Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic
Church
"Lord, Order Our Steps" Capital Stewardship Campaign
Phase One: 2008 - 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we having this campaign?
For several years, our
parish has experienced remarkable growth. We have doubled the number of weekend
services to 4. Lourdes members continue to raise the issue of expansion.
Several surveys completed by the parishioners over the past year highlight the
ongoing concern for expanding our facilities. Interested church members have
been meeting since November 2006 to develop a plan. The Capital Stewardship
Campaign represents the first step of our best effort to respond to the need
for expansion.
How much money will we need and
what is the time frame for purchasing the land?
$2.5 million over 3 years. The land purchase = $2.2 million
($100,000 due April 15, 2008, $1.9 million due March 30, 2009 and $200,000 due
March 30, 2010). The difference between the Campaign goal and the purchase
price will be our tithe to maintain our support for our sister parish, Our Lady
of Fatima, LaFosette, Haiti, during the three year campaign period.
Why are we buying the land?
To expand the church and other facilities. We are currently
landlocked. This is our ONLY opportunity to purchase adjacent land. The corner
of Boulevard and Edgewood is of no use to us because the exterior of those
buildings is protected by Historic District regulations. All other adjacent
land is owned by the U.S. Park Service.
Why are we not building a new
church at this time?
Based on our current church
budget, it does not appear feasible for us to conduct a campaign for $5
million+ within a 3 year period.
If we have pledges from the
parishioners, will they stick to it?
Through the prayer process, our parishioners will be guided
by the Holy Spirit and stay the course.
Who will own the land after it is
purchased?
This piece of property, as is the case with our current
property and all other Catholic property within the Archdiocese, will be owned
by the Archbishop/Archdiocese of Atlanta.
What are the plans for building a
church on the land?
Once we have successfully purchased the land, the parish
would develop a plan for the use of the land. The current campaign would fund
the purchase of the land ONLY.
If we don't reach the goal,
what is going to happen to the money we have already raised?
If donations/pledges received on Easter 2008 do not place us
near our goal, the campaign will not go forward and the monies will be returned
to the donors.
How will the money be managed
during the campaign?
As pledges are fulfilled, monies will be deposited with an
Archdiocesan Deposit & Loan Account, bearing interest, just as was done for
our Legacy Campaign 2004-07.
Is the land worth 2.2 million
dollars?
There are both comparable sales in the area that are lower
than that, as well as those that justify that price. This price is in line with
what other people are wanting for their land in the area. The only real answer
to your question, however, is that the seller thinks so, and it is his land, so
we have the
choice of
agreeing with him or not buying it.
The cost of this land is very
high. Why should we consider paying so much?
Based on the current and
anticipated growth in our area, the market value of land has risen dramatically
in the last few years. The development of the Beltline(1/4 mile from this
property) and the continuing expansion of Georgia State University, are just a
couple of factors driving prices up. Furthermore, this is one of the largest
tracts in the MLK Historic District without restrictions mandating the
preservation of existing buildings.
What is the approximately time
frame for this project?
This project will be completed in a 3-year time frame.
One-third of the $2.5 million($833,000) will be raised each year. Since we do
not have the money "in hand", we are fortunate that the seller has agreed to
this extended purchase time.
Will the archdiocese assist us
financially with this project?
Yes, in the form of loans that are repaid by the Parish.
Who will decide what will be
built on the land?
Ultimately, the parishioners
of Our Lady of Lourdes would decide. Again, this is done in conjunction with
what a complete Master Plan for the site indicates. The parishioners are
represented by the Pastor, the Finance Council, and the Pastoral Council.
How much will each parishioner
have to contribute toward the purchase?
Through prayer and
sacrifice, the Holy Spirit will guide you. We will certainly need "equal
sacrifices" from all. Due to each household's individual circumstances, that
would mean different dollar amounts.
What is the recorded deed size of
the Edgewood property that we want to purchase?
.66 acre - our current
property is .8 acre.
Do we have a purchase agreement
in place to acquire this property?
Yes
Has a feasibility study been
completed on the land?
No - Our offer gives us two months to complete all required
studies before we have to commit to purchasing on April 15, 2008.
What is the size/seating capacity
of our present church?
Approximately 4,500 square
feet/300 seats in pews plus 50 chairs.
Why don't we move to another
location?
Our present site represents a very significant heritage: Fr.
Ignatius Lissner(founder), St Katherine Drexel(benefactor for original building),
and brave sisters and early priests fought to establish Our Lady of Lourdes so
Black Catholic people in the Atlanta community would have a place to worship.
We are also proud to be located in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic
District. This site holds very sentimental memories for many citizens in this
city. We do not believe that appropriate land can be found within our parish
boundaries which would cost us significantly less(relocation costs, building an
entire parish complex, etc.).
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