ENDING THE NEW CHURCH PROJECT

As announced at the 2022 State of the Parish meeting on July 30, 2022, the Parish has ended the New Church Project.  Every donor to the 2000 and 2006 “To Build Church” capital campaigns will have an opportunity to either (1) repurpose their donated funds to support the parish’s revised master plan or (2) reclaim their original donation amount.

On August 17, 2022, we mailed a letter to donors to the “To Build Church” capital campaigns describing the reasons for ending the New Church Project.  The letter included a Donor Request Form to be returned to the Parish Office with the donor’s decision to repurpose their donation to support the revised parish master plan or to reclaim their donation(s).   Click here for more information or contact the Parish Office.

Why was the New Church Project canceled?

Construction cost inflation and the unresolved Tribal Cultural Resources challenge have made a new church unrealistic. Based upon our current cost estimate, we will need another $20 million in addition to the funds raised by the “To Build Church” capital campaigns to complete the new church.  This assumes a reduction in the original size of the building and other changes to reduce cost, and it excludes the unknown cost and time to address Tribal Cultural Resources and any additional City requirements.  

In addition, we no longer need a larger church because fewer people are attending Sunday Mass.  Our average Sunday Mass attendance was 3,000 in 1999 when planning for the new church project began. In 1999 parishioners had to stand in the back of the church at some Masses, but by 2022 our average Sunday Mass attendance had decreased to only 1,000.  Similar Sunday Mass attendance declines have been experienced elsewhere in the Bay Area and across the country.

Is there a plan to build a new church in the future?

No. In 2023 we renovated our existing church. The church renovation included accessibility improvements, new restrooms, a new stationary soundproof wall separating church and hall, enclosed entry vestibules, stained glass windows, and other improvements to beautify our worship space.  Renovating our existing church cost $3 million, compared to a 2022 cost estimate of over $20 million for a new church.

How much was donated to the To Build Church capital campaigns?

Total donations to the To Build Church capital campaigns were $6,995,533.  As of the end of 2023 donors had repurposed $3.2 million for the church renovation and the parish master plan, and $968 thousand has been returned at the request of donors.

How will repurposed donations be used?

The first priority for repurposed funds was renovation of the existing church.  Additional repurposed capital campaign funds were used to repair Ministry House 1 as part of the parish master plan.  As additional repurposed funds become available the next priority will be repairing and renovating the Carriage House.

Will there be another capital campaign?

There is no current plan for another capital campaign. A future capital campaign may be considered if the amount of repurposed funds and parish savings are insufficient for future projects in the parish master plan.

Moving forward

As we end the New Church Project after so many years, we thank our parishioners and donors for your prayers, patience, and contributions, and all those who worked so hard on the Project.  While not building a new church is a disappointment for many, our parish is moving forward with great excitement, trusting that the Lord will continue to guide us.