Capital Campaign

Frequently Asked Questions

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What’s the situation with the private residence that is on Visitation’s campus? Do we plan to buy that at some point?

This certainly would be an attractive option for Visitation in the future and we have discussed this potential with the owner. However, the matter is currently not resolved.

With the plans to create the Science Center by expanding a current classroom and knocking down the common wall, will we lose a classroom?

No, the Computer Classroom (currently located in the northeast corner of school) will be moved when the Computer Lab addition is completed. The classroom (currently on the site of the new Science Center) will be moved into the space vacated by the Computer Classroom. The new Computer Lab will provide 1,600 square feet of additional space to the school. The renovated Science Center will become a 1,175 square foot classroom.

What are the differences between the projects originally included in Phase 1 and the projects currently included in Phase 1?

Essentially all elements have remained in the Master Plan for the campus. However, due to the amount of parishioner dollars pledged to date it is recommended to move several items to later phases of the project. This will allow us to preserve the main components of the project in the first phase, while allowing construction to begin sooner. For the school, the Kindergarten and Pre-School wall build-outs, Art Classroom and Art storage update are recommended to move to Phase 2. In the Parish Center, square footage was removed from the large meeting room. Plus finishes (paint & trim) will only be included on the first floor and the Choral Room and main hallway of the basement. Other basement rooms will be built, but will remain unfinished until funds are available. On the parish grounds, it is recommended to move the contemplation garden and bell tower to Phase 3.

What’s our timing? When will we actually be able to begin to build?

It is recommended by our architect to bid the project our in the Fall and build in the Springtime. Exactly “which” Fall and “which” Spring this will take place remains to be seen. We need to adhere to Joliet Diocesan guidelines which require all parishes to have 100% of pledges received and 75% of money received before breaking ground. Due to rising building costs, it is certainly advisable to break ground sooner rather than later. If fundraising and pledges continue in a positive direction, we hope to begin the bidding process in Fall of 2009 and breaking ground in Spring 2010.

Considering the parish still needs $1.2 million in pledges, where will the money come from to complete the necessary pledges for the project?

The goal for the Parish has always been to remain debt free if at all possible. Therefore, we anticipate that the gap between what is pledged to date and what is needed will come from new parishioner investments and 2nd-time gifts from Parishioners. Nearly 500 members of our Parish family have already completed their pledge payments. With the Challenge Match that’s been discussed, pledges can now double in size.

We’re hesitant to make a pledge. Do the gold envelopes help?

Keep in mind that pledges can be paid for another 3 years (and then some, if needed.) If you’re currently putting $5, $10 or $20 in the gold envelopes, please keep doing so. Yes, they help! But also consider making your intentions known to Father, so that we can count on that pledge. Without the pledge (Letter of Intent) for communication we don’t know whether we can count on the gold envelopes coming week after week. Each Letter of Intent we receive can be counted toward the $1.2 million that is needed and gets us one step closer to breaking ground.

How are we going to get there?

This is a project by the parish, for the parish. Each parishioner needs to evaluate for him or herself where they are at with their commitment and enthusiasm for the project. This is a momentous occasion in Visitation’s history. Each of us has the opportunity to make a difference for generations to come. This funding effort will require participation by all.

What will the projects in Phase 2 now cost?

The architects currently estimate that the items in Phase 2 will cost approximately $1.9 million. Those include the large multi-purpose room for the school, expansion of the Pre-K and Kindergarten rooms and Art room renovation.

How will we be recognized for our gift?

Once the campaign is complete, an alphabetical listing of all who have supported this campaign with a financial gift will be mounted in the new Parish Hall. The listing will not portray the amount of money given by individuals, but simply represent the community effort it has taken to successfully complete the project.

How much is every family expected to give?

There is no “set” amount being requested. We are asking every family to prayerfully consider a gift of equal sacrifice – this amount looks different for every family as financial needs and abilities vary with every household.

I don’t want to pledge, but I would like to make a one-time gift. Is that okay?

Some people choose to utilize the five-year pledge period in order to make giving generously more affordable for them. Others, however, choose to make a single investment with a check, cash, credit card or gift of stock.

Is my gift to the capital campaign tax-deductible?

Your gift to Visitation Parish, a charitable not-for-profit organization, is tax deductible to the extent provided by law. This requires that the donor itemize his/her deductions by using the appropriate tax forms.

Why are we beginning with a preliminary goal of $4 million?

While the immediate needs of the Parish campus total $6.25 million, we began this effort with a preliminary goal of $4 million, which reflects our parishioners’ willingness to help as was shared in the preparation phase and parish surveys we received. The “gap” between the $4 million goal and the need of $6.25 million may be filled by exceeding the fundraising goal through the generosity of parishioners or alternative financing, which is outlined below.

What are the other funding options to bridge any remaining gap between the $6,255,000 and $4,000,000 goal?

There are many opportunities to make up the difference including a Memorial Gifts Program, a Bequests Program, and a monthly Building Fund envelope, all of which would bring in additional funds over the next 3-5 years. Any remaining portion after utilizing these revenue sources could be borrowed from the Diocese at 7% over 10 years. By meeting and exceeding the challenge goal, the option of borrowing money and taking on a parish debt would not be necessary.

What happens if we make a pledge and our income drops? Is my pledge legally binding?

No, pledges are not legally binding. If a family’s financial situation should change, simply re-evaluate the ability to fulfill the pledge and notify the parish office of the change.