Capital Campaign - FAQ's

When will the campaign start and how long will it last?

The campaign is in the preparation phase now. We are recruiting volunteers, planning events and developing future communications. We will share additional information as we move forward, and in early June we will publicly kick off the campaign for all parishioners. The campaign will offer a three-year pledge period to fulfill any gifts pledged.

What can we expect with communication as the campaign progresses?

Campaign information will be shared regularly via the bulletin and emails. Eventually, all parishioners will receive a full campaign packet in the mail. Now is a great time to ensure your mailing address is up to date with the parish office before campaign mailings. Keep your eye on our social media as well. We plan to post campaign updates and information there as a supplement to more formal communication.

Is this the best time for a campaign?

Pinpointing the ideal timing for a campaign can be challenging. However, our planning study was clear that we have strong support to propel this project forward. The campaign will take place throughout the summer, offering opportunities for everyone to engage with the campaign in a meaningful way. Moreover, construction expenses have somewhat stabilized since the rise at the height of the pandemic and with economic forecasts suggesting a stabilization of interest rates by the end of summer and into the fall, the timing appears opportune for our campaign's progression.

Why is there a need for this additional space?

Building a new parish hall and chapel will create space for our existing programs to flourish and provide opportunities for new programming, community outreach, education and fellowship. Currently, the space is extremely limited. Some ministry groups have been so pressed to find space that they have chosen not to meet at the church. We want those events to be hosted here, in our home. The new project doesn’t just provide additional space, it offers a diversity of space from small meeting rooms to a large parish hall, multiple preparation spaces and reception areas. Additionally, moving the chapel to have an exterior door, could allow for perpetual adoration in the future.

How does the projected growth of the area factor into these plans?

The city of Pickering provided the Archdiocese of Toronto a detailed 20-year population forecast. Additionally, the Archdiocese worked directly with a respected planning firm to give more specific growth estimates for the area parishes. Within both reports are several key statistics that indicate our parish community will continue growing over the next 10-20 years: A 62% population increase over the 2021-2040 timeframe is expected, equal to over 100,000 more people in Pickering. Forecasters expect close to 41,000 new units to be constructed, or about 2,000 per year. The parish boundaries include the Liverpool neighborhood, which alone will see an increase of over 3,000 housing units and close to 2,000 additional families. Other communities within the parish boundaries will also see exponential growth. Specifically, St. Isaac Jogues could see the population grow close by roughly 66,000 families in total within the parish boundaries. It is estimated, that roughly 20% of all new families will be Catholic with 10% of those being regular church goers. Last year, the church hosted 135 candidates for confirmation, 175 for first communion, 127 families for baptism and 66 funerals. With the influx of residents, those numbers will grow significantly, if not double.

Is the Archdiocese of Toronto planning to support our efforts?

Simple answer: Yes. The archdiocese supports our campaign and project plans providing review and approval at each step in the process. Archdiocesan leaders are excited to hear about our progress and will financially contribute to the project. Details on what that support will look like are still being ironed out.

Will other funding opportunities be considered?

Definitely! We have already started looking at foundations and businesses that might consider contributing to the campaign along with potential government funding opportunities.

How will the new parish hall contribute to the sacramental life of the parish?

The new parish hall and chapel will be a wonderful addition to our community and greatly contribute to our parish's sacramental life. It will provide a space for fellowship and community-building activities, which are integral to fostering a sense of belonging among our parishioners. Additionally, the parish hall offers opportunities for catechesis and spiritual formation. We can host religious education classes, Bible studies, and sacramental preparation programs in this space, enabling our parishioners to deepen their understanding of their faith and grow in their spiritual lives. These educational initiatives help to nourish the faith of both adults and children, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the sacraments and their significance in our lives as Catholics. Moreover, the parish hall and chapel can serve as a venue for various liturgical celebrations and devotional practices. From hosting small group prayer meetings to providing a space for Eucharistic adoration, the hall and chapel can offer flexibility in accommodating a wide range of spiritual activities that enhance the sacramental life of our parish. In essence, the new parish hall will become a hub of spiritual vitality within our community, facilitating encounters with Christ and opportunities for growth in faith and fellowship. By providing a welcoming environment for both social and spiritual gatherings, it enriches the sacramental life of our parish and helps us to live out our call to be a vibrant and active faith community.

Are the current renderings the final approved plans?

While the current renderings provide a preliminary representation of our plans, they are not necessarily the final approved plans. In the process of developing a project, there are often revisions and adjustments made based on various factors, including feedback from parishioners, regulatory requirements, and practical considerations. It's essential for us to ensure that any plans we finalize are in line with our parish's mission and values, current financial strength and forecast, and meets our future needs. Therefore, while the current renderings are ideal and meet all of our needs and more, they may undergo further refinement before they are officially approved and implemented.

How have we considered general maintenance and building upkeep in our plans?

It's essential for us to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our parish community. We understand that maintaining our buildings is a long-term commitment, and we are dedicated to ensuring that they remain safe, functional, and welcoming spaces for our parishioners and visitors. Additionally, we are exploring ways to implement sustainable practices and technologies that can help reduce the long-term maintenance costs and minimize our environmental impact.