Capital campaign faq's
What is a capital campaign?
A capital campaign is a targeted effort to raise funds for a specific project or need, such as a new construction, or major improvements. Unlike regular annual giving, it focuses on achieving a particular goal over a set period.
Why are we embarking on a capital campaign now?
The results of our recent planning study indicate that we as a parish recognize the need for a centralized and more financially sustainable footprint. This campaign gives us the opportunity not only to grow closer together as a parish community, but also needed cost and time savings from managing several separate church locations.
What is the campaign theme?
Our campaign theme is One Community. One Church. One Future. We chose this in order to represent how this campaign is for our entire parish, focused on bringing us together under one roof, and preparing for the future generations of Catholics in Manchester and beyond.
How will this campaign make things more sustainable for our parish?
This campaign not only allows all parish activity to take place under one roof, but it also alleviates cost associated with keeping churches open that are only being used part time. In addition, new construction and the sale of other church property allows us not only income from those sales, but also the avoidance of major capital expenses needed at those locations (new roofs, parking improvement, HVAC, etc.)
How will the new church building help with accessibility, particularly for older or disabled parishoners?
The property is being designed to allow anyone to access all parts of the new church, in full ADA compliance. The current conceptual plan design has the main church building with flat, easy access on one floor so that anyone in our community can utilize all facilities simply and comfortably.
Will there be enough parking at the new church building?
While specific numbers of car parking spots are yet to be determined, there will be more than adequate parking for masses where we may expect over 1,000 attendees.
What other funding mechanisms are being used to support this project?
Funding for this project will come from a multitude of areas. We are asking our parish community to support us with our stated campaign goal of $4 million. We will also receive other funding through the sale of parish assets, investment income, and the support of the Archdiocese of Hartford.
How will this campaign affect the schools associated with the parish?
Our hope is that as we continue to grow together as one parish community, our schools will one day all fall under the banner of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. For now, the plan is for each school to remain independent. However, much like this campaign, we are taking intentional steps that strengthen our shared identity and prepare us for a future in which a unified school structure may make sense. Any formal changes would take place gradually and only after thoughtful planning, consultation, and discernment.
How will the church keep us informed about the campaign’s progress?
We are committed to keeping everyone fully informed throughout the campaign using the website, bulletin, and emails. These FAQs are part of that effort. Our goal is to ensure the entire community stays engaged with the campaign, is aware of the campaign’s progress, and understands how they can best support our mission.
When is construction scheduled to begin?
Construction is plannined to begin in the 2027-2028 timeframe, but the timeline depends on fundraising results, construction costs, and supply schedules.
Is the cost in line with typical new church building costs?
During the development of the initial building schematics, we prioritized fiscal responsibility while maintaining essential functionality. All future construction will continue to be approached with a focus on cost efficiency.
Where will we have mass once construction takes place?
While formal mass changes will be announced at a later date, the tentative plan is for masses to be held at Saint Bridget while construction takes place at the site of Saint James.
How will contributions to the capital campaign be used?
Funds donated to the capital campaign are restricted funds for use only towards the stated goals of the campaign.
How long will this campaign run?
We are asking our congregation and other supporters to make a pledge by this June so that we can plan a timeline on construction and breaking ground. Pledges to the effort will be collected over three years, from 2026-2029.
What is a pledge? Is my pledge legally binding?
Your pledge is a commitment to support our mission and goals. Pledges for this capital campaign are to be collected over three years, to maximize support for new construction. Your pledge is not a legally binding amount or agreement.
Is my pledge confidential?
Yes, every pledge is confidential. Anyone who wishes can make a gift anonymously. The amount someone pledges will never be shared.
How do I know if my company offers a matching gift program?
Talk to your human resources (HR) department to determine if your company offers a matching gift program. Typically, you will need to fill out and submit a form. If your company does not have an HR department, talk to the person who handles new employee orientation; they should be able to guide you.
How can I get involved?
Please pray for us and the campaign! Beyond that, we are always looking for volunteers to assist with different facets of the campaign. For more information on how to volunteer please email Sam Huddleston at shuddleston@steiergroup.com.
