Led by Bishop Earl Boyea, the Diocese of Lansing has boldly embarked upon an ambitious endeavor, driven by a noble and worthy goal: to support Catholic education vigorously and steadfastly across the diocese. The Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign reflects a sincere commitment to schools, families, and parishes, those who embody and model the values of faith, reason, and compassion in a rapidly changing world. In collaboration with parents and families, it is our sacred duty as Catholics to nurture and inspire the saints and scholars of tomorrow.
Combining Our Efforts
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and School is considering launching a combined campaign as part of the diocesan effort to raise additional funds for several essential parish projects. Already, our parish will receive 20% of the funds raised toward our parish’s target to use for local initiatives. Once we reach our parish target, 100% of the excess funds raised will go toward our local projects. Our proposed local parish projects are:
- Enhancing our endowment funds for teaching staff recruitment and retention programs
- Boosting our student scholarship awards
- Increasing financial assistance to better support our preschool and homeschooling families
- Addressing vital building projects, including replacing the preschool roof, renovating the Parish Hall, and remodeling the rectory wall
Your Voice
As a valued member of the St. Thomas family, we want to hear from you. Your input is vital in helping church leadership make informed decisions about the long-range plans for St. Thomas the Apostle Church and School.
If you haven’t yet received a packet of information in the mail, it should arrive soon and will include materials outlining the details of the study, proposed projects, and an invitation to participate either by completing a survey or by attending an in-person interview at the church.
We encourage you to prayerfully consider sharing your thoughts during this important time. Your feedback will play a key role in guiding our next steps as we move forward in faith.
God bless you,
Fr. Bill Ashbaugh, Pastor
Questions & Answers
I know you have questions regarding the study, so here are a few of the most common ones about the planning study process and what it could mean for our future:
Q. What is a planning study?
A. The study gauges support for the proposed projects and a potential major fundraising effort called a capital campaign. It lasts six weeks and will help identify possible volunteer leaders and set a financial goal should we move forward with a campaign.
Q. How will the study determine whether there is support?
A. The Steier Group will survey the entire St. Thomas the Apostle Church and School community as part of the planning study. The firm will compile your feedback and present it to our church and school leadership. We will then make an informed decision about the projects and a potential campaign. Hiring an experienced, professional development firm like the Steier Group ensures an effective, unbiased, and successful planning study.
Q. Why should we conduct a planning study?
A. Many churches use planning studies when considering a fundraising campaign. It is a wise first step because the study provides valuable information on how everyone feels about the proposed projects and a potential capital campaign. That information can also help customize a campaign that fits with the unique needs of our parish and school.
Q. What is a combined capital campaign?
A. A combined capital campaign is a fundraising effort for big projects and needs, such as major renovations, new buildings, boosting endowments, and eliminating debt. It is run in concert with a larger campaign (in this case, the diocesan Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign). Capital campaigns fund specific projects and needs. They are not for regular, ongoing costs like salaries and utility bills.
Q. How can parish and school members participate in and support the planning study process?
A. We ask only for your feedback and prayers during the study. You may be asked to take part in a personal interview with a member of the Steier Group team or to fill out an online or mailed questionnaire – both of which should take less than an hour. Your input will help us make wise decisions about the projects and a potential campaign. If we move forward with a capital campaign, you will be invited to participate in a variety of ways over the next few weeks and months.
I hope this answers many of your questions and adds to your excitement for the future of St. Thomas. If you have additional questions, please contact me at any time.
God bless you,
Fr. Bill Ashbaugh, Pastor