Why do we need a Capital Campaign here at Our Lady of Lourdes? As you know, I have come to you to invite your support on certain occasions. Our parish buildings are approximately 74–100 years old. They are beginning to feel the wear and tear of parishioner and school use. Items are beginning to fall apart. It is easier to ask each parishioner to donate for many projects at one period instead of asking constantly for money, which may cause people to grow tired and weary of giving. We try to follow the old adage “ask once, ask well.”
 

Why are we using consultants for this and what are we paying them? In a campaign such as this, Lynch Development Associates (LDA) brings decades of experience in helping Catholic institutions across the nation. With over 2,000 families, reaching out to all of them in an organized fashion that yields results is an undertaking that our professional staff and volunteers simply cannot handle in addition to their usual responsibilities. LDA receives a flat rate for their services, not a percentage of the total campaign.
 

Do any of the funds raised for this campaign go to the Diocese of Rockville Centre? No. All funds remain in our parish and are used only for the intended projects, in accordance with New York State charitable laws.
 

What projects will be done first, and when will they start and when will they finish? When we were contemplating a capital campaign project, many items came up as to what needs to be done here at Our Lady of Lourdes. Of course, these items will be addressed in order of their critical nature and safety, funding available, and proper timing concerns. We hope to have all projects completed over a three-year period.
 

 Why do we need a new organ? New Altar? New Tabernacle?
New Organ
The organ is more than thirty years old. As you know, like a car, like our bodies, things begin to break down. While most of us do not play an organ, our Music Director and our Service Vendor know the organ very well. They have reported that the chimes no longer function, some keys are going flat, and others simply do not work. The electronic components that make the organ work have aged and it will only be a matter of time before it fails completely. While maintenance has been done on a regular basis, we are at the point where some of the components on our thirty year-old organ are unavailable making repairs impossible.
New Altar
In continuing the refurbishment of the sanctuary (altar area) begun by Fr. Duffy, the idea was that the whole sanctuary would be refurbished in conjunction with the new ambo and the new priest chairs. A new main altar, back altar, and side credence tables would help to restore the integrity of our sanctuary.
New Tabernacle
In replacement of the tabernacle, the new one would be free-standing, which is found in many churches. The new fixture would resemble the restored nature of the whole sanctuary area. These enhancements to the sanctuary are meant to elevate our worship experience. They are an outward expression of our faith, our reverence, and respect, and ultimately give glory to God.
 

Do the church doors need to be replaced or can they be refurbished? Regarding the church doors, they are fading and peeling. There also needs to be push-bar panic exit devices on each door. This ensures the safety of all. Further research will occur to determine whether the doors can be refurbished and retrofitted for the safety push-bars or if they need to be replaced.
 

Have you done due diligence in finding out if there are grants available for the work on the school? Yes, we have completed security grants for the School for the past five years. However, grants are not guaranteed and cannot be counted on as a reliable source of funding. We continue to apply each year in the hope of receiving some subsidy, but our capital campaign is essential to ensure that the projects most critical (windows for our school) are fully funded.