Household repairs are never "fun." A vacation sounds much more appealing than replacing a roof or buying a new washer and dryer. However, just like at your homes, here at the parish items need to be replaced and repaired to save money in the long run.

Several months ago, a bulletin column mentioned necessary repairs around Christ the King. The major expense is the replacement of the original boiler system in the school (which also heats the church). The extensive work of replacing the system, redoing all of the piping throughout and repairing radiators is estimated at $900,000. Facilities Chairman Brian Smith has updated our repair list and I've asked that it be placed in the bulletin again for the next couple of weeks.

I wanted to bring this to your attention because with the help of the Parish Staff, Pastoral Council, Finance Council and a few members of the School Advisory Council we have been interviewing fundraising companies to undertake a capital campaign for our parish; specifically to handle all of these necessary repairs. The cost of hiring a firm to run a campaign ranges from $60,000 up to $140,000. We are in the process of making a final decision.  Bishop Blair and the Finance Council must approve before moving forward.

At one of the meetings a parishioner suggested we run the campaign without hiring a firm and use the pulpit as a means of solicitation. Even in a parish this size, we do not have enough people with the time, expertise and extensive energy necessary to run a capital campaign. I would rather use the pulpit to lead people to Jesus Christ than to solicit funds. It is important that this be done right and that a realistic goal be set for our parish when it comes to this campaign. That is where the professionals come in. Fundraising companies have the expertise and the manpower to run these campaigns. Additionally, they are aware of funding sources outside the walls of the parish. The additional funds professionals can bring in more than cover the expense of hiring them. I hope you can understand and will support this endeavor as we look to improve our current facilities.

A Feasibility Study will be part of the overall process. Truthfully, this is the part that most excites me. Through interviews and questionnaires, you - the members of the parish -will have an opportunity to offer constructive input about the direction of our parish community, leadership in parish and school, programs needed and those to be improved, and your ideas for improvements and additions to our campus. This information will help build and implement a strategic plan for Christ the King. Your input will give me focus for my remaining years as your pastor.

Once again, no decisions have been made, but as always I do want to keep you informed every step of the way. Information will be on our web site and in the bulletin.  As always, please keep the parish in your daily prayers! If you have any questions, please email me or ask me.

Fr. Bill Rose, Pastor

Click here to see the repair list.