Parish Update # 1

A Finance Committee meeting was held Jan 24. The committee unanimously agreed the needs of the school and parish are real and deserve our prompt attention. A building committee was formed. Also, a committee is being formed to figure out how a project like this would be funded. Below is an outline of the project and what stage we are in. We will keep the parish updated the best we can.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Ultimately you will be a huge factor in the decisions going forward, but for now we have to have approval of the diocese to proceed.

THE NEED

******Sacred Heart Parish/School needs a new building ASAP.

Our 24×60 temporary classroom that was put in 25 years ago in 1998 has deteriorated and is no longer usable. A recent water line break and smell from skunks underneath have led us down this path –not to mention roof needing replaced, windows needing replaced, and underpinning needing to be redone. Our quilting ladies have been using that space as well and are desperately needing a new space. Our fry Kitchen was Built in 1987 on a shoestring budget of 2000.00 and is needed to be upgraded. Parish storage is also in great need, – at this time the church basement, convent basement, rectory basement, and a 150-year-old barn are being used and most of the time we can’t access things or can’t find them.

WHAT THE BUILDING COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

Design and explore the cost of a steel building with a full basement, to fulfill our needs. Hopefully to be completed by the fall of 2023. One section will be dedicated solely to our school to take care of their immediate needs. One section will be used by the quilters, and school. The final section will be used to replace the old fry kitchen and include the cooler inside. The building will have two handicapped bathrooms accessible from inside the building and from outside when the Parish has gatherings. Two 10ft garage doors and a walk-in door will give easy access to the basement for Parish storage. The building will have a 10 ft overhang and will have great eye appeal after it is completed, which is what we are after— something to be proud of. Hopefully the Building committee will have an estimated cost and detail drawing in 2-3 weeks.

WHAT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WILL BE WORKING ON

Explore what liquid funds are available from the parish to use for a building project. Develop a capital campaign within our parish to fund the project. Also explore the possibility of contacting friends of the parish and alumni of our school. Outside organizations could also be solicited but WILL NOT be counted on until we have their donation. There will come a time when you will be asked to give support for this project. We only ask you to prayerfully consider your ability to give. Look around our Parish and remember the generations that have come before you- they had vision and acted on it. Through the hard work and devotion of the committees that are meeting now we will come to a solution for our

NEEDS. Any extra money collected could be set aside for future building projects.

THESE ARE OUR THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

Parish Update # 2

It’s been 59 years since our parish had a major building project. It will take everyone pulling together in the same direction to make this project a success. We have great people on the two committees working for the good of the parish, they ask for your prayers and understanding. They are fully aware that there will be a lot of different ways to tackle this project and are working hard to come up with the best possible solution. The building committee is planning to have the final drawing and estimated cost by the end of this week or early next. On the weekend masses Feb 19, we will have informational meetings to try to answer any questions or concerns and then ask you to support the project so we can get approval from the diocese to proceed.

THE NEED — WILL REMAIN THE SAME UNTILL WE FULFILL IT!

******Sacred Heart Parish/School needs a new building ASAP.

Our 24×60 temporary classroom that was put in 25 years ago in 1998 has deteriorated and is no longer usable. A recent water line break and smell from skunks underneath have led us down this path –not to mention roof needing replaced, windows needing replaced, and underpinning needing to be redone. Our quilting ladies have been using that space as well and are desperately needing a new space. Our fry Kitchen was Built in 1987 on a shoestring budget of 2000.00 and is needed to be upgraded. Parish storage is also in great need, – at this time the church basement, convent basement, rectory basement, and a 150-year-old barn are being used and most of the time we can’t access things or can’t find them.

WHAT THE BUILDING COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

A meeting of the Sacred Heart Parish building committee was held Tuesday Jan 31. The meeting started and ended with a prayer. The intended goal of the meeting was to discuss and draw up a more detailed plan of building dimensions, the square footage for the different areas of intended use and placement of areas within such as bathrooms, utility and mechanical rooms, stairwell to lower level, windows, doors etc. The plan will then be taken to Verslues construction for budget pricing.The belief of the committee was that some changes to our reasoning could be necessary and that more detailed planning would be required at future meetings if the project proceeds. The committee hopes that what they have accomplished to date will help move the project forward.

WHAT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

A meeting of the Sacred Heart parish capital campaign committee was held Thursday February 2. Everyone agreed that the parish members have got to be behind the project for it to be successful. The committee reviewed and discussed the solicitation letter and pledge card to be mailed out to the parish members. They will have the letter finalized for sending out when the project is approved. They discussed the possibility of getting brochures to be mailed out for contacting alumni or outside sources for funds. Cost of brochures and necessity is still being determined. They discussed the possibility of setting up a separate account to transfer available funds toward “2023 Building Fund”.

