welcome st. mary magdalen parish feasibility study report town meeting thank you for joining us....

Welcome

St. Mary Magdalen Parish

Feasibility Study Report

Town Meeting

Thank You for Joining Us.

November 20, 2003

“It was not you who

chose me, but I who

chose you and

appointed you to go

and bear fruit that will

remain, so that

whatever you ask the

Father in my name He

may give you. This I

command you: love

one another.”

Profile of Interviews

Number% of Total

Total interviews 52

Total people interviewed 87

Number of male participants * 43 49.4%

Number of female participants * 44 50.6%

Number of Couples * 35 67.3%

Number in parish 15 years or more* 27 51.9%

Number indicating less than 15 years* 25 48.1%

* based on number of interviews* based on number of interviewees

Project Details

Capacity builds to 750 with expansion to 800

New Worship Space:

Larger Chapel & Baptistry

Crying Room

Additional Meeting Rooms

Additional Office Space for

Full-time secretaries (2)Business ManagerPastor’s officeAdult Ministry DirectorYouth Ministry DirectorFinancial preparations and review areaReception RoomConference & Meeting Room

Existing church to be razed. New church will be built on the existing site.

Total Cost: $6 million


All who were interviewed feel very much at home at St. Mary Magdalen; they embrace the parish as their own, have great pride in it, and feel special for being part of the family.

St. Mary Magdalen ParishFeasibility Study

F I N D I N G S 1

“This parish is the core of my life.”

90.5% (47/52) feel ‘very much’ at home; other 9.5% feel somewhat at home, were close at one time, and are not as involved at present.

Pastor / Priests (#1 strength / 53 mentions)


F I N D I N G S 2

“Father Ralph has turned this parish around. He is spiritually strong, warm, caring and wants to please.”

“Both pastors go out of their way to make it feel like a church community.”

Father Mulgrew is very friendly and a good leader. (6 mentions)

Father Chieffo is a tremendous leader; involved in everything; holds the parish together; great personality and sense of humor; very much loved. (42 mentions)

In general – Father Ralph and Father Mulgrew are a great team and make everyone feel at home. (5 mentions)

People (#2 strength / 36 mentions) Parishioners are very involved, generous and welcoming. They are friendly, faith-filled and willing to work together. There is a close-knit group and a strong sense of community.

“The people here are the parish’s biggest asset.”


F I N D I N G S 3

“The parish has a lot of good people that are very involved. They give a lot of themselves.”

School (#3 strength / 25 mentions)

“We couldn’t ask for a better school. The teachers are dedicated and they teach sound Christian principles.”


F I N D I N G S 4

In general – The school is highly respected; excellent faculty; helps gather families and brings young people together. (17 mentions)

Pat Miniszak – She is awesome and does a remarkable job leading the school. (8 mentions)

“We love Pat Miniszak. She is a great leader for the school.”

Atmosphere (#4 strength / 14 mentions ): Parishioners rave about the family environment felt here. There is a feeling of ease and relaxation that makes everyone feel comfortable and at home.


F I N D I N G S 5

“This place is a breath of fresh air.”

Spirituality (#5 strength / 12 mentions): Strong, faith-based and devout; parishioners really want to grow closer to God.

“The liturgies talk to people. They are inspiring.”

Programs (11) – great variety. Parishioner involvement (5). Liturgy / Masses (3) – excellent liturgical celebrations. Location (2). Financial security (2). CCD Families Feel a Part of the Parish (2).


F I N D I N G S 6

Other: Adoration Chapel; church building; fine physical plant; great resources with people; size (small) and young people get lots of attention.

Facilities #1 area for improvement (identified with 29 mentions)! Parishioners want to make St. Mary Magdalen an even better parish.


F I N D I N G S 7

Church – Change is needed; more seats, more Catholic feel and general upgrades (12)

General – Overall facilities need upgrading and made more attractive (4)

Cry Room – One is needed in the church (3)

Meeting Space – More space to gather for all the ministries of parish (3)

Parking – More spaces are needed (2)

Rectory – Priests need more privacy (2)

School – Fans, air-conditioning and a larger cafeteria (2)

Single Mentions – More offices

Church – Change is needed; more seats, more Catholic feel and general upgrades (12)

General – Overall facilities need upgrading and made more attractive (4)

Cry Room – One is needed in the church (3)

Meeting Space – More space to gather for all the ministries of parish (3)

Parking – More spaces are needed (2)

Rectory – Priests need more privacy (2)

School – Fans, air-conditioning and a larger cafeteria (2)

Single Mentions – More offices


F I N D I N G S 8

None: Nothing needs to be changed. Many see everything as great at St. Mary Magdalen. (10 mentions )

Liturgy / Masses: More focused sermons; homilies that relate to everyday life; opportunities for children to get involved; and a more worshipful atmosphere (8 mentions)

“We don’t have much to improve because everything is already here.”

