About Us
Saint Patrick is a Roman Catholic Parish located in Saint Charles, Illinois. The first mass on the current site was celebrated in 1834 and building of the first stone church, "old St. Pats", was commenced in 1851. At right is the current "downtown" church and rectory which were constructed in 1912. The next door school was completed in 1930. Pictured below is the Crane Road church dedicated in 1991 and is on the same campus as the planned new school, offices and rectory. (See Capital Campaign.)
Today St. Patrick Parish has two churches and campuses and a registered membership of more than 4,500 families consisting of more than 16,000 parishioners.
We invite you to visit our web site regularly to learn more about the spiritual life available to you as a Catholic at Saint Patrick.
Directions to Downtown Church
From IL Route 64 and the Fox River in downtown St. Charles, IL, go four blocks west and turn right (north) at 4th Street. Proceed for one block to Cedar Street. The church is located at the corner of 4th & Cedar, 400 Cedar Street, St. Charles, IL 60174. http://www.mapquest.com/mq/2-Ettl
Directions to Crane Road Church
From the intersection of IL Route 64 and Randall Road on the west side of St. Charles, IL, proceed 3 miles north to Bolcum Road. Turn left (west) on Bolcum road to the first intersection. Turn right (north) on Crane Road and proceed about a half mile. The church is on your right, 6N491 Crane Road, St. Charles, IL 60175. http://www.mapquest.com/mq/8-b5zOrWJC
St. Patrick’s School:
8/28/11: School Days
Dear Parishioners,
School days, school days, dear ole golden rule days... it’s hard to believe that the doors of our new school will be opening on Wednesday, August 31 for the start of school year 2011-2012. It is mind boggling as I look back and realize what had to be done to make this day possible.
An obvious and an extremely important example... notice the yellow fire hydrants around the school. Those hydrants are visible testimony to the fact that we have water and sewer service to the school. Those hydrants are visible testimony to the countless meetings we had with South Elgin, with Otter Creek Water Reclamation District, and with the Lutherans from whom we needed to purchase land to give us a contiguous line of annexed property to South Elgin. Those hydrants are visible testimony to the results that persistence and perseverance can deliver. And this is but one of the many examples that could be given of what had to be done to making opening day possible.
All of those examples, however, pale in comparison to what will now be taking place in that school... the education and formation of our children. And, as that goal is accomplished year after year, decade after decade, we can then be rightfully proud of what it took to open the doors of that school. So, now it is up to the administrators and the teachers to carry on from where we left off. And, judging from what I have seen happening in that school these past many weeks, I am confident that that goal will be achieved. I want to publicly commend the administrators, the teachers, the staff and maintenance for the wonderful cooperation we received from them in readying the school for its opening. It could not have happened without you... thank you and God bless you!
You must also be aware that all our Religious Education classes will be taught in that building. The offices for the R.E. directors and their staff are located in that building, giving them wonderful contact with R.E. catechists and the students. Someone from the R.E. department will be speaking at all the masses this coming weekend, August 27/28. You are also able to find out more information about the R.E. programs by visiting our website and clicking on Religious Education.
Here again, much cooperation and coordination had to take place for the relocation of R.E. to the new building. Previously, our directors were located in three different locations with their support staffs in two different locations. Obviously, the transition was not easy, but now that it is complete, the benefits make the efforts very worthwhile. I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the R.E. directors, their staffs, and the catechists for their understanding and support as they moved from “wherever” to the new building... God bless you!
St. Patrick Parish Capital Campaign
BUILDING TO DO GOD’S WORK!
To meet the demands of a growing parish, we began the program, Building To Do God’s Work. The demands for worship space were met in 1991 with the construction of Crane Road Church. It is now time to meet the demands for more office space, housing for the priests, and education space. The diocese has given permission to complete the project in two phases. Phase I - offices and rectory. Phase II - education building. We are currently working on Phase I.
PHASE I - UPDATE The building phase has been essentially completed and the offices and rectory are now occupied. This phase was completed in May, 2009.
Phase II - UPDATE Currently the targeted school opening is fall of 2011.
FINANCIAL UPDATE - As of January 13, 2010
GOAL…………………………………$ 12,000,000.00
AMOUNT PLEDGED……………$ 11,248,922.16
PAYMENTS ON PLEDGES………$7,804,398.69
DONATIONS W/O A PLEDGE……$ 484,796.08
Read the original Campaign Project information here: Capital Campaign Project
Questions & Answers
Q. HOW MUCH WILL OUR BUILDING PLANS COST?
A. At this time our best estimate is $19,230,000.
Q. HOW IS THE PROJECT GOING TO BE FUNDED?
A. In addition to the monies raised from the capital campaign we will also use current and future parish savings with the balance to be funded through short-term debt.