THESE ARE OUR THOGHTS AT THIS TIME NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

Parish Update # 3

We are making progress. The parish informational meetings went well after weekend Masses. Fr. Bill outlined the urgency of this project. The overall support was overwhelming. Questions were raised some answered some not, as we are still finalizing some aspects of the building. We know the overall dimensions- 50×110. We know the estimated cost is 1.35 million. 11,000 sq feet of usable space. This is not an extravagant building; a lot of 2000 square ft houses cost 4 or $500,000.00. We are on the Diocese schedule March 28th to present the building plans and how the project will be funded. In that meeting we will explain our need and sense of urgency and let them know that the parishioners of Sacred Heart are ready to do the heavy lifting in the of funding this project.Your patience and prayers are needed.

THE NEED — WILL REMAIN THE SAME UNTILL WE FULFILL IT!

******Sacred Heart Parish/School needs a new building ASAP.Our 24×60 temporary classroom that was put in 25 years ago in 1998 has deteriorated and is no longer usable. A recent water line break and smell from skunks underneath have led us down this path –not to mention roof needing replaced, windows needing replaced, and underpinning needing to be redone. Our quilting ladies have been using that space as well and are desperately needing a new space. Our fry Kitchen was Built in 1987 on a shoestring budget of 2000.00 and is needed to be upgraded. Parish storage is also in great need, – at this time the church basement, convent basement, rectory basement, and a 150-year-old barn are being used and most of the time we can’t access things or can’t find them.

WHAT THE BUILDING COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

Meetings of the Sacred Heart Parish building committee were held Wednesday Feb. 15and March 8. The building committee met with Brad Copeland of the Diocese and has been in contact with Verslues Construction these past weeks to help us get to the next step. They are finalizing floor plans, window and door placements and reviewing fire and safety requirements for the building, along with electrical and heating requirements for different areas of the building. They are continually being diligent in the process of keeping cost and necessity balanced.

WHAT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

The Capital Campaign committee is updating the alumni mailing list but still needs help with completing it. If you have older children, who graduated from Sacred Heart, and would like to put them on the mailing list please contact Linda Neuner @ 573-395-6731. We have finalized our overall mailing list and will be sending out over 650 total solicitation letters, to parishioners/friends/alumni when we get approval to start. We have designed two different letters and envelopes, one set for parishioners and one for alumni and friends. We have sent our request to the Schwartz Foundation for financial help and have been in contact with other entities. We are continually reviewing and revising lists and thoughts on how the funding of this project will be tackled.

THESE ARE OUR THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

Parish Update # 4

Our Needs stay the same

In January we had a school classroom space emergency develop —It was determined our 24×60 temporary classroom that was put in 25 years ago in 1998 has deteriorated and was no longer usable. A water line break and smell from the skunks underneath finally led us down this path –not to mention roof needing replaced, windows needing replaced, and underpinning needing to be redone. The school desperately needs that space replaced–as of now those classrooms are relocated in the cafeteria and convent basement. Our quilting ladies had been using that space as well and are sharing the convent basement. Our fry kitchen, located adjacent to the old classroom, was built in 1987 on a shoestring budget of 2000.00 and is long overdue for an upgrading. Our parish lacks storage space, – at this time the church basement, convent basement, rectory basement, and a 150-year-old barn are being used and most of the time we can’t access things or can’t find them. We have sold the unit and have decided to build a new building. It’s been 59 years since a major construction has taken place in Sacred Heart Parish. Now is the time for us to look forward to the future–as our school enrollment is rapidly increasing. Present enrollment is 39. Based on baptismal records, potential growth is 2023-24 – 46 students, 2024-25 –53 students, and 2025-26 –62 students. We want to make sure that our facilities meet our needs to grow.

The Project stays the same.

A metal building with a full basement, hopefully to be completed by the fall of 2023. One section will be dedicated solely to our school to take care of their immediate needs. The middle section will be used by the quilters, school and also the parish for meetings, country store and for serving carry-out meals. The final section will be used to replace the old fry kitchen and include the cooler inside. The building will have two handicapped bathrooms accessible from inside the building and from outside when the parish has gatherings. A stairway will be included in the basement for quick access to a storm shelter and storage area. Two 10 x 12ft garage doors and a walk-in door will give easy access from outside to the basement for parish storage. The building will have a 12 ft overhang and a partial rock front. It will have great eye appeal after it is completed, which is what we are after— something to be proud of.

How the project will be funded__——- We have changed Gears

The cost of this project is $1.35 million. With available funds from parish at $221,000.00 The Capital Campaign Committee is in the process of raising $791,000.00 by the next meeting April 26th with the Diocese Building Commission. That figure will get us to our need of 75% of the cost of this project, $1,012,500.00 up front money from outside the parish members. We are making progress!!!! We will also reach out to over 500 members of our extended parish family, the alumni and friends, and ask them to prayerfully consider their ability to give. You will receive your donation request letter later on to help finish the cost of the project.

