St. Mary Magdalen Church Expansion BUILDING FOR A GROWING FAITH FAMILY Our
Church stands not only on Providence Road, but in God’s Providence. Mission Statement: called to Develop a Community of Faith. Faith
means Trust in God’s Plan and Power for all that we are and do. Prayer and planning go together to discern the will
of God for us as a Parish family, which is growing in numbers, yet 60%,
come irregularly or not at all. Do
we have a responsibility to serve everyone and reach out to the
inactive? Most
of our evangelizing or church formation takes place at weekend Liturgies
or small, Adult Faith Sharing groups.
Our Catholic Schools and CCD programs are essential, but without
adult involvement, the children are not developing an adult faith. We
are certainly blessed with our School, CCD, Adult Religious Education
and Stewardship programs and more members are practicing their faith. Financially,
more are contributing generously and we were able to pay off our debt
and have almost a million dollars for improving our parish. We enjoy a good reputation as a Spiritual and Friendly Parish that welcomes people and makes them feel at home. No
matter what area of expertise, we have parishioners who can either
contribute their services or act as consultants. Last
year, our Finance Committee and Business Manager began to evaluate the
physical needs for our Church: new air conditioning and heating system,
roof, rugs, painting, and lights. We
realized this could be a million dollar renovation. The
1997 Parish Self study done by the Parish revealed that the size of the
Church should be expanded for our growing faith family.
A parish committee had actually explored a plan to enlarge the
church, but found it architecturally a closed concept. I
engaged the expertise of Nick Quercetti and Bob Juliani to enlarge the
rectory for more office space. His
estimate came to $350,000. and we would encroach on our neighbors and I
decided it was too much money to spend. I
put together a Building Committee under the leadership of Dave Panichi
since he has the expertise for major constructions.
After interviewing the Knabb Associates and Murphy Associates as
possible architects, we decided to hire our own parishioner,
Mr. William Murphy to architect an expansion of the church.
We had no intention except to add Parish Office Space to the
present church. Estimates
came at $4.3 million and so we entertained a whole new adventure.
Would it make more sense to investigate the building of an entire
new church with offices and a meeting area in the lower level?
This is the recommendation we are presenting to you for your
thoughts and consideration. Why
do we need more seats? Msgr.
Cribben who was stationed here and the first parishioners will tell you
that they never expected the parish to grow from 340 families to 1504
with almost 5,000 parishioners. The
Catholic population of our area is 46% Catholic according to the 2000
census, expected to increase 15-20% in the next ten years.
With
the retirement of Fr. Mulgrew next June, the Vicar already informed me
that our parish will be reduced to one priest.
The Archdiocesan quota is 3500
parishioners for each priest. With
the input from our parish meetings, the recommendation of the pastoral
council, finance committee, and the personal comments offered to me, we
would move the process to a feasibility study in the Fall. Depending
on the results, we would need your blessing and the approval of the
Archdiocese to proceed with a Capital Campaign. As
your Pastor, I am accountable to the parishioners, the Archdiocese and
the Township for all permissions and guidelines. I
believe that the recommendation has sound merits, is what SMM needs now
and in the future to serve the needs of our growing faith family. Presently,
we have the expertise of dedicated and devoted parishioners in all areas
to accomplish our goal. The blessings of our church that we presently enjoy were the fruits of the many sacrifices of our former and present parishioners. Now, is our moment to meet the present and future needs of our growing faith family. We want to worship God and serve our faith family by providing a more welcoming and effective environment and parish offices that serve our growing ministries. I
ask you to pray and think with an open mind and heart.
Our building committee and I welcome your input and constructive
criticism. Let
the process carry us knowing that all good things begin with God’s
inspiration and will be carried out by His gracious providence.
Check
this parish website from time to time for photos and information. Also,
as your opinions are important and welcome, please write or E-mail your
thoughts.
Love and prayers, Fr. Ralph
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