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Parishioner Responses to July 14th Letter

 

Response to Fr. Bob’s July 14 Letter to Parishioners on the Status of the Building Project

Compiled on October 27, 2006

The following comments are for the most part taken verbatim from letters.  Some comments have been summarized and paraphrased for the purpose of brevity and clarity.

Those that are for building a new church:      

• I want to see new church completed.  The existing church is ugly and looks like a gym.
• We are retired and older (and cannot contribute a pledge to the building campaign), but for the sake of the young families in the parish, I hope you will find it possible to carry out the original plans.        
• Move forward with Phase I!
• It would be great if we could build a new church.  The parish would benefit from having a gym.
• I would like to see Phase I of the project continue.  Our parish will become too small once the population in the Lynnwood area grows.
• I think a 36% increase is astronomical, but it shouldn’t prevent us from moving forward.
• We pledged and contributed money for the dream of a new church.  We prefer that our money still be used for its original plan of a new church.
• I am not in favor of the minimal remodeling of the church into a gym.  If the project is undertaken it should be done properly and completely.
• We would like to see the building project completed thru Phase I.  
• We want to see a new church completed that is a more appropriate house of worship for our parish.
• I pray that our building project will continue and will be completed no matter what.
• I am in favor of Phase I and have and will continue to support my pledge to it.
• I would love a new church but it does seem that the costs may be more than our parish can afford.  
• I was so excited that St. Thomas More was going to build a new church!  I am sorry to hear that it may not happen.
• Let’s get ‘er done!
• I strongly support building a new church because we need to look into the future 10-15 years ahead.
• I remain convinced that a new church should be built.
• I have always supported the project and I feel the same way now.  I hope we can go ahead.
• Either proceed with the building project or credit our weekly envelopes.
• Let’s get cracking!  Time’s a wastin!  We’ve been dreaming of a real church since we moved into the parish in 1978.  I want a real church, not a sterile gymnasium.
• A new church would be nice and we know the children want a gym.
• It is difficult for me to believe that people think going to church in a gymnasium for 43 years is an adequate facility.  There is so much more a real church can offer.  I believe we need a new church.
• I would like to see the parish dig in their collective heels and get the new church built.
• We believe a new church building is necessary to improve our worship/liturgy.

Those against building a new church

• Briefly, we can’t afford a new church.  A new church building will not improve the quality of the music produced.
• I am not in favor of building a new church. I would like to see cosmetic improvements to the church.  A new building would be nice, but too costly.
• We were part of the 69% who wanted a new church.  We no longer support this position.  
• I am old and old-fashioned and don’t think we need a new church or a gym.
• I feel we don’t need a new church and that we should use the money to fix up the old church.
• We don’t need a new church.
• My pledge is fulfilled, however, looking back, I don’t believe we need a new church and will not pledge any more.
• For me and my husband, our church is perfect.  
• We think the current church is fine
• We don’t need a new church.  Suggest the interior of the present church be painted a neutral color to freshen it up.
• I recommend that the new church project be tabled.  It is apparent that the project is not [financially] feasible.
• I vote for remodeling the old church.  We just don’t need a new church.  Also, who’s to say in another 15 to 30 years there will be enough priests around to support the churches we have now.
• With the increased cost of construction, our thoughts are that a new church is a luxury the parish cannot afford and really doesn’t need—the church is the people, not the buildings.
• Enlarge the present space—extend the walls.
• I don’t think we need a new church.
• I am one who never did think we needed a new church.
• The other options presented [before the building project was determined in Phases] cost much less and these options should now be pursued.  Priority, however, should be given to necessary repairs and upgrades to existing buildings.
• We enjoy the church as it is.
• The burden on the parishioners [for building a new church at $7 million] is too great.
• We are quite content with our present church, as we have known it for many years.
• I was one of the people who wanted the new church built.  The estimate now is quite staggering.  
• I didn’t really support this project in the past because I felt it was more of a want than a need.  The lack of finances and support speak loudly.  I’d hate to mount such a debt on the parish so that all that is talked about at Mass is the financial shortfall stresses we’ve incurred.  
• We both like our present church.  Certainly probably some upgrades are needed.
• I have believed from the start that addressing the shortfalls in our church, then building a multi-purpose gym, would be a much wiser use of the parishioner money.
• I have been saying for years that we don’t need to go deeply in debt to build a new church.  We only have an overflow crowd at Easter and Christmas.  
• We were among the 31% who did not want a new church and our feelings haven’t changed.  We feel there is a greater need for the parish hall to be renovated, even enlarged.
• My family disagrees with the decision to build a new church.  While the improvements to the school infrastructure may have merit, the need for a new church building seems to be a stretch.  The current building seems to be adequate for our parish needs.
• I don’t see a need for another church.  Instead, maybe we could help those contemplating getting an abortion.  Can we, instead, build a home for unwed mothers?
• I do not support the building project.  If there are necessary improvements to be made, I am happy to contribute what I can, however I do not want to fund projects just so we can have a bigger, fancier church.
• I feel that we should keep our original building as a church.  Take what funds we have plus more that should come in from pledges and repair and renovate the church and other buildings on the grounds.
• It’s okay if we can’t have a new church yet.  
• I am not for building, but since you have some money, why not update what we have? And what about the cost of a new building—to heat it, maintain it, etc.  Sounds expensive.
• Why can’t we use existing proceeds to do a major remodel of the existing church building and [other facility needs].  