A capital campaign is a targeted effort to raise funds for a specific project or need, such as a new construction, or major improvements. Unlike regular annual giving, it focuses on achieving a particular goal over a set period.
Why are we embarking on a capital campaign now?
The results of our recent planning study indicate that we as a parish recognize the need for a centralized and more financially sustainable footprint. This campaign gives us the opportunity not only to grow closer together as a parish community, but also needed cost and time savings from managing several separate church locations.
What is the campaign theme?
Our campaign theme is One Community. One Church. One Future. We chose this in order to represent how this campaign is for our entire parish, focused on bringing us together under one roof, and preparing for the future generations of Catholics in Manchester and beyond.
How will this campaign make things more sustainable for our parish?
This campaign not only allows all parish activity to take place under one roof, but it also alleviates cost associated with keeping churches open that are only being used part time. In addition, new construction and the sale of other church property allows us not only income from those sales, but also the avoidance of major capital expenses needed at those locations (new roofs, parking improvement, HVAC, etc.)
How will the new church building help with accessibility, particularly for older or disabled parishoners?
The property is being designed to allow anyone to access all parts of the new church, in full ADA compliance. The current conceptual plan design has the main church building with flat, easy access on one floor so that anyone in our community can utilize all facilities simply and comfortably.
Will there be enough parking at the new church building?
While specific numbers of car parking spots are yet to be determined, there will be more than adequate parking for masses where we may expect over 1,000 attendees.
What other funding mechanisms are being used to support this project?
Funding for this project will come from a multitude of areas. We are asking our parish community to support us with our stated campaign goal of $4 million. We will also receive other funding through the sale of parish assets, investment income, and the support of the Archdiocese of Hartford.
How will this campaign affect the schools associated with the parish?
Our hope is that as we continue to grow together as one parish community, our schools will one day all fall under the banner of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. For now, the plan is for each school to remain independent. However, much like this campaign, we are taking intentional steps that strengthen our shared identity and prepare us for a future in which a unified school structure may make sense. Any formal changes would take place gradually and only after thoughtful planning, consultation, and discernment.
How will the church keep us informed about the campaign’s progress?
We are committed to keeping everyone fully informed throughout the campaign using the website, bulletin, and emails. These FAQs are part of that effort. Our goal is to ensure the entire community stays engaged with the campaign, is aware of the campaign’s progress, and understands how they can best support our mission.
When is construction scheduled to begin?
Construction is plannined to begin in the 2027-2028 timeframe, but the timeline depends on fundraising results, construction costs, and supply schedules.
Is the cost in line with typical new church building costs?
During the development of the initial building schematics, we prioritized fiscal responsibility while maintaining essential functionality. All future construction will continue to be approached with a focus on cost efficiency.
Where will we have mass once construction takes place?
While formal mass changes will be announced at a later date, the tentative plan is for masses to be held at Saint Bridget while construction takes place at the site of Saint James.
How will contributions to the capital campaign be used?
Funds donated to the capital campaign are restricted funds for use only towards the stated goals of the campaign.
How long will this campaign run?
We are asking our congregation and other supporters to make a pledge by this June so that we can plan a timeline on construction and breaking ground. Pledges to the effort will be collected over three years, from 2026-2029.
What is a pledge? Is my pledge legally binding?
Your pledge is a commitment to support our mission and goals. Pledges for this capital campaign are to be collected over three years, to maximize support for new construction. Your pledge is not a legally binding amount or agreement.
Is my pledge confidential?
Yes, every pledge is confidential. Anyone who wishes can make a gift anonymously. The amount someone pledges will never be shared.
How do I know if my company offers a matching gift program?
Talk to your human resources (HR) department to determine if your company offers a matching gift program. Typically, you will need to fill out and submit a form. If your company does not have an HR department, talk to the person who handles new employee orientation; they should be able to guide you.
How can I get involved?
Please pray for us and the campaign! Beyond that, we are always looking for volunteers to assist with different facets of the campaign. For more information on how to volunteer please email Sam Huddleston at shuddleston@steiergroup.com.