ST. AMBROSE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

ST. AMBROSE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

St. Ambrose recently engaged the consulting firm Church Development of Kansas City to conduct a parish Feasibility Study to determine our readiness for a

Capital Campaign to address pressing facility issues and other concerns.

THE CHALLENGE

St. Ambrose Church was built more than 45 years ago, and our campus needs some vital repairs and maintenance to support a vibrant faith community. Just as you might see in your own homes, worldly assets wear out as the decades pass. The time has come to raise important funds to immediately address major facilities and operations concerns, safety & security challenges, and technology upgrades. We must also replenish our reserve funds for future needs to be in a better position to invest in ourselves for years to come.

THE STUDY

Over the past month we had great participation in our Feasibility Study to help inform next steps to raise important funds for St. Ambrose to immediately address major facilities and operations concerns, safety & security challenges, and technology upgrades. We must also replenish our reserve funds for future needs to be in a better position to invest in ourselves for years to come.

A broad cross-section of 222 households (243 individuals) provided feedback through interviews and online surveys. Church Development (campaign consultants) have presented the results from the study to the Finance and Parish Councils. The results indicate strong parishioner support, and as such, approval was given to begin moving forward with a Capital Campaign.

Here are a few highlights from the study:

• 97% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that St. Ambrose Catholic Church effectively meets their Spiritual needs.
• 93% of the respondents have a high level of confidence in and trust in parish leadership to make wise decisions about the future of the church.
• 89% of respondents rate the proposed St. Ambrose facility projects as important or very important.
• 89% of the respondents would financially support the three-year capital campaign at some level.

Financial Forecast

Based on the positive results of the overall study, Church Development forecasts the following for

St. Ambrose Catholic Church from parishioners:

• 90% probability of raising $1,500,000
• 70% probability of raising $2,000,000
• 50% probability of raising $3,000,000

This financial forecast is based on a professionally run, three-year capital campaign that includes parishioner engagement, clear communication, stewardship education, and prayerful discernment.

OUR PLAN

These crucial projects directly affect parish life: our worship, ministry, and community services. 

Facilities / Operations

Roof Project

Repairing sewer issues in lower parking lot

Re-pave/mark all parking areas

Higher Efficiency HVAC for Church

Improve accessibility to the campus buildings

Enlarging gathering space in church

Refurbish pews and kneelers (padded pews)

Safety & Security

Windows and doors

Cameras

Technology

Digitize marquee

Church lighting and controls

Reserve Funds

Replenish savings with the Diocese

We are planning to ask every St. Ambrose family to make a 3-year pledge of 3% of their annual family income for each year of the Campaign, or a one-time gift of 3% of their assets and to remember the parish in their estate plans. These gifts would be over and above regular giving to the parish as we need our weekly offertory giving to stay strong and to be a priority for each of our families. We especially want to recognize and thank our early donors who are helping to make our roof project possible!

NEXT STEPS

As we launch our capital campaign, we will be inviting EVERYONE to learn about our campaign volunteer teams and opportunities that require a commitment of only 1-2 hours per month for about 4 months.

We will be hosting an information session later this spring – Watch for details coming soon! Speak with our Management Team leaders (listed below) to find out how you can get involved. We are excited to share more about our vision, key campaign dates, and next steps!