Fort Worth, Texas
What is the Second Spring Campaign? The Second Spring Campaign is an opportunity to provide for the needs of the Saint Andrew community today and invest in our anticipated future growth. We have outgrown our current school facilities and are embarking on an exciting campaign to build a new Early Childhood Life Center bringing our preschool students together in one building with bigger classrooms; a larger School Cafeteria/ Multipurpose Facility with dual serving lines, and space for hosting events and parish gatherings; an Oratory will provide a prayerful space for small groups; the new Wonderly Family 7th and 8th Grade Wing with six classrooms and a fully-equipped science lab; and Outdoor Learning Spaces to extend learning beyond the classroom walls as part of our Catholic Classical Education experience.
What is the campaign fundraising goal? Based on recent construction costs, we anticipate the total cost of the buildings and fixtures to be approximately $13.5 million. Any funds raised in excess of the cost to complete the buildings will be used for future capital projects and to maintain our existing facilities.
How much has been raised already? As of March 3, 2023, $13.2 million has been paid or pledged by 709 families. We are at 100.28% of our fundraising goal. In budgeting for the projects, we consider pledges made in good faith as promises to pay so it is very important that every parishioner completes their pledge payments.
How can I give to this campaign? You can make a 5-year pledge online by clicking the “Second Spring Make a Gift” link at left or text SPRING to 917-934-4503. Pledge cards are also available in the Parish and School offices.
What's the difference between my offertory gift and this campaign? Don't they go to the same place? Offertory gifts help cover day-to-day expenses that are part of the parish’s operating budget. They are not used to support the capital campaign. The Second Spring Campaign has a separate fundraising budget (for the capital projects outlined above). Campaign gifts are managed separately from offertory gifts.
What if I only want to give to a specific campaign project? Can I give directly to that? While the Second Spring Campaign includes multiple projects, they are packaged into one master plan with one overall fundraising goal and will be under construction concurrently. Given this, we request that donor gifts be made to support the overall campaign versus directed to a specific sub-project.
Saint Andrew has never raised that much capital before. How do we know we'll be successful? The Second Spring Campaign fundraising goal is big and bold, but it’s achievable! With formal fundraising efforts just getting underway, we have already reached more than 98% of the fundraising goal. There is still a significant amount to raise; however, our solid start – and the success of previous capital campaigns – speaks to the strength of our parish and our ability together to achieve great things.
Has our debt on the last campaign been paid? Yes, due to the generosity of our parishioners, there is no debt remaining from the last capital campaign.
Is there still a strategic plan for the church? I thought the next phase was to expand the church? The Second Spring Campaign addresses the most immediate needs of our parish and school community. In fact, the need for improved preschool facilities, a larger cafeteria/multipurpose space, and a middle school (7th and 8th grade) building were part of the school’s last strategic plan.
➢ Our preschool facilities are not adequate. We can no longer meet the growing demand for our preschool program in 30-year-old portables and small parish hall classrooms. A new preschool building is critical for maintaining a high-quality program and continuing to attract families with young children to our school and into our parish for years to come.
➢ The school cafeteria is over 50 years old and must be upgraded to the current code. Current seating capacity is also extremely limited – in order to rotate all grades through the cafeteria, daily lunches begin as early as 10:30 a.m. Additionally, the activity in the parish is such that current facilities cannot accommodate all the needs for retreats, fellowship meals, receptions and other gatherings.
➢ Saint Andrew Catholic School lacks a designated middle school “wing”. Middle school classes, rotation schedules, and activities differ greatly from the younger grades; thus, middle school students need and will benefit greatly from having, their own “space” for daily instruction and interaction.
➢ Outdoor learning is a core component of Catholic Classical Education. Outdoor learning spaces need to be improved and expanded to effectively implement all components of Catholic Classical Education, which includes a significant focus on nature studies.
I do not send my children to Saint Andrew Catholic School, why should I support this campaign? Catholic Schools are a primary vehicle for building up the Kingdom of God – we are blessed to have a Catholic School that is flourishing while so many around the country are closing. As one of the largest schools in the Diocese, we have the amazing opportunity to help form the faith of almost 600 children each year. Many families join our parish once their children begin attending Saint Andrew Catholic School – 60% of current school families are parishioners, and this percentage will keep growing if we are able to continue attracting new families seeking a Catholic Education. By investing in our school now, we’re ensuring that our parish remains the center of faith for generations to come.
Are naming opportunities available? How will donors be recognized? A list of naming opportunities is available and donors at those levels will receive appropriate recognition in each of the various buildings and classrooms. Additionally, all donors to the Second Spring Campaign will be permanently acknowledged in the new Commons area.
Can I give stock, bonds, or other financial instruments to support this campaign? Yes, please contact Dianna Rhoads (817-533-3174 or [email protected]) with the Advancement Foundation to discuss these options for contributing to the campaign.
What is the role of The Advancement Foundation? The Advancement Foundation (www.advancementfoundation.org) is separately incorporated from the Diocese of Fort Worth and exists to exclusively support fundraising and stewardship efforts of parishes, schools, and ministries in the diocese. As a campaign of the Advancement Foundation, all campaign funds for Second Spring are received and processed through the Advancement Foundation and restricted for the purposes outlined in campaign materials.
Where do I go for more information? Regular updates about the Second Spring Campaign will be available on our parish and school websites and in the bulletin and school newsletter. Additionally, please reach out to one of the Campaign Co-Chairs with your questions or to discuss the campaign in further detail.
Kevin Nicoletti
Campaign Co-Chair [email protected]
817-913-3461
Anthony Wonderly
Campaign Co-Chair [email protected] 817-308-9330