Parish
Center Update
(March
9, 2008)
As
we indicated to the parish in November, 2007, a lawsuit was filed by the Trinity Gardens Condo Association challenging
the variance approval of the Board of Adjustment. The Association has now withdrawn the suit. Bids for construction
of the parish center have been sent to nine firms. Bids are due back on March 27th.
The “Frequently Asked Questions”
below summarize the project background, our efforts to date, actions currently underway and future steps. If you have
any questions please contact Deacon Tom at the rectory.
Previous Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we reached the $3 million goal in pledges,
when do we start construction?
There are many factors that determine when we can break ground for the parish center. First, and most critical, is the
archdiocesan requirement to have 75% of the project construction cost. Using the $3 million as a guide, we would need
to have $2.25 million in the bank before we can start construction.
Why 75% cash on hand before we start?
This figure is set by the archdiocese based on their experience to ensure there is sufficient upfront cash to begin and continue
the project until all pledge payments are received.
How long would it take to complete the building?
About one year.
What must be done in the meantime?
There are four major pre-construction steps - site plan development, building design, permit applications and bidding and
contract award.
Has any work been started on the project?
Yes. Page Engineering has completed the preliminary site plan needed for the town permit applications. DCAK Architecture
has completed the preliminary building design. This layout is posted on the parish website and
is described in the Capital Campaign brochure mailed to all parishioners in Fall, 2005. Copies are available at the
rectory. Our Westfield based attorney, Arthur Attenasio, is beginning the permit application process. Bid documents
will not be prepared until the design is finalized and we have our permit approvals which are not expected until early 2007.
With the cost of construction rising due to higher
energy, materials and labor costs, how can we be assured that we have sufficient funds?
The Pastoral Council, with parishioner survey input, set three funding priorities at the beginning
of the capital campaign. First is the parish center. Second is the church renovation. Third is repayment of the
archdiocesan loan used to purchase the house next to the church. We will make expenditure decisions and any additional
funding needs according to these priorities. The key to a timely construction start to minimize the impact of rising
costs is faster pledge payments.
What steps can we take to speed up pledge redemptions
or to raise additional funds?
We are working on a few ideas. First, we will ask donors to review their pledge payment schedules and see if they can
redeem their pledges more quickly, e.g. from 5 years to 3 or 4 years. Second, to share information about various tax
advantaged donation like appreciated stocks or year end lump sum donations. Third,
to encourage families that have not pledged to consider a pledge. Your ideas
about how to get an earlier construction start are always welcome.
I am a new parishioner. Can you give me some
background about the parish center?
Sure. The increased demand for improved worship, meeting and office space was affirmed by the parish-wide survey conducted
in February, 2004. The Space Committee identified three key needs:
Expanded and improved worship
space to meet and greet each other before and after mass; a chapel for our Children's Liturgy of the Word,
daily mass and increased seating for peak attendance times; more flexible and re-decorated sanctuary space and sound and
mechanical system improvements.
Expanded ministry, meeting,
and library and office space for faith formation, youth ministry, adult education and outreach programs.
Expanded social and kitchen
facilities to host coffees, small groups, seniors and other group events.
These “sacred space” improvements benefit everyone from babies, to children, teens, adults and seniors.
How many people have pledged?
To date we have 473 of 1963 registered families or 24% who have pledged. The average pledge is $6500.
Can I make a pledge?
Yes. Newly registered parishioners receive a copy of the capital
campaign brochure and are invited to consider a pledge. If you are already a parishioner and have not made a pledge,
you are also invited to consider a pledge at any time.
Can I make payments electronically?
Yes. If your bank offers a "pay bills option", simply make "Holy Trinity Capital Campaign" the payee and mail to 315 First Street, Westfield, NJ 07090. Make sure your 4 digit envelope ID# is on the check. Call the rectory if you need help. We also expect to have
an electronic funds transfer option available at the end of the year.
My
employer has a matching gifts program. How does that work?
Many employers offer matching gift programs to qualified organizations. Check with the human resources office and provide
us with the necessary forms. For example, if you pledged $5000 which was fully matched, your pledge would be a total
of $10,000.
I made a pledge to be paid annually, but have not received any statements.
When will I get a statement?
Pledge statements for persons selecting an annual payment option will be mailed toward the end of the year. You can, however, make a payment at any time and the remaining balance will be reflected in the statement
you receive.
We will be posting questions of interest to all as they are brought to our attention.
1.
When does the pledge campaign end?
We will be asking for your pledge commitments through the end of November. Volunteers will be making calls to arrange
a personal visit to explain the program, answer your questions and ask for your support. If you are ready to make
a pledge now, you can call the rectory and we will arrange for a volunteer to contact you immediately.
2.
Does the new center design provide for additional church seating?
The day chapel has about 60 seats which can be turned to face the church and be used for overflow seating at high attendance
times like Christmas and Easter.
3.
How will I make my pledge payments?
Beginning in December, you will receive a statement on the billing cycle you selected, e.g monthly quarterly, etc. with
payments made by return mail.
4.
Can you explain how matching gifts work?
Many employers offer matching gift programs to qualified organizations. Check with the human resources office and provide
us with the necessary forms. For example, if you pledged $5000 which was fully matched, your pledge would be a total
of $10,000.
5.
When do we expect to break ground for the new center?
Current projections are for the last quarter of 2007 with a build time of about one year. This date depends on how quickly
we can collect 75% of the funds needed to comply with archdiocesan guidelines for capital projects. We expect to phase
the project based on parishioner established priorities, beginning with the parish center, then church renovations and loan
repayment.
6.
Why not just renovate the house?
The Space Committee determined that the house was too small to meet our worship,
pastoral and social needs and would also need major structural renovations. The house is providing rental income
until construction begins.
7. Why are we seeking donations for a new building
project when our parish's operating budget runs a deficit?
Just as our personal budgets experience cash flow ups and downs, the parish's operating budget
has shown a deficit at certain times of the year, usually during the summer. Typically, at Christmas and Easter much
of the shortfall is erased or reduced substantially. In the fiscal year ending 6/30/05,
we had a $3,000 deficit on a budget of over $1 million. The small deficits that the parish has experienced from
time to time are not expected o be impediments to the success of the building campaign.
8. Has the town reviewed the plans for the Parish Center?
We had a preliminary meeting with the zoning
officer to discuss the conceptual design and approach, which was favorably received. A formal application has not
yet been made since the site engineering and architectural design is still in progress.
9.
I am trying to envision how much space the building will occupy?
Stop by
and take a walking tour on the lot next to the church. The "footprint" or outline of the building has been staked
out on the ground. You can see the room sizes and locations and "visit" each room.
10.
Can you summarize the changes that will be made.?
We are
expanding our "sacred space" to enhance the worship, ministry and social needs of our parish to better carry out our Mission
Statement.
Worship - A Gathering Space to meet and greet each other before and after mass; a Chapel for our Children's Liturgy
of the Word, daily mass attendees and other liturgy services and increased seating for peak attendance times; improvements
to the church including re-decorating and sound and mechanical system improvements.
Ministry
- Relocating the religious education offices and youth ministry programs to free up more space for the school; more conference
and meeting rooms for adult education and outreach ministries; parish library for religious books, videos and CD materials.
Social
- Meeting and kitchen facilities to host coffees, small group events like the seniors meeting or Cornerstone re-unions.
