Many of us at St. Philip Benizi Church cannot remember the last parish Capital Campaign in 1988. Only a few remember when, 38 years ago, no one could foresee the direction and growth that has brought us to where we are today. Now it is time for us to help give direction to St. Philip Benizi Parish as it will exist in the future.

As we looked at our needs this past year, a number of realities about our current facilities became evident.

In the EDUCATION BUILDING:

Our current classrooms are filled to capacity.        Click on picture to view proposed plan.

• The classrooms are too small to provide sufficient space for children’s classes or adults’ meetings.
• The rooms have inadequate soundproofing and ventilation.
• The heating and air conditioning are old and need to be replaced.
• The building does not meet current archdiocesan guidelines for classrooms.
• The nursery facilities are outdated.

In our current ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:

• We do not have enough office space for our paid staff and volunteers, and some people must share space and work in shifts.

  Staff and volunteers have to share limited office space. Click on picture to view proposed plan.

• We have to duplicate services since the staff is spread out in two buildings.
• Our printing operation is in the Friars’ garage.
• The Pastor’s office is subject to noise from the hallway and adjacent kitchen in the Parish Hall.
• Space for the Friars to meet with parishioners for counseling is inadequate.
• There is no space to add more offices.

The PARISH HALL is in need of renovation:

Renovation of the Parish Hall will expand seating to 450 people. Click on picture to view proposed plan.

• It cannot accommodate large crowds for meetings and social events.
• The kitchen is outdated and inadequate for food preparation.
• The Parish Hall is not suitable for athletic activities.
• Much of the space in the Parish Hall needs to be used for storage.
   

In addition to these deficiencies, our choirs often need to search for a place to practice and have inadequate storage for their robes, music and equipment. The Cry Room has to serve as the Bride’s Room for her special day. All aspects of parish life  (spiritual, educational, ministerial and social) will be enhanced for all parishioners, no matter their age.

We must always look ahead. If we just keep our eyes on the ground in front of us, we will miss what lies ahead in our immediate path, and we will be unable to even think about the future. Our Parish Mission Statement declares: "We strive to be a strong and joyful sign of the Kingdom of God by spreading the Good News, serving those in need, growing spiritually and living Christ’s Commandment of Love." To fulfill our mission, we need to grow physically as well as spiritually. We cannot be remiss in providing for the future – next year and beyond.
 

Campaign Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for all that we have.
 

As we move toward the future in addressing the needs of our growing parish, help us to open our minds and hearts to Your Holy Spirit.
 

May our vision of these needs be clear; guide us along the path as we strive daily to do Your will.
 

May all our lives be enriched and supported in mind, body and spirit by building up the body of Your Church.
 

May the sacrifices of our time, talent and treasure draw us closer to you.
 

With the intercession of Saints Francis and Clare, St. Philip Benizi, St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary,
 

We ask these things through Christ our Lord,

AMEN.