Capital Campaign Matching Challenge

Dear Parishioners,
Many of you have expessed interest in our campus improvements progress to date.  We raised the initial fundraising goal in our Capital Campaign thanks to the generosity of our parish community.  We completed the demolition of the former rectory and construction of the parking lot on the west side of Main Street.  Improvements were made to the priest residence at 4804 Highland Avenue as well as important life safety and some accessibility enhancements completed at the school  We bid the school addition project and have been evaluating the results.  The target start date is March 2019.
While we celebrate our accomplishments, we also face some challenges.  The challenges include infrastructure requirements from the Village, crucial maintenance needs in our aging buildings, the rising cost of materials, as well as increased labor costs due to the robust demand in the current construction market.  Considerable work has been done by many volunteers from our councils, boards and commissions to mitigate these unexpected expenses.  These hard-working parishioners made modifications to our plans to save money without compromising our project goals.  
Because of these challenges we are now seeking to raise an additional $1.2M to 1.5M.  This represents 20% - 25% of the total anticipated capital projects cost.  We still have some variables to contend with and are refining our numbers but we feel we need to start raising the capital funds now. 
A second phase of our Capital Campaign will begin in the next couple weeks.  Many of you contributed to the initial campaign and your generosity is greatly appreciated.  If you have pledged a gift during phase I and are able to increase or add to phase II of our campaign, I am humbled by your spirit of giving.  For those who have not yet participated, I am hopeful that after you access your current situation, you will be able to make a pledge during this second phase.  We believe in the projects we initiated and their impact on the future of St. Joseph Parish.  We know that once completed they will move us forward in a positive way.
In the coming weeks you will be receiving a letter from me with more details regarding our plans and asking for you support.  Additional information about the campaign and our projects will also be in the coming bulletins and posted on our website. 
I ask for your special consideration and generosity as well as your prayers as we embark upon the next phase of our Capital Campaign
Joyfully in Christ, 
Rev. John Phan - Pastor