FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

     It is important to the Parish that all questions concerning the Parish Center and Campaign are answered. Feel free to email your questions to us at sjnparish@verizon.net or call the Rectory at 610.525.3100. The Leadership Committee will also publish questions that they receive as the project develops. Thank you for your prayers and support of this exciting parish project.

Questions and Answers

About the Parish Life Center Project:

Why should we be involved in expanding our parish campus?   We have so much energy in our parish we desperately need a place to "put" it! The vitality in the various parish programs needs more space to allow existing and new programs to fulfill the parish mission. The needs assessment has told us we lack space to grow.

 

Why are we doing this now with economy the way it is?  It was troubling to the pastor that in light of the Archdiocesan Campaign so much of our focus would be directed to the larger Catholic community when we had great needs at St. John Neumann parish.

When will the project start?  Current projections estimate a spring 2010 start to the demolition/construction of the new Life Center.  Approvals are still pending at the municipality and Archdiocesan levels that might affect the actual start of the project.

 

How long will it take to complete?  The building will take a year and some months to complete.

 

Won’t the construction be disruptive to the school and church activities?  How will that be handled?                                       In some ways we anticipate the school will be affected during the school year; every effort is being made to minimize interruptions.  However, the children’s safety remains a top priority during any construction period. Of course, it would be good if outside construction could be completed during the summer months.

 

In the drawings it looks like we will be losing parking spaces.  Is that the case, because we already have parking issues?  Parking can be added near the field and along the borders of adjacent properties.

 

What’s a NARTHEX?  It is a place where people gather at the entrance to a church or chapel.

 

Do we have township approval?  We have been working with township officials on height restrictions.  Once the campaign is under way, we will be meeting with them more frequently as the project moves forward.

 

What will be in the building?  Meeting areas, athletic facilities, spacious lavatories, and gathering areas for funerals, weddings, First Communion, Confirmation and other liturgical celebrations are in the plans, as well as, an area to honor our patron, St. John Neumann, with the relic to venerate.

 

How much will the project cost? $5.5 Million. ($4.5 million for construction and $1.0 million for soft costs and contingencies.)

 

Where will students go during renovations and will the children be safe?  We are planning a construction schedule that would maximize the children’s safety and provide the least amount of disturbance to the learning process. However, it is reasonable to say that some adjustments will need to take place as the project proceeds.

 

What are the details of the Center – entrances, gathering areas, ceiling and acoustics, height requirements in gym and cafeteria, audio, lighting and signage, etc.?  Please consult the drawings that have been placed in the vestibule of the church.

 

Will there be a “Cry room?”  No, but the gathering area will be available for overly active children. A closed circuit TV could be installed there.

 

Will any renovations to the school and existing Parish Center occur?                                                                                Those renovations are in the plans if our campaign goal is reached.

 

Will there continue to be parking for the handicapped?

Space that is close and convenience will continue to be available for those parishioners who are handicapped.

 

About the Capital Campaign:

What is our contribution to the Archdiocesan Campaign?  Based on our parish goal, we would be providing $822,250 to the Archdiocese.

 

What if everyone designates their gift to stay at Saint John Neumann Parish? Do we still have to pay $855K to the Archdiocesan campaign?                                                                                                                                                                 If the campaign does not generate enough pledges which can be used to meet its commitment to the Archdiocese, the parish will have to explore other alternatives to meet this goal.

Why should we be expected to support both our Parish’s and the Archdioceses’ campaign?  In the true spirit of stewardship toward St. John Neumann parish, we have been blessed by a strong Catholic community conceived by our founders and ask each member (present and past, friend, school family or fellow brother and sister in Christ) of our community to consider giving back that with which they have been blessed. As members of the larger Catholic Community that makes up the Philadelphia Archdiocese, we participate in its capital campaign which seeks to raise awareness and funds for the objectives stated in our Building Upon Our Life of Faith campaign materials.

 

I understand Saint John Neumann is participating in the Archdiocese campaign, “Heritage of Faith, Vision of Hope”. How does that campaign impact my pledge?