“There is too much noise because of people in the vestibule.”


F I N D I N G S 9

Lack of Priests: People desire more priests and deacons in general. Father Chieffo is expected to do too much. (8 mentions)

Other: Financial emphasis ~ too much emphasis on money and tithing (6); School (5); Activities ~ more programs (5); Parish management ~ too much confusion (3); Communication (3); Noise level ~ too much talking in back of church (2); Social growth ~ more community gatherings (2); and Raise teachers salaries (2).

Parishioner Involvement: The same old nucleus do everything. Ministries, and even mass attendance, are not as active as they could and should be for the parish. (8 mentions)

“It’s very difficult for two priests to handle this parish and soon we’ll only have one.”

“I would like to see more activities and more participation.”

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Strengths Improvements1. Pastor / Priest (53) 1. Facilities (29)

2. People (36)

2. None (10)

3. School (25) 3. Liturgy / Masses ( 8)

4. Atmosphere (14) 3. Lack of Priests ( 8)

5. Spirituality (12) 3. Parishioner ( 8)

Involvement

DisagreeAgree with Reservations

Agree

65.4% resonate with plans as presented. Additional 21.2% agree while asking questions and sharing some concerns. Seven (13.4%) disagree. (86.6% disposed.)


F I N D I N G S 10

“I’m so pleased we are willing to move ahead and consider this.

Clearly, we are already cramped for space in all areas.

The church is tight. We so desperately need space to meet.”

“I like what I see. I’m for it. It is more sensible to build new rather than add on. I think Father Chieffo will make this a spiritually uplifting edifice.”

21.2% agree and share some reservations:

$6 million is outrageous / plans are extravagant

Do we really need a new church?

Have all alternatives been considered / is it possible to just renovate existing church?

What are the actual cost estimates? They seem to be continually changing.

Need to validate this demographically

Is this the best timing for campaign?


F I N D I N G S 11

Will this create a rift among those who are in favor and those opposed?

Will parking be sufficient?

Has there been any parishioner input for the layout of projected church?

Will new church be large enough?

DisagreeAgree with Reservations

Agree

13.4% disagree with the project:

Feel the plans are extravagant

Do not see the need for a new church


F I N D I N G S 12

Confusion that tithing was supposed to eliminate need for capital campaign

Not convinced it is necessary with numbers presented

Disagree

Agree with Reservations

Agree

Many people however, feel this is going to happen regardless of the study and that there has not been enough parishioner input.

Awareness of the project is excellent. 98% of respondents were at least somewhat informed about the plans.


F I N D I N G S 13

“Father has done a nice job of keeping us informed from the pulpit to the bulletin.”

“I am aware that the decision to build a new church was made a long time ago. We were then told it was

a done deal.”


F I N D I N G S 14

Campaign process is accepted and embraced by (44) 84.6% of the people. One respondent simply could not answer the question.

Four agree with reservations and three disagree; those against the campaign are opposed to the plans; others need to be convinced of need and some say tithing was supposed to eliminate a capital campaign. However, members want to move ahead with plans and are very supportive (and enthusiastic) for a capital campaign.

Campaign is seen as a vehicle to enhance community and to energize members focused on common goals. Strengthening all around stewardship is embraced!


F I N D I N G S 15

“We must do all we can to unite this parish with a campaign. This is a family who sees

two different ways to go.”

“We hear a lot of negative talk in the parish. I am concerned. We need a

united spirit to do this.”


Feasibility Study

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S 1

Acknowledge all participants; provide Synopsis.

Crystallize Parish’s Vision: Affirm the many unique components and accomplishments of St. Mary Magdalen Parish within the Mission Statement.

Develop Vision for the future which will validate present plans.

Revisit Current Plans: Review plan under consideration and engage in a process designed to finalize and clarify the various components (measured against mission and vision).


Feasibility Study


Have all options been explored for whether new worship space needs to be built or just renovations done to the existing church with costs determined?

Is there space available for use in the existing school facility?

Are the parish registrations, housing starts, attendance and growth trends accurate to warrant a larger church?

