Feasibility Study and Capitol Campaign

“I like incremental improvements or at least seeing where you're going to go and really being able to understand what's feasible at the time.”--Anthony Levandowski

Dear Parishioners:

On October 12, 2026, I had a meeting with Holy Spirit’s Parish Council, Finance Council, Building Advisory Group, and the Parish Staff. At that meeting we heard from Shawn McKay from CCS, who reported on the findings of the feasibility study for our upcoming capital campaign.

The preliminary study consisted of 20 households being interviewed and 156 e-survey results. Those numbers show that CCS heard from 19% of the parish. Holy Spirit’s response rate to the e-survey is much higher than the average. This says to me that there is great interest in the projects that we would like to do—and that you are interested in and invested in your parish.

Your responses show that 90% of the parishioners from whom we heard have a favorable overall perception and that same number said that they are willing to make a gift to the capital campaign (the average response for religious organizations’ campaigns is 79% saying that they are willing to make a gift.) I was happy to see that 67% of the people asked said that the parish is their top philanthropic priority (!) Also, 41% of those surveyed said that they have at least considered giving Holy Spirit in their estate planning (the average is 15%.)

When asked if this was the time to move forward, 75% responded that it was.

Not surprisingly, only 10% of those asked thought that a $5 million goal was realistic. That was a large number, but it was the estimated costs for the church renovation and addressing the parish office situation. Based on their interviews and experience in fundraising, CCS recommends a $2.5M goal for the parish. I do believe that Holy Spirit is capable of raising $3M-$3.5M. Your generosity has always been overwhelming, even more so when particular projects arise.

Know the plans we made categorize what is essential, what is desired, and what is dreamed. We are not adjusting any plan at this time. It is better to complete the capital campaign, see what the final total is, and adjust accordingly.

Sincerely,

Rev. Charles F. Strebler

Pastor