Saint John Neumann has included a net sum of $854,750.00 for the Archdiocese in our campaign. The parish is committed to reach this Archdiocese goal as well as our own financial goal in the “Building Upon a Life of Faith” campaign. Your pledge will be used to support both campaigns. Therefore, the parish will commit $854,750.00 to the Archdiocese from the total amount of pledges received in our campaign.

 

We have loyally supported the Parish for decades, and we are now close to retirement (or retired).  Why should we be expected to make a major contribution?  Can’t some of the newer and younger Parish members step up?                       The initial mission of the founders of this parish was to build for those who would come after them.  Many have gone before us and have given us this legacy.  We invite the participation of all parishioners at a level that makes them feel good about their involvement.  We hope all will be inspired to do the same for those who come after us.

 

How much of the contribution to the Archdiocese is to cover losses because of the child abuse scandal?                           By law, all of the money donated to the Building Upon Our Life of Faith campaign must be used for the objectives stated in this brochure. It is our legal and moral obligation for St. John Neumann Parish and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to apply funds only to said objectives.

 

Can we just give our money to the parish or will the Archdiocese come in and want our funds?  Pledges can be designated for parish use only, and by law they must be used as such.

 

Can I decide how my pledge is to be used?

Yes. Your pledge card allows you to designate how your pledge will be used. You can restrict the pledge to Saint John Neumann. You can also designate your pledge to support only the Archdiocese campaign.  Any pledges designated for Saint John Neumann will stay in the parish and will not be used to fulfill our obligation to the Archdiocese.

 

Do we need to raise all the money before construction can begin?  The Archdiocese requires that a building must have half the project costs before contracts can be signed.

 

Are cost estimates accurate?  Yes.  Estimates were updated in the last month and will continue to be provided and managed during construction.

 

How can they be reduced?   Only by eliminating certain areas of the Parish Life Center.  Building in stages would be more costly.

 

What is the financial situation?  Please consult the tab on funding the Life Center.

 

Will we have to borrow?  We will probably have to borrow some amount unless the Campaign substantially exceeds its goal.  We have approximately $750,000 in reserve.

 

How long do we have to pay back our pledge?                                                                                                                        Each parishioner will determine how long it will take to meet their pledge. The parishioners will be asked to give that information to the parish so that the parish can make solid financial plans.

 

While I would like to support the campaign, I am worried about making a commitment that I may not be able to keep if the economy does not improve. Can I change my pledge amount?

Yes. If your circumstances change for better or worse, so can your pledge.

 

General Questions:

Since the Archdiocese is closing parishes, will they just close us after we build a new building?                                           The Parish Life Center will give all areas of our community a useful facility to celebrate parish life and will ensure our existence as a viable site for a parish community in the future.  In addition, these facilities can possibly be used for needs in the local communities which may provide revenue generation opportunities making us more self-sufficient and viable as a parish site.

 

Is there confidence the school will stay open?  What are the trend lines?                                                                                   We have a vibrant and stable school.  Ss. Colman-John Neumann School is highly regarded by the Archdiocese and our local community.  Maintaining our school is a vital component in our Parish Mission, and we are committed to building upon its success and quality as an exceptional Catholic school.  Unfortunately, schools are closing in our area and we are benefiting.  However, more children would come here if there were a pre-school and more up-to-date facilities as some neighboring schools have.  Our reputation for being an excellent school can only be enhanced by what we build for the future.

 

How many volunteers are involved in the campaign?                                                                                                                  The Leadership Committee consists of about 40 parishioners. However, all parishioners are encouraged to participate in the project since it is our parish Life Center. Anyone wishing to volunteer can call the parish office. In addition, volunteers will be sought at all the Masses in the next few weeks.

 

Can school families participate in this campaign even though they are from another parish?                                                     Yes, all families who send their children are welcome to participate in the campaign. Specific permission was sought by Father Jim to allow parishioners from Saint Colman to participate since the project will benefit their children.

 

What happens to the Sisters in the convent?                                                                                                                          Right now there are three retired sisters living in the convent. They do not participate in the active life of the parish. They will easily find other accommodations in accordance with their religious superiors.  Father Jim has notified them and the project will not start until they find other accommodations.