Parish Update # 5

We are making progress. Hopefully, the basement floor will be poured soon if the much-needed rain subsides for a little while. The steel needed to support the concrete top floor will not be here until around Oct 1, along with the building, until then water proofing, back filling and some plumbing and electric will be done in preparation.

Your patience and prayers are needed.

THE NEED — WILL REMAIN THE SAME UNTIL WE FULFILL IT!

******Sacred Heart Parish/School needs a new building.

Our 24×60 temporary classroom that was put in 25 years ago in 1998 has deteriorated and is no longer usable. A recent water line break and smell from skunks underneath have led us down this path –not to mention roof needing replaced, windows needing replaced, and underpinning needing to be redone. Our quilting ladies have been using that space as well and are desperately needing a new space. Our fry Kitchen was Built in 1987 on a shoestring budget of 2000.00 and is needed to be upgraded. Parish storage is also in great need, – at this time the church basement, convent basement, rectory basement, and a 150-year-old barn are being used and most of the time we can’t access things or cannot find them.

WHAT THE BUILDING COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

The building committee has been busy overseeing the construction site on a regular basis. Verslues Construction will see that the site is properly made safe for our guests at the Picnic. The Exterior color selected will be Patrician Bronze with light stone. They have settled on a window design and have them ordered. They are working with Ameren UE on replacing overhead service in preparation for later work. After reviewing bids, the building committee along with Fr. Bill approval has selected Sandbothe Plumbing, Rehagen HVAC, and Schneider Electric as sub-contractors for the project.

WHAT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

The capital campaign committee is still working on gathering more funding to complete the project. To date we have a total of $1,084.608 in donations in hand and $119,160 in pledges. We have some pledges that are structured for three years, but we feel that the Parish has enough reserve to complete the project without borrowing any from Diocese. We have put 750,000.00 of the building funds in CDs at a local bank until it is needed. We will be reapplying for grant money that we did not receive this year because of the timing of project approval. At the end of the year those who have donated to the building fund will receive a letter to acknowledge their contribution to a tax-exempt charitable organization.

THESE ARE OUR THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

Parish Update # 8

Your patience and prayers are needed.

It’s been a frustrating time for the project. After dealing with a 30-day wait at the start of the project for not having the money in hand, we have now had a delay this past month in getting the steel supports for the floor to be poured on. They are here now so the project will move forward soon after the fall supper. Mebruer Trucking was kind enough to pick up the building from Nebraska on the 19th of October and will leave it tarped on his trailers until it is needed, allowing us some added space for the fall supper as well as limiting the number of times it would be handled. Thanks go out to Mark & Patty!!!!

THE NEED — WILL REMAIN THE SAME UNTIL WE FULFILL IT!

******Sacred Heart Parish/School needs a new building.Our 24×60 temporary classroom that was put in 25 years ago in 1998 has deteriorated and is no longer usable. A recent water line break and smell from skunks underneath have led us down this path –not to mention roof needing replaced, windows needing replaced, and underpinning needing to be redone. Our quilting ladies have been using that space as well and are desperately needing a new space. Our fry Kitchen was Built in 1987 on a shoestring budget of 2000.00 and is needed to be upgraded. Parish storage is also in great need, – at this time the church basement, convent basement, rectory basement, and a 150-year-old barn are being used and most of the time we can’t access things or can’t find them.

WHAT THE BUILDING COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

TDuring the lull in construction the building committee continues to analyze the interior finishing plans of the building. We are waiting for Ameren to remove the electric pole to eliminate the overhead lines. The building will not be erected while those lines exist. —- So if you know someone who knows someone to help pull some strings encourage them!!!!!

WHAT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

The capital campaign committee is still working on gathering more funding to complete the project. To date we have a total of $1,109,095.16 in donations in hand and $ 83,109.00 in pledges. We cashed the $750,000.00 in CD’s and deposited $8034.24 in interest money into the building fund. After paying our monthly bills and leaving some in the checking account for next month we put $615,000.00 back in CD’s.

THESE ARE OUR THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

Parish Update # 9

Your patience and prayers are needed.

Sorry for the delay with updated information. Great to see a break in the weather!!!! We continue to move forward with the project and February will see a lot of activity and a chance to get the finishing work started. We are designing a small dedication plaque to be placed next to the front entrance of the building. As a parish we should be proud of this project that was supported spiritually and financially by so many! “WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS”

THE NEED — WILL REMAIN THE SAME UNTIL WE FULFILL IT!

