Building for a Vibrant Future
Online Survey
Between May 23 and 30, we invite you to complete an online survey for our parish feasibility study. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions on our potential parish capital campaign. Thank you for your participation. Please note: If you participated in an interview or filled out a survey form at one of the town hall meetings, please do not complete an online survey.
Tremendous Growth
St. Gertrude Parish was founded in 1923 as a mission church. Since then, we have grown into an exciting community of over 2,000 active families. Our Mass attendance has increased over 50 percent in the past three years, and new families continue to join St. Gertrude Parish every month! The parish has over 60 established ministries, and our school now has over 360 students.
Current Situation
We are so grateful to God that our parish is flourishing. However, our parish facilities have not been able to keep pace with our tremendous growth. We desperately lack adequate meeting and gathering space, and our five weekend Masses are full to the brim. Our church organ is failing, it’s a safety hazard to have our school children cross the parking lot every day for gym class, and our Dominican sisters need a new convent.
To determine whether a capital campaign is feasible, we have engaged Greater Mission to conduct a parish-wide feasibility study. Parishioners will be invited to provide confidential input that will guide our next steps.
Looking to the Future
This effort is not about meeting wants; it is about addressing the critical needs that have been identified by our recent parish strategic planning process and the continued reflection of our clergy and staff over the past several years. It is about providing the physical facilities so that every parishioner can participate in the life of our parish, live the Gospel, and celebrate the sacraments, allowing each person to encounter Jesus Christ in an ever deeper way for decades to come.
Volunteer Opportunities
Leadership Team
Meets three or four times to provide counsel to the pastor and attends home and parish meetings to bear witness to the need for the campaign.
Home Gathering Host
Host one “home gathering” event, providing light refreshments and an opportunity for parishioners to hear about the campaign and receive their gift packages.
Hospitality Team
Assists at large parish gatherings. Roles include greeters, providing food, or helping with housekeeping. Members assist at one or more events, depending on availability.
Advocate
Call parishioners to encourage attendance at parish gatherings (no solicitation).
Prayer Team
Pray daily for the success of the campaign, especially on days of important campaign events.
