Capital Campaign
“Make no mistake about this, my dear brothers and sisters; it is all that is good, everything that is perfect, which is given us from above”. James 1:16-17
January 8, 2008
Dear Friends,
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”
Cicero
It is good to give thanks for the great progress made during the year of 2007 in the building of our new church. Over 600 households contributed $509,892.25 during this past year. While final donations are still being calculated for the 2007 campaign, we did collect our highest pledged amount ever. Thank you. We are truly blessed.
This 13 year journey has been one of many joys and struggles. As we move forward in building, there are some final numbers and updates to share. Due to higher than anticipated construction costs, the final projected cost for our new church is now $7.7 million. In Phases 1 and 2, $560,000 was spent in purchasing the new modular buildings, grading, and demolition. Due to the generosity of the community of St. Frances X. Cabrini, just over $4.25 million dollars has been raised for construction needs to date. The difference in what has been raised and the projected final costs of all projects necessitated the need for a higher loan. In May of 2007, the Diocese of San Bernardino approved a higher loan for St. Frances in the amount of $4.5 million dollars. Necessary permits were then obtained from the City of Yucaipa, allowing us to move forward and begin construction on July 1st. God has blessed us tremendously and for this we are grateful. 2008 will be the year we move into our beautiful new church and continue to publicly give thanks to God for many years to come.
For the past two years, our community has positively committed to one year pledges. When we began the one year format we assured you that the fundraising drives would continue until the new church is built and the loan is paid off. This estimated time frame for the future capital campaigns now appears to be approximately 9 -10 years. While this time frame seems long, most of us are paying on a 15 - 30 year home mortgage. It is now time to kick-off our 2008 campaign. While approved for a $4.5 million dollar loan, as responsible stewards we hope to assume the smallest loan and interest payments possible.
Our goal for this year is to raise $550,000 in actual building fund contributions, while maintaining the needed general income to sustain our day to day operations. Increasing the building fund amount cannot be achieved by giving less to our regular collection. The operating expenses of our parish will continue and must be covered in addition to giving to our building fund.
The United States Bishop’s document regarding stewardship, Stewardship, A Disciple’s Response, reminds us that the concept of sharing our time, talent, and treasure is a “faith response”. “All members of the Catholic community are called to accept their baptismal responsibility to place their gifts, their resources, their selves at God’s service in and through the Church”. A Christian steward is defined as “one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with all, and returns them with increase to the Lord”. Christian stewardship is not an option, it is an obligation. This year we have seen a great increase in the response of all parishioner’s in giving of time and talent. A piece of the stewardship response includes our financial obligations as well. We must all give back to God first from the fruits we receive each week or each month. This is a concept worthy of consideration and prayer each day. If we all embrace this definition of stewardship, we can sufficiently minister to everyone, achieve our capital campaign goal of $550,000 this year, and still receive the needed weekly funds for our operating budget.
Let us receive gratefully the blessings bestowed upon us by God.
With gratitude,
Kirsten R. Thorstad
Pastoral Coordinator |
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Reverend David Andel
Priest Minister |