******Sacred Heart Parish/School needs a new building.Our 24×60 temporary classroom that was put in 25 years ago in 1998 has deteriorated and is no longer usable. A recent water line break and smell from skunks underneath have led us down this path –not to mention roof needing replaced, windows needing replaced, and underpinning needing to be redone. Our quilting ladies have been using that space as well and are desperately needing a new space. Our fry Kitchen was Built in 1987 on a shoestring budget of 2000.00 and is needed to be upgraded. Parish storage is also in great need, – at this time the church basement, convent basement, rectory basement, and a 150-year-old barn are being used and most of the time we can’t access things or can’t find them.

WHAT THE BUILDING COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

The Building Committee is monitoring the daily progress and needs at the site. With the building being closed in we are making progress. HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing rough-in should be completed around Feb 9. The sheetrock work will start soon after. The committee is meeting with leaders from school, quilters, and fry kitchen, making sure their needs are addressed.

WHAT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

The capital campaign committee is working on the final stages of securing enough funds to prevent us from borrowing any money to complete, as some of our pledges are structured over 3 years. Parish members are still stepping up doing their part in pledges and donations. We have reapplied for grant money from the Schwartz Foundation, as we were unable to be considered last year because of not being approved on time. Prayers are needed!!!! We have added to the bank account almost $15,000.00 in interest earnings from the building fund account CDs.

THESE ARE OUR THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

Parish Update # 10

Your patience and prayers are needed.

Sorry for the delay with updated information. We continue to move forward with the project and the end is near. The finishing phase has taken longer than expected but it always does. As we approach the finish line the “moving in stage” will begin. To fulfill the needs of the different parish groups it will take many hands and some organizational skills to accomplish this– so we ask you to be ready to help if you can. More info will be available later how the process will be handled.

THE NEED — WILL REMAIN THE SAME UNTIL WE FULFILL IT!

******Sacred Heart Parish/School needs a new building.Our 24×60 temporary classroom that was put in 25 years ago in 1998 has deteriorated and is no longer usable. A recent water line break and smell from skunks’ underneath have led us down this path –not to mention roof needing replaced, windows needing replaced, and underpinning needing to be redone. Our quilting ladies have been using that space as well and are desperately needing a new space. Our fry Kitchen was Built in 1987 on a shoestring budget of 2000.00 and is needed to be upgraded. Parish storage is also in great need, – at this time the church basement, convent basement, rectory basement, and a 150-year-old barn are being used and most of the time we can’t access things or can’t find them.

WHAT THE BUILDING COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

The flooring has been completed. Sheetrock/most painting is done. Trim work and different outside final touches are being made. The HVAC – Plumbing- Electrical are in the final stages. Cabinets are being installed; doors will be hung shortly. The Building Committee is working diligently on staying within the budget but still not miss any needs of our– parish/quilters/school/fry kitchen.

WHAT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE IS WORKING ON

The Capital Campaign is waiting patiently for the Schwartz Foundation grant money. That money along with the different pledges to come in should complete the project. Its almost time to catch our breathe and as a Parish enjoy the fruits of our labors.

THESE ARE OUR THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

FINAL Parish Update

Your patience, prayers and support have rewarded us with a completed building projectOUR URGENT PARISH NEED –HAS BEEN FULLFILLED

****** St. Margaret Mary Alacoque School Annex *******

COMMENTS FROM BUILDING COMMITTEE

The project was estimated to cost $1.35 million. Payouts so far have been 1,317,632.71 The new annex building is now complete. The building committee would like to thank everyone for the time and effort invested in the new school annex building project and for your patience. We deeply appreciate everyones hard work, and enthusiasm in finding a solution to our need at Sacred Heart Parish.  We ask everyone to continue that as we go forward. Hard work and enthusiasm will allow our growing school and parish to prosper for generations to come.

COMMENTS FROM CAPTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE 

Our Successful Building Fund Campaign

In March 2023, we embarked on a Building Fund campaign with the ambitious goal of raising money for a new annex building to expand our parish and school facilities. Through the dedicated efforts of you, the parishioners of Sacred Heart, extended alumni and our community, we have successfully raised a total of $1,343,456.00 in donations and pledges.  Upon collection of those outstanding pledges, and final bill payments we anticipate a modest surplus of around $24,000.00. This successful campaign demonstrates the incredible strength and unity of our parish and community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their prayers and contributions to this momentous achievement.

COMMENTS FROM THE PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral council anxiously watched and were amazed at the support our parish and surrounding community gave this worthwhile project. Our prayers were answered! As we move forward now with the Stewardship Renewal process in our Parish and community, we are praying that over time the goals that we have set for the Hospitality, Service, and Faith Formation Ministries will be fulfilled as well. “” Well done, good and faithful servant.””

COMMENTS FROM FR. BILL

It’s been a great joy to support this project and watch it come to fruition. Thank you to the people who made significant efforts and worked on this project. All the support from people not only here but beyond our parish. This project happened in such a way we were able to manage all expenses and have no debt. The Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque School Annex is a great asset to our community and school

THESE ARE OUR THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING AND PRAYERS