Q. WHY ARE NEW FACILITIES NEEDED NOW?
A. St. Patrick Parish has doubled over the past 14 years to 4500 families. To put it simply: we need more space for educational, administrative, social, and residential needs. We also have an obligation to keep our present facilities in the best shape possible. The longer we wait the more the project will cost.
Q. WHO AUTHORIZED THIS PROJECT?
A. Under the direction of our Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council and Msgr. Linster a plan was developed as a guideline to address our space needs. A feasibility study showed an overwhelming need and desire for this campaign and Bishop Doran gave his approval to proceed with the project.
Q. WHY DO WE NEED A LARGER EDUCATIONAL FACILITY?
A. We have a greater demand for Catholic school and CCD education of our children because of the tremendous growth of St. Patrick Parish.
Q. CAN THE SCHOOL BE BUILT FIRST?
A. The rectory and parish office building will be built first in order to address the most immediate and critical needs for the parish. The school will require substantially more funding. With the completion of a successful campaign the school will be built shortly after the rectory and parish office.
Q. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH THE DOWNTOWN FACILITIES?
A. This campaign does not include a financial component for the alteration of the downtown facilities. The liturgical functions at the Downtown Church will not be affected by this project.
Q. WILL THE PARISH BE SPLIT INTO TWO PARISHES?
A. Bishop Doran has made it clear that this will remain one parish.
Q. WHEN WILL CONSTRUCTION BEGIN?
A. Construction will begin soon after our capital campaign is completed although exact project timelines are still to be determined.
Q. ARE PARISHIONERS GOING TO BE ASSESSED?
A. Absolutely not! Guidelines for budgeted giving may be suggested, but the amount is strictly up to the individual parishioners.
Q. WHO WILL BE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE?
A. All registered household in St. Patrick Parish should participate in the campaign. Every household has the capacity to participate at some level although maybe not at the requested amount.
Q. ARE ST. JOHN NEUMANN PARISH SCHOOL PARENTS GOING TO BE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CAMPAIGN?
A. No - but some may voluntarily contribute to the campaign.
Q. MUST I MAKE A PLEDGE?
A. All baptized believers are members of the Body of Christ alive and at work in today's world. Nevertheless, this Body, the Church, is a voluntary organization. All gifts are welcome. However, one-time, out of pocket giving will not enable us to meet our goal. Because our goal is very ambitious, parishioners are urged to increase the effectiveness of their gifts by pledging and budgeting their gift over a five year pledge period.
Q. WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE LONG-TERM PLEDGES?
A. One purpose of our capital campaign is to give the parish a sense of cash flow over the next five years so it may better plan for the future. In addition, pledges enable donors to maximize their investment. It would be virtually impossible to raise our minimum goal of $12,000,000 in one-time gifts, or to call on nearly 4,500 families each year for specific priorities.
Q. WHAT'S INVOLVED IN MAKING A PLEDGE?
A. All parish households not yet contacted will receive a pledge packet in the mail this week. Simply enter the total amount pledged over a five year period, how it will be paid, and sign the pledge card. A 10% payment with your pledge is suggested but not necessary. Your signing of a pledge card does not constitute a legal obligation, but a moral intent. In the event of a change in your economic status, your pledge may be altered. Completed pledge cards can be mailed to the parish in the enclosed envelope or dropped in a collection basket.
Q. WHAT IS MY SHARE AND HOW WAS THE REQUEST AMOUNT DETERMINED?
A. Your pledge should be based on the dictates of your conscience. Only you know your financial situation and capability. The requested amount is only a suggestion. No give is too small … or too large.
Q. SHOULD I GIVE LESS TO MY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CAMPAIGN?
A. No. The success of the Building to do God's Work capital campaign hinges on your being faithful to your weekly commitment of parish support. Our campaign invites you to make a five year pledges over and above your present weekly giving. We ask you to consider the suggested giving guidelines in this material.
Q. WHAT CONSTITUTES A GIFT?
A. Any negotiable assets of realistic market value may be given. Stocks, commodities, insurance, real estate, or bonds are alternatives to cash.
Q. ARE THERE MEMORIALS AND NAMING OPPORTUNITIES?
A. YES. We welcome these gifts and will work with you to make sure the appropriate recognition is given.
Q. IS MY GIFT TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
A. Yes, all contributions to our campaign are deductible in accordance with Federal and Illinois law.
Q. WHEN AND HOW WILL PLEDGES BE PAID?
A. You have the option of paying your pledge annually, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, or in any other way you desire. Pledges can be paid using the gold envelopes now included in your weekly envelope packet received monthly or through EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) directly from your bank account.
No comments:
Post a Comment