Family Life Center Updates

Family Life Center Updates

The Family Life Center is a long-term project with many checkpoints both by our Steering Committee and the Diocesan Financial Council. Since receiving the approval for the development of the Construction Drawings, the Steering Committee has been actively answering questions from the architect and the general contractor concerning the details of our project. As you know, this project is necessary due to our parish family growth. It is also significant in terms of our mission to expand our ministries beyond our parishioners. To share the gospel and offer a helping hand to our neighbors in need. We are so lucky at St. Joseph the Worker in that our parish community is so generous! As a parish on a mission, we are making progress but need additional space to keep our momentum going!

Where are we today and more important, where do our current needs lie? The Diocese is our financial backer for this project, as such, they have laid out the process we need to follow to ensure we are making wise decisions throughout the planning process. We have achieved key milestones: approval to develop our plans; engage an architect; develop renderings of the proposed Family Life Center; and now to complete the construction drawings to gain a better cost for the entire project. The entire project includes not only the FLC building, but renovation of areas in our current building, fixtures and equipment, architectural services, site preparation, contingency fund, additional landscaping and parking. When we receive the construction drawings, we will be ready to submit our entire project to the Diocesan Financial Council. Their recommendation to the Bishop will be to approve our project. Once the approval from the Bishop is received, we can break ground and start the construction phase.

So, in the interim, what is our next step? Our next step is one we have been pursuing since we started the project – RAISING MONEY! Our intent is to minimize the ultimate line-of-credit loan amount. We have secured 50% of the estimated cost in cash with another $600,000 in pledges which will be paid over the next four years. What does this amount mean to having our new Family Life Center? We have demonstrated, to the Diocesan Financial Council, we can afford to build the Family Life Center. Our positive financial position is thanks to the generosity of our parishioners and friends.

We cannot rest on our past our financial achievements. Our ACTION ITEM is to begin the construction phase of the project with MORE CASH in the bank which means a SMALLER Diocesan LINE-OF-CREDIT LOAN.

Continuing to raise as much money as possible NOW vs later is prudent. There are options to achieve our goal:

If you pledged, pay your amount early
If you paid your pledge, consider a second donation
If you haven’t donated yet, consider doing so now
If you are a new parishioner, please consider a pledge or donation.
Participate in our various parish fundraisers – Brick Purchase, Naming Opportunity, Gala, Lenten Dinners, Family Festival, etc.

Remember 100% of your donation is fully IRS tax deductible.

The expansion of our parish facilities, including the new Family Life Center, is not just about one ministry—it is about meeting the growing needs of our entire faith community. The rapid increase in parishioners, evidenced by crowded Masses and limited meeting space, has made it challenging to support essential ministries like RCIA, religious education, Bible studies, and various committees.

The Family Life Center will provide much-needed classrooms, a larger hall, a spacious kitchen, private offices, and storage, ensuring that our ministries and parish activities can continue to flourish. This project is not just about space—it is about strengthening our parish family, fostering deeper connections, and expanding our ability to serve both parishioners and the wider community. As our faith family grows, so must our facilities, and with everyone's support, we can make this vision a reality.

We request your prayers. Faith, Funds, and Volunteers will make the Family Life Center a reality!

Thank you so much for your support!