OUR LADY OF MERCY CATHOLIC CHURCH
ORGANIZATIONAL READINESS
AND BUILDING CAMPAIGN POTENTIAL
The objectives of this study, in order, were to ascertain:
1. The understanding of and the attitudes toward the various capital needs and plans of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church by representative leaders in the organization.
2. The plans’ relevance and efficiency in serving the needs of the Church.
3. Development of a new Mission and Vision statement that became an identified need in the initial stages of the discussions.
4. The acceptance of the need and worthiness of the proposed plans by the Parish members.
5. Selection of which capital improvement plan would best meet the physical, programmatic and spiritual development needs of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.
6. The degree to which key persons in the parish might respond when asked to give leadership to the selected proposed plan to build a new church.
7. What level of campaign investment would be perceived as a realistic, achievable goal?
8. The potential availability of significant levels of giving in relationship to the goal from within the parish.
9. The proper timing, strategy, and identification of any special conditions or concerns on the part of the members of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church that might need to be met before a campaign could successfully be launched.
10. Securing a decision from the Parish leadership to proceed with a selected capital project, in this case, building a new church on land located across from the current church location on Rt. 39 which will be donated by Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, US Province. The Sisters have stipulated that building must be in progress within a 5-10 year period (negotiable) or the land will revert to their possession.
The data for this study was gathered by working intensively with the Development committee, reviewing studies and needs assessments, walking the available property, reviewing renovation needs of the current property, providing Church-wide focus groups for open discussion and information sharing, and interviewing individuals identified as being in positions of organizational leadership and other members of the parish whose judgment is respected.
A Readiness study is an examination of the willingness of a broad spectrum of constituency and a sampling of community leaders to support a program of capital development. Per study design and direction of the Development Committee and Father Tom, the study for Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church focused only on the organization’s leadership and governing bodies, other than some general queries by the consultant.
The Steering Committee retained Constance M. Clark of MISSION POSSIBLE Nonprofit Solutions, Ltd. to conduct the development study. The resulting Focus Groups and individual interviews were generally informal, with emphasis on subjective responses and free exchange of information. Each person was assured of the confidential nature of the interview in order that responses would be as candid as possible.
In-depth focus group presentations and individual interviews were conducted to test the proposal of whether to build a new church or remain in the current church and renovate. This presentation was developed by the Development Committee and council. A tally of responses follows at the end of this report for review.
KEY ELEMENTS RESULTING FROM THE STUDY:
1. Reaction to the proposed plans.
There is tremendous positive support of the building of a new church on the donated land. Out of 54 written responses received as of October 12, 2010, 89% were in favor of moving forward with the project. The prevailing sentiment shared in personal visits and phone calls to those unable to attend the Focus group meetings were also positive.
Based upon the confidential questionnaires and observation of discussions, there is more than adequate support of the members of the parish to move forward with the new church process. The responders are enthusiastic and eager to move forward in the VERY NEAR FUTURE with the project.
There are five primary concerns voiced by those unsure or not in favor of the new church construction:
· This is a difficult economy, therefore funds will not be available
· Construction costs and other outside forces will prevent it from going forward
· We have discussed plans many times over the years with no action
· We cannot fill our current church
· I am happy with the current church-This was also mentioned by many in support of the project who voiced a wish for an intimate, simply designed structure.
These areas of concern will be addressed and answer themselves when the project moves forward. Efforts should be made to retain and incorporate various elements of the current church into the design and to build a church that is both spiritually and physically inviting to address concerns over size and design issues.
2. Determination of a projected goal.
The majority felt a campaign to raise money for a new church was realistic and attainable. The majority (18) feel very comfortable with $750,000-$1,250,000, a strong representation (10) feel comfortable with $1,250,000-$1,750,000 and a smaller group (6) feel construction costs could go as high as $1,750,000-$3,250,000.Based upon council’s experience with local capital campaigns and current construction costs, the recommendation is a campaign goal between $1,250,000 and $1,750,000 would be very realistic. Once discussions are held as to the actual size and number of pews needed, as well as, future programmatic spaces and common social areas are determined, a goal can be determined.
3. Availability of large gifts within Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.
Everyone interviewed, except three persons, said they would give to the capital campaign. Most indicated a level of giving. Based upon responses received (which were not firm commitments) when asked what level would you consider over 5 years, the total came to over $340,000 when calculated at the lowest level of each gift range indicated. This added to the funds already in a custody account for capital development places Our Lady of Mercy Church with nearly a million dollars before the campaign begins. This does not include any funding from local businesses, foundations or other stakeholders outside the parish.
