April 13, 2025 Update from Fr. Doug LeCaptain:

Dear Parishioners, 
 
I am excited to share with you this important update on our journey toward our new building at the Grand site (gathering space, parish offices, and meeting spaces). This project has been a dream that has been prayerfully envisioned and faithfully pursued by our parish community. Thanks to your generous support, encouragement, and belief in this project we have made incredible progress and generated  momentum that we must continue. 

 We have raised $2.4 million dollars towards our Rebuild My Church $2.5 million dollar goal. Our project bids from contractors came in last week at $3.2 million dollars. Given that we set the original goal of $2.5 more than two years ago, and the recent rise in building costs (tariffs), I believe the $3.2 million dollars to be a good bid and within reach.

 I met with the Pastoral and Finance councils last week to consult on this project. While keeping the needs of the parish in mind, recalling the many generous parish donors, and reviewing the finances of the parish, a motion was made and passed to “approve the capital expenditure of $3.2 million with approval to borrow up to $700,000 for the Grand site addition.” I come to you to inform you of this decision to move forward, and to ask if there are any major objections. Feel free to contact myself, our business manager Dcn. Mark LeGreve, or Connie Heinzen, for further information and/or to express your concerns.  

To move this project forward, and with the hope of a June 1st contract award, we must decide now. This decision involves the possibility of a loan up to $700,000 (which is less than 25% of the project). The other option would be to delay the project at this time and consider a redesign to decrease the size of the building in an attempt to reduce the construction cost. The expenses involved in that redesign process (architect fees, future increases in materials cost, etc.) would likely result in costing around the same $3.2 million dollars, but with having reduced-size building and a delay of another year. 
 
I believe the current proposal is the right size building for us, and now is the time to move forward to Rebuild Our Church. I also believe that with continued fundraising, combined with future donations from those that are waiting to see the “shovel in the ground” before they make their donation, that we will greatly reduce the amount of the loan. Additionally, we can use the sale of our current office building (estimated at $340,000) to help reduce the cost of the loan, once we get it sold.   

 This new Gathering Center is more than a building...it is a place where lives will be enriched, relationships deepened, and faith celebrated. A place of hospitality, where we can gather, plus the benefit of a parish office that is attached to one of our worship sites. I am confident that with continued stewardship, and prudent financial planning, we will be able to repay this loan responsibly, while honoring our commitment to serve the mission of Christ here at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

 Thank you again for walking this journey. Your generosity and faith, expressed as living Disciples of Jesus Christ, are the foundation upon which this center will stand now, and for generations to come.
 

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February 23, 2025 Update from Fr. Doug LeCaptain:

Last October, we had a gala to raise money for the new building at our Grand site (our Rebuild My Church campaign). This event raised $110, 085. Thanks to all of the donors and to all who helped with the event!  Our next gala is scheduled for Friday, October 3rd. Mark your calendar and save the date!     

We are moving forward on our plans for our new building at our Grand site, with a gathering space, offices, and meeting areas. The plans have been submitted to the state for approval. We are doing well in our fundraising efforts. Thank you to those that have given. Note the update and the building layout in this bulletin on pages 5, 6, & 7. Please prayerfully consider a donation to help finish up this phase of the Rebuild My Church capital campaign.  

Project Progress Update:

• Of the original campaign goal of $2.5 million, we now need only $327,175 to reach that goal amount!
• Of the $100,000 dollar-for-dollar matching funds opportunity (provided by the Knights of Columbus and a generous anonymous donor) to date we have received $64,320 in donations towards that match.
• Our building plans have been finalized and submitted to the state for approval.
• Our building plans have been submitted to the city of Manitowoc for approval.
• Our building plans have been sent to contractors to request quotations.
• This schedule suggests that we may receive the necessary approvals to be able to proceed this summer, following with groundbreaking as soon as the selected contractor can begin.

 
For those who have questions, or would like more details, Fr. Doug, Dcn. Mark, or Connie Heinzen are available to answer your questions. You can reach us by calling (920) 684-3718 or by email to: [email protected]
 
 

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Click here to read an update from Fr. Doug LeCaptain on 9/13/24

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