Celebrating a Growing Church!

In his November 1, 2000 official announcement about the diocesan capital stewardship campaign, Most Reverend Michael A. Saltarelli said:

"And while the campaign's immediate goals are to help build new churches, two new regional elementary schools and to meet other parish needs, this campaign is really about a vision for our diocese that all Catholics hold. That vision is a place where we can all share our blessings so that everyone's needs are addressed, where we all assume responsibility for ourselves and for each other.  We are asking Catholics to respond, not only to the needs of individual parishes, but to also look beyond parish boundaries and provide for new schools, new churches... indeed, new parishes, for the total Catholic community."

The people of the Diocese have embraced this vision and have happily taken up this charge with an ambitious fundraising campaign. The capital campaign, entitled "Bringing the Vision to Life," addresses two very pressing needs that directly affect each and every Catholic in the Diocese of Wilmington: facility expansion or improvement at the parish level, and building additional schools. Over a three-year period, a minimum of $50 million will be raised to underwrite the cost of these multiple projects.

The diocesan phase of the campaign, "Bringing the Vision to Life," will raise a minimum of $20 million in capital funds to build two new regional elementary schools and to expand the facilities at the existing high school in Magnolia, Delaware, St. Thomas More Academy. A new elementary interparochial school named Christ the Teacher Catholic School will be built in Glasgow, Delaware. A second interparochial elementary school named Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School will be built in Ocean Pines, Maryland..

 Christ the Teacher Catholic School - Glasgow, DE

Christ the Teacher Catholic School, serving Grades K through 8, will be built adjacent to the new parish, St. Margaret of Scotland. This regional school will draw students from and be supported by several area parishes. Seven surrounding parishes baptize nearly 800 infants per year and maintain an enrollment of over 2,700 children in religious education programs. This pool of potential students will more than sustain enrollment. This new school will be built at a minimum cost of $11 million

Opening day is set for September 3, 2002. Enrollment is nearing 400 students of two classes for each grade K through 5. There will also be one class of grade 6 with expansion to two sixth grades as well as seventh grade in September 2003 and grade eight in September 2004..

 Most Blessed Sacrement School - Berlin/Ocean Pines, MD

The Catholic communities of Worcester County, Maryland, and Southern Sussex County, Delaware, are served by 13 parishes and missions, none of which has a Catholic elementary school. Over the past 10 years, more than 1,700 infants have been baptized in these area parishes and nearly 1,000 children are enrolled in religious education classes each year. In light of the recent population surge in this area, the Diocese called for a feasibility study to determine the current and future demands for a Catholic elementary school. The study revealed great support for a school and identified the site of St. John Neumann Church in Berlin/Ocean Pines, MD as the most desirable location for a regional school. The estimated cost for this project is $9 million.

Opening date is set for September 2003. Most Blessed Sacrament School will open initially with one class of each grade, K through 8, and a preschool. The common areas such as the gymnasium, cafeteria and media center will be built to eventually accommodate two classes of each grade..

 Expansion of St. Thomas More Academy

St. Thomas More Academy, one of two Catholic high schools operated by the Diocese, provides the option of Catholic secondary education to families in the counties of Kent and Sussex. The school opened in 1997 with a total enrollment of 42 students in its freshman and sophomore classes. At that time, the first stage of construction was completed allowing for only 19,000 square feet for classroom and office space. With enrollment increasing annually, it is time to expand the school to eventually accommodate a student population of up to 500.

Site work for the St. Thomas More Academy expansion project has begun. The new 27,000 square foot building will house a cafetorium, music and arts rooms, administrative offices, library and guidance suite and a chapel. The cost is estimated at $4MM.

In the parish phase, the campaign will raise a minimum of $30 million to be used by the Diocese's 56 parishes according to their individual needs. At least 5 parishes will seek funds to build new churches. Other parishes will expand facilities, attend to deferred maintenance, pay off debt, and build endowment.

Parish campaigns have been divided into four "waves." The first wave, with 13 parishes involved, began campaign preparations in December 2000 and concluded with solicitation in June of 2001. The second wave, consisting of 14 parishes, completed solicitation efforts in January 2002. Sixteen (16) Wave III parishes began campaigns in December 2001 with the major portion of solicitation efforts concluding June 2002. The fourth and final Wave has begun preparatory work with parishioner solicitation scheduled for November/December 2002.

All contributions will be shared between the parish and the education expansion project. 60% up to the base goal, 80% up to the challenge goal and 100% raised above the challenge goal will remain in each parish. .

 Investing In Our Faith

"Bringing the Vision to Life" is not simply about "bricks and mortar" projects, or even dollars to be raised. It is about meeting the educational and spiritual needs of the people in our communities, through our parishes, schools and diocesan ministries. It is about providing our children with strong foundations on which to build their lives. It is about investing in our own futures by investing in the education of our children. And, it is about understanding and practicing Christian stewardship within our communities and our church.

The future of the church, and its place in the community, is in the hands of the people. Much of what the church has accomplished is due, in no small part, to the selfless generosity of the men and women in our parishes, both today and in past generations. Through the capital campaign, "Bringing the Vision to Life," Bishop Michael Saltarelli invites each and every Catholic in the Diocese of Wilmington to join together and help breathe life into the important work of spiritual renewal and evangelization through this vital project.
 

 Update on Parish Projects

St. Helena's Parish has begun major work to the church including renovation of the sanctuary area and rooms for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, installation of a new pipe organ, the creation of additional service areas, and a handicapped entrance in the rear of the church.

St. Edmond Parish in Rehoboth and the soon to be new parish of St. Jude the Apostle in Lewes have recently placed orders for two temporary modular buildings which will serve as a parish center and rectory while plans for more permanent facilities continue.

Holy Spirit Parish has completed major repairs to several of its buildings including application of new roofs.

St. John Parish in Milford has begun Phase I of a Multi-Phase Capital Improvement/Expansion Program. Phase I consists of the complete renovation of the parish hall, creating larger classrooms, and additional meeting space. Phase II will see the construction of a new hall and additional classrooms.

At St. Patrick Parish in Wilmington, new windows were installed in the senior residence and major renovations and repairs to all stained glass windows is nearing conclusion at St. Mary Parish in Wilmington.

St. Dennis Parish is expanding its religious education facilities and has begun renovation to several buildings to accommodate handicapped persons.

St. Mary Refuge of Sinners Parish in Cambridge has begun yet another major project, the expansion of facilities at its mission in Golden Hill. The parish is contructing an addition to the historic church to provide space for meetings, religious instruction, and social events.

Immaculate Conception Parish in Marydel has completed construction of a computer resource center (a joint venture project with UPS), and has initiated major renovations to the hall including window replacements, lighting upgrade, and the addition of 5000 square feet to its parking lot.

St. Mary Magdalen Parish has replaced windows in the school and is preparing to do the same in the rectory. In July three rooms in the school building will be renovated and work continues on the new baptismal font.

The dedication of St. Polycarp Parish's new religious education and parish center is set for early September.
 

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