What is Forward in Faith, Completing Our Journey?

It is a capital fund raising campaign that will enable St. Bonaventure to build a much-needed Education Center and a new Ministry Resource Center.



What is the goal of the campaign?

Forward in Faith, Completing Our Journey will seek to raise the funds needed for a new Education Center and a new Ministry Resource Center.



How will the money be raised?

The capital campaign will seek gifts and pledges through the personal solicitation of all members of St. Bonaventure Parish Community.


                                                 
What is the timing for a campaign?

The approach to most members will begin late April and be completed by June 23, 2008.



What do we need to do this?
                           
The Portables that are currently used for Religious Education classes and other ministries and groups are nearly 40 years old and were built to last for 10 years.  They are becoming unsafe and must be removed. We are no longer building a parochial school to replace the Portables, yet they still must be replaced. Therefore, we have revised our plans to replace them with a new Education Center.

The proposed new Ministry Resource Center stems from the desire to consolidate all of the staff and ministries into one location, as opposed to the current situation with staff and ministries located in different buildings. In some cases, staff members have no designated space, or multiple people share spaces, making it difficult to minister to people.



Why are we not building a parochial school?

Since we first began the process of considering a parochial school, a number of things have changed, which makes a school impractical for the parish.  Beyond the multi-year battle with Concord, Clayton, and the neighbors, demographics and economics have changed. The number of children enrolling in all schools has begun to decline and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The other area schools no longer have waiting lists and, in some instances, are no longer filled to capacity. For this reason, the Diocese asked us to reconsider our plans for a school as the current demographics and future trend make it fiscally unsound.



What kind of building will the Education Center be?

The new Education Center will be assembled from a high-quality modular system, with several upgrades planned to make it more functional and more attractive.




What was done with the money that was previously raised?
                                                        
Due to much bureaucracy from both Concord and Clayton, and the neighbors, the parish was required to make costly revisions to our plans, pay for a new transformer, install two traffic lights, and put in a new entrance to the property. The few hundred thousand dollars that remain will be used toward the cost of some of the parking lot improvements that are required before we can build the new buildings.




If we raise more than the challenge goal amount, how would that money be used?

If we are able to raise more than the amount needed to complete both buildings, then any additional funds raised would go toward the renovation/conversion of the parish offices and Hall back into large group meeting space and other parish-wide use.



What will happen if we do not raise enough to build both buildings?

The Education Center is the top priority, since the portables are beyond repair and we have no other long-term options for our Religious education classes and other ministries that use that space.





When will the portables be torn down?

The portables are in such bad shape the plan is to tear them down after summer Bible Camp.




When will the new Education Center be completed?

The start, and subsequent completion, date will depend largely on the pledges received and the cash flow and payment from those pledges.



Where will Religious Education classes and other groups that use the portables meet in the mean time?                                                 

We have been in conversation with St. John’s Episcopal Church across the street and other local churches about using their facilities on certain days for Religious Education classes. However, their facilities will not be able to accommodate all of our needs.  We will have to use every available space that we have, as well, and expand the days and times that we hold classes in order to make it all happen.  Unfortunately this will also impact availability of space for other groups and ministries until the new Education Center is built.



How many parking spaces will we gain?

We will gain approximately 20 parking spaces, including 10 handicapped parking spaces.



Do we still need to build a Sound Wall?

No. Without parochial school on the property, we are
no longer required to build the very costly Sound Wall



How much should I give?

No one can tell you what you should give. However, we know that sacrificial gifts will be required to meet the challenge of $4,200,000. When you are approached for your financial commitment, the volunteers with whom you meet will suggest consideration of a specific gift level, but only you can determine whether or not that gift level is practical.



How will pledges be paid?

All supporters will be challenged to provide meaningful, long-term commitments payable over a five-year period (60 months) beginning no later than June 2008.



May I alter my pledge if my financial circumstances change? 

Certainly. A pledge made to the campaign is a good faith intent and is not binding. Should your financial legally circumstances change, you may change the terms or amount of your pledge by calling or writing to St. Bonaventure Church and explaining your intentions.

Is my pledge tax deductible?

Absolutely, to the full limit of the law. Check with an accountant regarding current tax laws.



May I give securities or property?

Yes. Contributions of securities or property can be a good way to support this extraordinary project while providing certain tax benefits to you. For instance, if their value has increased, in most cases, you pay no capital gains tax and can usually deduct full current market value. Contact your accountant for more information.



Can I arrange to have my pledge payments paid automatically?
Yes. The parishioners can make their campaign pledge



Will I receive reminders to pay my pledge? 

Yes. You will receive reminders and pledge payment envelopes on a quarterly basis unless other
arrangements are made.