4. Availability of potential leadership for the campaign.
A majority of the persons interviewed stated they would assist in the campaign in some capacity. Of the 36 written responses, only two stated they would not be able to assist in the campaign primarily due to other commitments. Others stated that they would serve as leaders and yet others indicated that they would make a few calls on prospects.
Sixteen individuals indicated in writing that they would be willing to serve on a committee for planning and/or leadership in the campaign.
5. Timing and strategy for the campaign.
Timing of the campaign seems to be a key issue. Though they were aware that the economy is very difficult, particularly in Carroll County, and there are other campaigns being conducted and others planned for the future, the majority of those interviewed encouraged us to move forward. They pointed out that waiting would not help and that the need is apparent, now.
6. Understanding of the benefits of membership in Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.
There is no question that all participants share a love of one another and understand the church is a means to awaken true liturgical piety in all believers, drawing them into the life, mind and heart of Jesus Christ. (Even when they are challenged with the potential to build a new place for worship.) All attendees understood the priorities established in prior studies and the need to meet programmatic, as well as, structural needs of the church family. Even more evident was their understanding that the church structure itself has to be grounded on liturgical piety or it will not fulfill the role for which it was built.
OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
It was not the intention of the study, nor did the study director ask for specific gifts that would be forthcoming during a campaign. However, several key individuals and families stated their gifts would fall into a significant giving level. The study council felt that several of the persons interviewed had the potential to give a lead gift-either as an individual family or as a larger family unit of multiple relatives. With a lead gift (a gift that is equal or greater than 10% of the overall goal), the campaign will begin with a strong sense of success and credibility. There were also a significant number of names of companies, corporations, families and individuals mentioned who have the potential of giving large gifts. Some of the persons interviewed did share an amount they would consider giving. It was encouraging that all persons, who were in a position to do so, except three stated they were un-willing to give through their company and/ or personally.
LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
Most of the respondents in the study were willing to work in a campaign effort. Over ninety percent of those interviewed stated they would assist on a campaign committee, take a leadership role, or make some key calls on behalf of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. An additional few said maybe. The study council felt this was one of the areas that will need help if a campaign will be successful. In many cases, more depends on who asks for money than what they ask for. To be successful, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church must be able to recruit well respected members to serve on the campaign committee and take leadership roles, particularly the role of Campaign Chair. The study director feels we can be successful in also recruiting community and corporate leaders through proper cultivation and education given the respect that key people expressed for the local church.
COMMUNITY READINESS
During the interviews the study director was told repeatedly about the other campaigns in the area and the economy. However, almost all persons interviewed felt Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church should continue with their plans and not feel discouraged about other fund raising efforts or the threats of the economy. The interviewees were saying the church should get its story out to the other members of the congregation who did not attend the Focus groups or have visits, and that once the story is told, the campaign will be supported. Organization pride was evident throughout the interviews and specifically referred to as a quality that will enable Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church to get the needed things done with an eye ever on your faith so you can go out and achieve your mission.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The study council recommends a very strong public relations and awareness program over the next few months targeted to those who will be asked to support Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and participate in the campaign. Many of the persons interviewed did speak in general terms rather than specifics. Some felt as though only minimal awareness of the church’s services are known within the community. A stronger public information and relations program will give prospects – and the church service area – a wider knowledge of the current church and the future home of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Further, it will build momentum for a proposed campaign.
CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE
It is recommended that Father Batt, along with the advice and direction of the Development committee and consultant, organize a campaign steering committee composed of leading parish committee or board members and community leaders. This committee will work with a designated general chair on the very important planning stages. The committee will also develop the campaign plan that will include strategies and steps for all phases of the campaign and oversee the inner family and pace setting gift solicitation phase of the campaign.
Please note: A faith-based campaign has a much shorter window of fundraising. The actual campaign within Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church parish will only last about 6-8 weeks. Other gifts will be secured from the community, foundations and other stakeholders over the following months, but the initial pledge period within the local church is time sensitive.
The study director cannot stress enough the importance of following - and even “getting ahead” of the calendar. Campaigns lose significance, enthusiasm and momentum if calendars are allowed to slip. The campaign effort cannot afford to lose momentum and enthusiasm once the decision is made to move forward with the proposed project.
CONCLUSION
Taking into account all that has been determined through the study process and the conclusions made, the study director recommends the following:
That a campaign for Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church with a goal of $1,500,000 be planned to begin in 2011 and no later than 2012. In addition, such a campaign will require that the facility and site plans begin soon and that the church spend much of these next few months cultivating prospects, recruiting leadership and proceeding with a planned public awareness campaign to meet the needs of revealing the Christian mystery and the eternal divine plan for humanity, as revealed in Jesus Christ.
Report prepared by:
|