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I want to share with you some specific information about our 3 Phase Plan for the Repair, Renewal, Renovation and Restoration of our Church, Organ and Rectory / Office.
In 2016 the former pastor of the Basilica, Father Ed Murphy, engaged 3 companies for design proposals of a future renovation and restoration of the Church. Although the parish community wasn’t yet ready or able to embark on such a grand scale project, it was clear to Father Leon (pastor prior to Fr. Ed), to Father Ed, and to Father Blair as he began his pastoral ministry in 2017, that God desired His Church to be better cared for and, as beautiful as it is, to be repaired and restored to even more greatly glorify God, such as it did in the early part of the last century. As conversations about necessary repairs and desired restoration of the Church continued, we began laying the foundations for a successful major capital campaign and to address issues that could not wait; pastoral, financial and physical. As we progressed with important accomplishments and the COVID-19 closure of our Book Store, we were presented with an opportunity to fulfill an as yet silent desire of parishioners. After consultation with members of the parish, Parish and Finance Councils it was decided that we would explore creating an Adoration Chapel. We were blessed, early in this process, to be offered a $10,000 matching gift which enabled us to engage an Architect and present a plan to the parish and the Diocese. Throughout the COVID pandemic we quietly pursued planning, approval and funds for what quickly became a very popular project among the parishioners and ‘Friends of the Basilica’. During this time our historic Pipe Organ, which was already deteriorating and in need of repairs, began to deteriorate more quickly. A plan, at the end of 2021 early 2022, was developed to ascertain the repairs necessary and related costs. It became clear that the repairs could not wait and that we would need to begin fundraising for this project as we continued to raise funds for the new Chapel. Another ‘quiet’ campaign was begun, and gifts started to be given. In the spring of 2022, we were faced with the sudden need for renovation in the Rectory and the ongoing need for major repairs. After consulting with the Bishop and his team, in recognition of past fiscal responsibility, growing culture of stewardship and healthy savings account, we were advised to move forward with addressing these needs while maintaining our current fundraising campaigns for the Chapel and Organ. This summer, having listened to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we have combined all these projects and are launching the BOLD FAITH, BOLD CITY Capital Campaign which includes what we now refer to as:
We are currently completing the fundraising for Phase One and preparing for construction. We hope for completion of phase 1 by the end of 2022. We are continuing fundraising for Phase 2a: a new console is being built, and we expect work to be completed by December 2022. We are actively fundraising for Phase 2b: 3 bathrooms in the Priest Quarters have been renovated, ceilings in the rectory, Priest quarters and office have been repaired; and work on the Rectory / Office roof began July ’22. We look forward to the renovation of the kitchen area at a time yet to be determined. It is through the generosity and caring love of the parishioners and the ‘Friends of the Basilica’ that these many accomplishments have been made possible. Accomplishments which will not only benefit us now, but for the generations of Catholics who will come after us. Following in the footsteps of our forebears in faith, we have embraced the challenge to be missionary disciples in our time. |
Thank you for your prayers and gifts