I. Why a Capital Campaign?
Our Parish Mission Statement
"Our Lady's Maronite Catholic Parish is committed to serve Austin and the surrounding communities by striving to grow spiritually as a caring community, helping others by teaching Christ and His love for humankind. We strive to profess, live and teach the Faith of the Eastern Christian Tradition of the Maronite Syriac Antiochene Rite of the Catholic Church."
Our Mission and the rich history of our Parish is testimony to the willingness of our parish families to embrace the future. We started out with a dream that became a reality through the support and dedication of many past and current families. Our Mission is clear: teaching Christ and his love for humankind.
Following extensive input from parish families and those involved in ministries and services over a number of years, we identified the draft major building components of Our Lady's Site Master Plan. In March of 2010 a Steering Committee was formed to assess the feasibility of a Capital Campaign to implement our Site Master Plan. "Why now?" many of you may be asking. Our Steering Committee identified three major reasons for assessing the feasibility of this building project at this time. They include:
To create a foundation for current and future generations of our Maronite Catholic Parish.
What will our children's children find? What will be the legacy of Our Lady's in 100 years? What will be our generation's contribution to building on to what previous generations have done?
To provide religious education for adults and children.
Ongoing space needs beyond religious education and scheduling issues continue to impact our growth potential. Our religious education is the future of our Maronite community of the faithful. If we fail to educate, we fail to have a future.
To reach out to the community at large.
These new facilities will provide space and encourage use by groups outside our Parish. We will evangelize and/or encourage interest in the ministries of the Parish. Our proposed facility is designed not only as a parish resource but also as a community asset. Can we survive as a parish community without evangelization and increasing our membership? Our expanded facilities and increasing ministries provide a framework for success.
The Site Master Plan includes:
Based upon today's dollars, the construction cost of the Master Plan is approximately $5.5 million. This is a broad estimate that will continue to be narrowed as the process moves forward.
II. Feasibility Assessment
Steps that have been taken to develop a strategy to ensure the success of the "Together We Build the Future" Capital Campaign, coupled with the results of the Feasibility Assessment, include:
III. The Gains
This Master Plan is designed as a win-win opportunity for our parish and the Austin community.
The dynamic of the neighborhood is changing and the future will provide numerous opportunities for our parish community. As a Christ-centered parish it is our obligation to prepare for the future and embrace our responsibility. How will we serve in ministries, services, evangelization, and educating the community about our Maronite faith? We must have vision, willingness to become involved, and daily prayer for our continued success.
The Master Plan is not just a building campaign but it creates a legacy for our Maronite faith and our willingness to serve the Lord. We are called to share our time, talent and treasure.
There will be many opportunities to pledge your financial support during the campaign. These will include Lead, Major, and Leadership Divisions in addition to Parish, Friends, and Business Community Divisions.
IV. Your Involvement is Critical!
