Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are we doing this now?

Our two parishes are at different stages, but both are at important moments:

• Sacred Heart has significant deferred maintenance that must be addressed to ensure safety, accessibility, and long-term viability.
• Divine Mercy, built just ten years ago, is structurally sound, but the original construction left the interior somewhat unfinished. The current plan allows us to complete the church in a way that more fully reflects its purpose as a sacred space.

The needs are real and present. Our buildings are aging, many issues affect safety, accessibility, and functionality, and delaying action will only make repairs more expensive in the future. At the same time, we are responding to our Strategic Plan: if we are truly parishes on mission, our spaces must support worship, evangelization, and service today and not only preserve the past. Addressing these needs now allows us to plan wisely, avoid higher costs later, and move forward together as parishes on mission.

2. Why do Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy need different plans?

Because the needs are different and that is intentional.

At Sacred Heart, the focus is on repair, renewal, and modernization where time and wear have taken their toll.

At Divine Mercy, the focus is on completion and enrichment in order to finish what was never fully realized in the original build.

Each plan is tailored to the parish’s history, architecture, and current needs, while sharing a common goal: spaces that support worship, evangelization, and service.

3. Is Divine Mercy’s project just cosmetic?

While the work at Divine Mercy is largely interior and aesthetic, it is not superficial. The interior of a church shapes how we pray, worship, and encounter God. Completing the space helps to:

• Foster reverence and focus in worship
  
• Reflect the sacredness of the sacraments celebrated there
  
• Create a sense of permanence and identity for the parish
  

Beauty in a church is not merely a luxury, but truly a form of ministry.

4. Why bring in professional architects for both parishes?

Professional architects helped us evaluate each parish on its own terms. They identified:

• Areas of concern and possibilities at Sacred Heart
  
• Opportunities to complete and enhance Divine Mercy
  
• Designs that respect the character of each space rather than forcing uniformity
  

This approach ensures thoughtful planning, good stewardship, and long-term sustainability.

5. Is this about making the churches fancy or modern?

No. The designs are different because the buildings are different, but both aim for timeless beauty. The goal is dignity, reverence, and functionality that will serve parishioners for decades.

6. Why not just do the bare minimum at Sacred Heart and leave Divine Mercy as it is?

At Sacred Heart, doing the bare minimum would likely mean repeated repairs and higher costs over time. At Divine Mercy, leaving the church unfinished limits its ability to fully express its sacramental life. In both cases, beginning renewal now will prevent greater challenges later.

7. Why are we renovating the new rectory to accommodate multiple clergy?

The renovation of the new rectory is a practical and forward-looking step to support the pastoral life of our parishes now and into the future. Currently, our parishes are served by two priests. Looking ahead, we hope to be able to welcome a retired priest and/or a seminarian on pastoral assignment, which requires appropriate and functional housing.

At present, we maintain two separate rectories. Neither can accommodate more than two priests, and both require significant repairs and upgrades. Continuing to support two aging buildings would be costly and inefficient. Instead, we are choosing responsible stewardship by investing in one rectory that can serve our needs well for years to come.

As part of this plan, one rectory will be demolished and the other sold, allowing us to redirect resources away from maintaining multiple deteriorating properties and toward a single, well-designed residence. This approach allows us to:

• Set our parishes up for future pastoral needs
  
• Support collaboration and shared ministry among clergy
  
• Reduce long-term maintenance costs
  
• Use parish resources wisely and transparently
  

This renovation is not about comfort or luxury, but about planning responsibly, caring for the people who serve our parishes, and ensuring stable pastoral leadership as we move forward together as parishes on mission.

8. How much will this cost?

As plans are finalized, costs will be clearly communicated, along with priorities and phases. We will proceed responsibly, in stages if needed, always mindful of what is realistic for our parishes. While this will be a significant investment, we will ensure that the total cost is not unrealistic for our parishes, following the guidance of experts from past capital campaigns at other parishes.

9. Why not spend this money on the poor instead?

Care for the poor remains central to our mission and will continue. At the same time, our parish buildings are tools for ministry. Safe, accessible, and prayerful spaces enable us to:

• Serve those in need
  
• Welcome the grieving and the searching
  
• Celebrate the sacraments with dignity
  

This is not an “either/or” decision. It is a commitment to sustain the Church’s mission in all its dimensions.

