei Parishioners,
As we begin a new Church liturgical year, we need to look back at the gifts God has given to us in the last year and be thankful for the ways God has touched our Parish. We also need to look forward to the upcoming year with anticipation for how God will become more involved in our lives. God is present in our Mater Dei Parish family every day. When we gather as a Parish, we gather as a community of believers rooted in our Mission:
"Through the intercession of Mary, Mater Dei (Mother of God) Parish is a dynamic faith sharing community, devoted to serving and glorifying Jesus, the Lord of Life." One of Mater Dei's Strategic Goals is to "Ensure facilities that support the Mission of the Parish." As part of "Fulfilling Our Promise … Building Our Future".
Based on the results of the parish-wide survey conducted in the Fall of 2008, construction of a new parish hall was a high priority of parishioners with over 70% indicating support of this project. The survey also reflected a strong majority of those wished to contribute to the Parish Hall Fund to make the construction of a Hall a reality in the near future.
Please refer to the enclosed concept plans that the Committee has developed with Schwerdt Design Group. These are the same plans that have been on display for the last month. A couple of highlights not indicated on them: The Hall will be able to seat 400 people at tables and chairs and it will contain a kitchen with commercial grade features.
There is approximately $1.1 million in the Parish Hall Fund today. The Parish will not be taking out any loans to finance this project – we will be paying cash out of the Fund for all project costs. Therefore, we have limited the timeline for raising any additional contributions to one year (2010) rather than conducting a 3 or 5 year capital campaign. The building, as shown on the attached concept drawings, can be constructed with the $1.1 million in the Fund now. However, this would consist of minimal interior finishes. Additional contributions will go towards upgrading finishes (flooring, walls and ceilings) and purchasing new equipment (tables and chairs).
For those parishioners that have contributed to the Fund previously, thank you! Your contributions have put us in a position to make this project happen immediately. Please prayerfully consider an additional pledge or contribution to the Fund.
Thank you! Your feedback has been very helpful in refining the scope of the project and we are forwarding all comments to the architects for consideration. The committee will be working with the architects to prepare construction drawings (including the design of the kitchen and all interior finishes) after the first of the year so we can begin moving dirt in 2010! In order to make this a success, we need everyone's support and prayers for this exciting new project in our Parish.
May God Bless You,
Fr. Jon Hullinger Dan & Jodi Spindler
Pastor - Mater Dei Parish Mater Dei - Parish Hall Committee Co-Chairs
Site and building plans click for larger image.