Specifically address Frequently Asked Questions:

Can any areas be cut back to bring down the costs?

Will there be enough parking with the new church?

Are the headcount numbers that were presented to the parish up to date?

Are cost estimates accurate? What is our financial position? More detail and specifics of the project need to be communicated.

Answer all other reasonable questions.

What is the long term vision and plan for St. Mary Magdalen?


Feasibility Study


Specifically address Frequently Asked Questions:

Campaign Potential: $2.5 Million minimum goal assuminga successful challenge with a $500,000 gift, a widely embraced pacesetting effort, and broad based support (600 donors minimum)

Finalize Details of Plans: A collaborative process between clergy, lay leaders and parishioners to finalize objectives, priorities, $ goal, timing, methodology, etc.

Prepare initial draft of Case Statement

Develop strategy for better Accountability / Communications

God’s plan for St. Mary Magdalen and role of stewardship

Town Meeting

Financial Profile of St. Mary Magdalen / projections

Root in mission and vision


Feasibility Study


Steering Committee: evolves to Leadership Team of Capital Campaign for a Spring 2004 Kickoff

Present opportunities for gifts of appreciated assets (26.9%)

Clarify responsibilities and role of volunteer


Feasibility Study


Campaign to be embracing, involving all who wish to be involved.

Provide opportunities to join together and realize continuing dream.

‘See how they love one another’

Campaign storytellers preserve the faith and realize the dream.

Range of Gifts$3,000,000

(3 year pledge)

1 $500,000 $500,000

1 250,000 $250,000

3 100,000 $300,000

5 50,000 $250,000

10 $1,300,000

15 $25,000 $375,000

25 15,000 $375,000

30 10,000 $300,000

40 5,000 $200,000

110 $1,250,000

120 SUB-TOTALS $2,550,000

60 $3,000 $180,000

150 1,000 $150,000

270 Up to $1,000 $120,000

480 SUB-TOTALS $450,000

600 TOTALS $3,000,000

1 $500,000 $500,000

1 1 250,000 $250,000 $250,000

3 100,000 $300,000

5 2 50,000 $100,000 $250,000

10 3 $350,000 $1,300,000

15 3 $25,000 $75,000 $375,000

25 3 15,000 $45,000 $375,000

30

40

6

15

10,000

5,000

$60,000

$76,000

$300,000

$200,000

110 27 $256,000 $1,250,000

120 30 SUB-TOTALS $606,000 $2,550,000

60 9 $3,000 $27,000 $180,000

150 7 1,000 $7,000 $150,000

270 2 up to $1,000 $1,000 $120,000

480 18 SUB-TOTALS $35,000 $450,000

600 48 TOTALS $641,000 $3,000,000

Range of Gifts$3,000,000

(3 year pledge)

Make a personal commitment in advance of kick-off

Solicit at least one and probably five to six others

Attend the Volunteer’s Workshop

Personally acknowledge anyone whose gift you solicit whether they give or not

Pray daily for thesuccess of the campaign

The Five Traditions

5 2

3 2

1 0

2 6

5

7

5

In te rv iew s

C om m ittee

L e ad e rsh ip

S o lic ita t io n

Y E S M A Y B E

Campaign Volunteer PotentialSt. Mary Magdalen Parish

29

mentions

regarding

improvements

to

facilities

General PhaseTo Be

Announced

Leadership Phase Chairs

Pacesetter Phase Chairs

Committee

St. Mary Magdalen ParishCapital Campaign

Committee Structure

Captain

Campaign ChairsCampaign Chairs

PastorRev. Ralph J. Chieffo

PastorRev. Ralph J. Chieffo

Finance Council

Steering Committee

Pastoral Council

Committee

Honorary ChairsHonorary Chairs

April 18, 2023

Ad HocAppreciated Assets

Building Liaison

Business Task Force

Deferred Gifts

Evangelization

Naming Opportunities

Ad HocAppreciated Assets

Building Liaison

Business Task Force

Deferred Gifts

Evangelization

Naming Opportunities

Communications Chairs

Captain

CaptainCaptain

CaptainCaptain

CaptainCaptain

CaptainCaptain

CaptainCaptain

CaptainCaptain

Capital Accounts / Data Management

Special Events Chairs

Committee

Philanthropy -

Rediscovering Fire

welcome st. mary magdalen parish feasibility study report town meeting thank you for joining us....

Documents

mary magdalen parish

number of interviews

mentions parishioners

mentions father chieffo

total people

number of interviewees

number of couples

mentions pat miniszak