10. Will funds raised at one parish be used for the other?

No. Each parish’s needs, projects, and resources will be handled responsibly and transparently. While we move forward together as parishes on mission, we also respect the identity and stewardship of each parish community.

11. What if I prefer one plan over the other or don’t like the changes?

It is natural to have preferences, especially in spaces tied to deep memories. These plans are not about personal taste, but about what best serves worship and mission. Opportunities for communication and explanation will continue, and your feedback is always welcome.

12. How does this respect our past while preparing for the future?

At Sacred Heart, renewal honors decades of faithful use by ensuring the building can continue to serve future generations. At Divine Mercy, completing the interior honors the original vision by bringing it to maturity. In both cases, we are caring for what has been entrusted to us.

13. Will I be pressured to give?

No. Participation is always voluntary. Everyone can take part through prayer, encouragement, and involvement. Financial gifts are invited, but never demanded.

14. What happens if we do nothing?

At Sacred Heart, deferred maintenance will worsen and costs will increase. At Divine Mercy, the church will remain incomplete, limiting its full potential as a sacred space. Acting now allows us to move forward with intention rather than reacting later in crisis.

15. What does this have to do with being “Parishes on Mission”?

Mission needs space. Different spaces require different solutions, but all must support worship, welcome, and service. Renewing our facilities allows both parishes to live their shared mission more fully and faithfully.

16. How can I learn more or offer input?

We will continue to share information through parish communications and gatherings. Questions, feedback, and prayerful reflection are always welcome. This is a parish journey, and we will make it as a family.

17. A lot of renovation. What is next? Time frame for phases?

The first focus at Sacred Heart is on the essential work in the church, then proceeding in phases based on how much money we can raise. Mass will be in the gym at SH only as necessary. We are going to try to do the work at both churches simultaneously. All work at Divine Mercy will be done in a single phase, with Mass continuing in the church throughout.

18. Why do this when Divine Mercy is GREAT as is?

The church remains unfinished. Beauty is a value for many now and especially for younger generations returning to the practice of the faith. 

19. How much do we still owe on the building mortgage at Divine Mercy?

Nothing. It was paid off 5 years ago.

20. Will there be fundraising?

Yes, there will be a capital campaign.

21. Would you hire a professional fundraising firm? 

Yes. OSV.

22. Will the baldacino's beams block my view at Sacred Heart?

No.

23. Can we have a normal-sized elevator at Sacred Heart?

Yes.

24. Why use the picture and not the statue of the Divine Mercy at DM?

The devotion to the image of the Divine Mercy is based on Jesus’ instructions to Saint Faustina to have an image painted. It’s not just art. It’s a sacramental reminder of Christ’s mercy, tied directly to His words, “I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.” The image is meant to be contemplated and prayed with, which is why the painting has become the universal symbol of Divine Mercy devotion. By incorporating this sacred image rather than the statue, we remain faithful to the vision entrusted to Saint Faustina and reflect our devotion with accuracy and reverence. Our hope is that this image will draw both parishioners and visitors, especially on Divine Mercy Sunday, to encounter Christ’s mercy and deepen their trust in Him.

25. Will the baptismal font cause exiting/entering concerns (SH)?

No.

26. I like the baptismal font placement at Sacred Heart. But how does this impact pew placement?

We may reduce pews a little to give them a little more space and to make them handicapped accessible. The accessible pews will be peppered throughout.

27. The design is excellent for Sacred Heart. Baptismal font - will there be enough room for funerals? The bathrooms on the sides - will we hear them flushing, doors closing, etc., during Mass?

The bathrooms could be a problem if we aren't attentive to details. Placement of plumbing, doors, etc., we plan to take all of that into consideration as ideas are finalized. And yes, the baptismal font will fit a casket passing by it. The font, confessionals, and altar; the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist, align so that all the Sacraments unfold along this axis within the church.

28. What do we do with the technology? Will we have new screens and cameras?

The strategic planning committee decided we would rather bring in a modern, up-to-date screen once or twice a year when we need them. The technology needs constant updates, and it is best to bring in new tech as needed.