Those that want a new school gym only

• Can we build a gym with the funds raised and keep the church as is?
• Use the money collected to build the gym for the children.
• We would prefer that the money go to build an adequate gym for the school.  We believe this would be a more impressive option and would be an asset for the school.
• We believe that a multi-purpose facility/gym is the greatest need.  The ability for games of basketball and volleyball to be played indoors is important.  Also, it is important to have a room that is large enough for dances and parties.
• Why not build a gym/community center where the church was going?

Those that expressed concern or had comments about how the money that has been collected will be used if a church building is not constructed:

• Save it for rainy day.
• If we don’t build a church the money should be returned to donors!!
• If money is not raised, use what you have to remodel or enhance the current physical plant.
• I think $$ collected could be put to remodel existing church, get rid of the organ and get an excellent sound system.
• The money we have paid for a new church could be put in a bank earning interest and used in the future for special maintenance projects for the parish. As to refunds on this, I hope it never comes back to that.  If it did, I think there should be an option given to donors as to its distribution.
• [If the new church is not going to be built] I would like to have my donations back to give to [a Catholic school where I teach].

     

Additional comments:

• The breezeway should be enclosed.
• Enclosing the breezeway is not necessary or is the having of a multipurpose room or gym.
• I can’t afford to continue my pledge because of living expenses.
• I am in a legal battle and cannot help at this time.
• We are 85 years old and both disabled.  We cannot afford to contribute to a new church.
• Because of our age and retired status, we are unable to pledge a fixed amount for the building campaign.
• We think the enclosure of the breezeway sounds like a worthy cause.
• A new social hall with its own restrooms is needed if the new church is not built.
• If the study shows we need a new church then build it.  If we don’t, stop it. Do what we need.
• I am a new member and have not heard of the project.  I would like to have more information on why we need a new church building.
• Only about one-forth to one-third of all parishioners contribute financially to the parish. I do not want to continue to pay the share for those who can pay but do not.
• I don’t think we need another feasibility study.
• I have never believed that it was ok to have junior high school classes without a gym! We donated to the new church so the children of the school can have their gym. information if this building project is to happen.
• The economics of building a new church seem to be stretching costs beyond parish limits. Perhaps it is more appropriate now to consider and alternate plan of upgrading the current building to be more liturgically appropriate at much less cost.
• Is it an option to nicely remodel our current church and possibly add a gym  instead [of building a new church]?
• If we had no church at all, I would recommend we proceed.  However, I believe we have a good church, a school, a chapel and enough rooms in which to conduct additional activities. I recommend we use the monies we have to enclose the breezeway and take care of other maintenance issues with any remaining monies. If we lack money enough to begin the building program and are able to get by with what we have, I suggest we continue to invest incoming funds and wait until we are forced to start a new building fund drive.  Not now—the need just isn’t that visible to most of us.
• To solve the gym problem, a roof could be put over the basketball court similar to what a church did at 4th and 112th in South Everett.
• Surely it is not God’s will to impose undo hardship on those people [on low and fixed incomes] and or make those who can’t support such a drive feel guilty.
• 25-30% of parishioners should not be expected to carry the load [to pay for a new church].
• While we support the idea of a new church with more meeting space and a gym, it looks like that may not be realistic for STM.  
• In our opinion, the sum of money needed for a new church is totally out of reach. Therefore, we feel the best use of the money we have donated, and will continue to donate until our pledge is fulfilled, should be put toward remodeling the St. Thomas More Church office building and chapel.
• A new church would be nice but it will be a great burden [financially] if not impossible.  
• Regarding upgrades to the school—a very small percentage of the parish children attend the parish school. Unless there are improvements needed for safety, I do not feel comfortable funding a multi-million dollar project.
• I attended one of the community meetings [when the project was originally proposed] and was turned off by what I heard.  It sounded like the only thing that mattered was that the school dads wanted a gym.

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