Now is the Time Case Statement Proposal

GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH
CHURCH RENEWAL AND ASSET RESTORATION PROJECT AND CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
CASE STATEMENT PROPOSAL

THE JOURNEY SO FAR

The primary driving force for most new endeavors is a need. After decades of serving a community, Good Shepherd is faced with decisions that impact a spiritual and practical revitalization of our campus.

Over the past few years, efforts to envision the future of the parish that serves the People of God have produced strategic plans that outline a vision for this project of renewal, restoration, and rejoicing. These plans update our sacred space and care for our infrastructure and buildings.

A 16-member task force was established in July 2023 and convened in August 2023 to begin the process of consideration of liturgical law, parish history, and the devotion of our parishioners. The task force included representatives of the Pastoral Council and Finance Council, various liturgical ministers, catechists, and members of the parish at large.

The parish conducted a comprehensive feasibility study in 2024. We evaluated what is needed and possible for our church renewal and asset restoration project. We recently shared more information with the parish-at-large at three updating sessions and are pleased to report that we have received diocesan approval to conduct a capital campaign.

The development of the capital campaign, entitled Now is the Time, began in the Summer of 2025, with the establishment of a Campaign Cabinet. This dedicated group has met with Father Sullivan to discuss the campaign efforts and determine the best approach to accomplish this initiative.

We appreciate you reviewing this proposal and considering your support of our Now is the Time Capital Campaign!

CAMPAIGN PROJECT SCOPE

We are excited to begin the campaign this fall, which will equip the parish for years of service and strengthen our witness in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. From our weekly Masses, 83 ministries, and various organizations; to our numerous offerings for the religious education of children and adults; to our community events; our parish is filled with His goodness. This kind of vibrancy within our faith community calls us to refresh and renew our Church, so that we give God honor, praise, and thanksgiving and grow in holiness as His people.

It is our intention to address liturgical and structural concerns to ensure the long-term maintenance of our church for future generations. Through this renewal and restoration campaign, we aim to address projects that are needed, not merely for functionality, but to support mission and ministry. There are two main areas involved, liturgical and structural:

  1. RENEWAL OF SANCTUARY AND SHRINES
  • Placing the tabernacle at the center of the altar/sanctuary area with a new marble pedestal and mosaic niche. This relocation reflects current liturgical directives and perspectives.
    • The center wall of the altar/sanctuary will be treated to help focus our attention on the Eucharist, the source and summit of our lives.
    • Install a large crucifix (specified by current liturgical law) on the original bronze nimbus.
    • The Risen Christ statue will be relocated to the choir loft.
    • Replace our movable, wooden altar and ambo with fixed marble ones as preferred by liturgical law.
    • Replace the baptismal font with a marble one to match the altar, ambo, and tabernacle pedestal. The new font will a more suitable solution to meet the practicalities of the Rite of Baptism with a larger basin and a drain that goes directly into the earth.
    • Enhance our devotional shrines with custom hand-carved and hand-painted linden wood statuary.
    • Add a shrine to the Good Shepherd.
    • Add images of the four evangelists.
    • Add an image of the Holy Family in the Family Room.
    • The current fiberglass Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph statues will be reverently placed in other parts of the building.
  • RESTORATION OF BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
  • This includes mechanicals, structures, systems, property, fixtures, equipment, and assets that have served us well for 50 years but need updating and replacement.
    • This part of the project will also address accessibility, safety, and security.

WORSHIP SPACE

  • Replace flooring in the sanctuary, nave, and narthexes.
    • Replace the 50-year-old laminate pews that have become worn and broken with solid wood pews with upholstered seats.
    • Repair and preserve our priceless Moeller pipe organ.
    • Upgrade light and sound systems.

INTERIORS AND CORE

  • Replace outdated and non-repairable HVAC units and electrical systems.
    • Add an ADA-accessible family restroom near the parish office and chapel.
    • Update existing restrooms and the main entrance to the church to be ADA-compliant.
    • Install LED lighting throughout the interior of the building.
    • Update technology in the Parish Hall and meeting rooms.
    • Refresh the chapel, confessionals, and sacristies.
    • Repair, replace, and update interior finishes (paint and flooring) throughout the building.

