Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is a four-stage timeline for expansion and remodeling:

1. A Prayer stage which will continue through the entirety of the project
2. A Feasibility study
3. A Pledge stage
4. A Building stage

Each dependent on the success of the previous stage.

Stage 1 - Prayer: During the Prayer Stage, all members of the parish are asked to storm heaven asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance on this project. Monsignor Tucker has written a prayer, which we will begin praying after all Masses.

Stage 2 - Feasibility Study: The Feasibility Study involves surveying parishioners about their support and desire for this project, including an estimate of how much money we are willing to pledge to this project. Once this information is collected and if the project is found to be feasible, we will seek permission from the Diocese to run a capital campaign.

Stage 3 - Pledge: During the Pledge Stage of the capital campaign, each household will be given an opportunity to contribute financially to the project. Before any construction can begin, 50% of the construction costs must be in hand and the remaining cost plus 10% overage must be pledged (per Diocesan policy).

stage 4 - Building: Depending on the success of the prior three stages, the Building stage will follow. The site map that has been in the Narthex depicts a general layout of the addition (we will build the gym to the north and extend classrooms to the east and west in a "T" shape), but the exact placement of every classroom has not yet been determined. Likewise, the existing parish space will be remodeled, but the exact use of each space has not yet been determined.

Seward is a growing community as shown by recent housing developments. We know that families thinking about moving into a new community consider how welcoming the local parish feels to them. By remodeling existing classrooms into spaces that are more comfortable and specifically designed for small group meetings, family spaces, etc, we will be able to provide more opportunities for new and current parishioners to feel at home at St. Vincent's.

In addition, families considering moving to a new community look for the availability of Catholic education. By expanding our building, we will create a school environment that will be specifically designed to be a school. Our parish has made do for 20+ years with the space that was available. Now we have the opportunity to continue to do what generations before us have done. Whether it was relocating the Church from downtown in the early 70s to our current location or expanding the current building in the early 90s, prayerful sacrifices were made in order to make our parish a better place for the next generation. And now it is our turn. By expanding our building and remodeling current spaces, we will help create a Parish Community that will welcome a new generation of Catholics to keep us vibrant and healthy.

Yes! Having separate access points for the school and the church will allow the school to remain secure during the school day while at the same time, allow the church to remain open and accessible. For example, parishioners and visitors could stop in to pray and spend time with our Lord, or small groups could meet in the newly remodeled spaces for Bible studies, meetings or just fellowship without the need to "buzz in" and be let in by the office staff.

No! Currently our facility is not meeting the needs of our parish. We have groups wishing to meet during the day, but we are lacking space in our building for them to do so.

• Families experiencing a loss do not have a private space to gather just prior to the funeral or to hold their funeral luncheon in the social hall.
• The shape of our narthex makes it difficult for people to stop after Mass to fellowship with each other. People either feel like they are standing in the way, or they simply continue walking out the door.
• Our parish does not have a place for bridal parties to get ready.
• The parish offices are located where visitors and new parishioners have a hard time finding them. Moving them to the front of the church will help new members feel more welcome.
• The entrance to the church and the school are the same, which creates two issues:
  • Classrooms cannot be securely separated from people wishing to enter the church.
  • Those wishing to enter the church do not have immediate access. They must be buzzed in and in some cases, do not see the buzzer and leave without visiting the church as they had planned.
• The Social Hall is currently being used as a gym for the school, which is not a long-term solution.
  • Several classrooms are situated along the perimeter of the social hall or the door to the classroom is just off the social hall. Having these classrooms adjoined to a space that is being used as a gymnasium is not an ideal learning environment.
  • These classrooms have temporary walls, which gives the feeling of non-permanence and insecurity.
  • Class schedules or curriculum plans for the day sometimes need to be adjusted when the social hall is being used for funeral dinners or clean up from the dinner is happening.

Expanding our facility and renovating existing areas will help increase our faith formation, open up encounters with Jesus, and grow our missionary spirit by providing dedicated spaces for those visiting our parish. It will expand classroom educational space and increase space for groups to meet and grow in faith. Classrooms and a gymnasium will be used by all the children of the parish and the community. A room for brides and for families, and an improved gathering space in the front entry, will be created with this plan. The entrance to the church and the school would be separate, giving greater freedom to easily enter the Church during daytime hours.

Yes! The expansion clearly makes the classroom areas distinct from the rest of the building, allowing for secure access points. The current construction design includes creating a secure school entrance. School office personnel will have a clear view of visitors entering the building. Visitors would enter a foyer area, then "buzz" the school office. They would identify themselves, are allowed entry and are asked to sign in at the school office.

Yes! Last year, newly married couples and parents of children from birth through elementary age were surveyed about the factors they considered / will consider when choosing a school for their children. Survey responses clearly laid out several factors that are important to parents. The vision for expansion addresses those factors including the addition of a gym, building dedicated classrooms, making sure student's middle school experience includes a variety of extracurricular activities, etc.

It is very common to include multiple phases in large building projects. However, the phases are completely based upon the number of pledges and funds secured during the campaign.

The more Funds Raised = Phases built quicker = Money SAVED!

EVERYONE!

Expanding and renovating our current site will create:

• A better learning environment for students and teachers
• Bridal room space that is comfortable and functional
• A private experience for families attending a loved one's funeral
• An inviting and accessible Church
• A secure School
• A homey atmosphere for small groups meeting during the day
• A welcoming place for office personnel to greet visitors and parishioners
• A spacious gathering place to fellowship after Mass

If we do not raise enough funds to complete all of Phase 1, we will begin with as much of Phase 1 as we have funds to achieve. It would mean that the Phase 1 outline in the brochure would be divided into multiple smaller phases. This would result in additional campaigns in order to complete the project.

**The more Funds Raised = Phases built quicker = Money SAVED!