EXTERIORS AND ENTRIES

  • Replace exterior doors with keyless entry system for better functionality and security.
  • Add monitoring cameras throughout the building and grounds.
    • Add hand railings to sidewalk paths that lead to the office/chapel entrance.
    • Repair/replace flat rubber roof and snow breaks as well as soffits and fascia boards.
    • Repair gutter system.
    • Repair window caulking throughout the property.
    • Add security fencing around the boiler room egress and waste management receptacles.

RECTORY

  • Roof.
    • Chimney repainting.
    • Interior finishes.

RENEWAL AND RESTORATION COSTS

From your own observations, you may have already noticed that the parish buildings and equipment are showing their age after 50 years and renewal, refurbishment, repair, and replacement are needed in the areas outlined above.

There are several components of this campaign that need to be addressed, even if Good Shepherd were not embarking on a capital campaign. While the total cost is still being finalized, we anticipate it to be approximately $2.9 million.

The milestone anniversaries, 75th Anniversary of the Parish and 50th Anniversary of the Trindle Road Campus, provide an opportunity to honor the past, support and grow our present, and prepare for the future. As our campaign logo says, Now is the Time!

DEEPENING OUR COMMITMENT

With profound joy and an unshakeable belief in God’s providential guidance, we begin the Now is the Time Capital Campaign, a pivotal endeavor designed to fortify our foundations for sustained ministry and amplify our capacity to live out our sacred mission for generations to come.

OUR REQUEST

We believe that the Now is the Time project and campaign will have a significant impact on the parish. We hope you share our vision.

We extend a heartfelt invitation for your partnership in this transformative journey, as together, we strive to enrich and expand our collective witness of faith. Please consider joining us in the following ways:

  1. SUSTAIN OUR EFFORTS THROUGH PRAYER

As we commence the Now is the Time Capital Campaign, we ask for your continued prayers. We recognize the paramount importance of keeping our hearts and minds steadfastly focused on God’s will throughout this entire process. Your spiritual support will be an invaluable source of strength and guidance as we work together to achieve our shared goals.

  • STAY CONNECTED AND INFORMED

To ensure transparency and keep you informed about the progress of the Now is the Time Capital Campaign, we will continue to provide updates via bulletins, announcements as well as social media. We encourage you to stay connected to learn about the developments and milestones of our campaign.

  • REFLECT ON YOUR CAMPAIGN COMMITMENT

Your contribution to the Now is the Time Capital Campaign will directly fuel the realization of our carefully identified priorities; each strategically chosen to address key needs and enhance the parish’s ability to serve our community. We understand that making a commitment requires thoughtful consideration and prayerful reflection. To provide flexibility, fulfillment of your pledged commitment can be distributed at any point over the next three years, allowing you to align your giving with your personal circumstances.

  • COMPLETE A COMMITMENT FORM

We ask that you carefully review and complete the enclosed commitment form. These forms serve as vital instruments, enabling parish leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the collective intentions of our parish households. This crucial information will enable the parish to engage in effective financial planning, allowing for strategic budgeting of the necessary expenses associated with our project initiatives. Your return of this form will be deeply appreciated and will play a significant role in the campaign’s success. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our campaign manager, Richie Musser, at 484-364-0781 or rmusser@kirbysmith.com.

THANK YOU

The Now is the Time Capital Campaign represents a vital opportunity to invest in the enduring strength and continued vibrancy of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Your participation in the Now is the Time Capital Campaign impacts the lives of our current and future parishioners as well as extends our capacity to serve the broader community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your consideration of this important undertaking and, above all, for your steadfast prayers for the parish and community. Your partnership in this initiative has a lasting legacy to strengthen our ability to serve and inspire. Your goodness and generosity will help our parish renew, restore, and rejoice for generations to come.