After years of area population and Parishioner growth, in 2004 St. Bernard’s acquired the 20 acres of property off Valpico Road to expand its facilities and activities.  The existing Parish campus became space constrained.  After a few years of planning, breaking ground in 2007 and adjusting to the new economic circumstances, on Easter Sunday 2009, the first Holy Mass was celebrated at the recently completed Holy Family Center building.  That same building is now used for Mass/worship, religious education, youth ministry, and numerous other Parish activities.  Despite the 2008-2011 financial crisis, this $13 million dollar project was completed and fully paid for within five years by several dedicated families, individuals, and fundraising efforts.  The new church and school building plans were prudently put on hold; however, we are now assessing our needs and seeking input from you to help guide decisions.  

We find ourselves again in the situation of needing more space to welcome new families, keep our youth in the faith to help them navigate today’s confused environment, and form more disciples for Jesus Christ and His Gospel message of living full lives of purpose and meaning, and love of God and one another.

Some of you may recall the various fundraising events and appeals made to finance the “new church”.  Over the past 15 years many St. Bernard parishioners have participated in galas (now discontinued), given to second collections for the “new church” or had excess Bishop appeal funds applied to the “new church” account.  It was through these galas and other fundraising efforts that the Holy Family Center building was paid for.  These remaining funds remain on hand for the stated purpose (the donors’ intention) of building a new church and, as of August 2019, totaled $1.5 million.  It should be noted no new church donations have been used for Parish operating purposes.  If you have any additional questions please know that Steve Arena (Stewardship Coordinator), Jennifer Overby (Parish Administrator), Parish Finance Council members, or Fr. David (Pastor) are glad to answer any of your questions.  They can be contacted through the Parish office.  The staff member contact information is listed on the St. Bernard’s Parish website.

Depending on the Survey results we, as a congregation, will discuss the alternatives and how to proceed.  Moreover, Bishop Cotta and Diocese will respect the St. Bernard congregation decisions, and are not in a position to finance any construction, buildings or Parish projects.  

Despite more than 775 selfless volunteers, and being resourceful with our current meeting rooms, we are experiencing space limitations again at both campuses and understandable complaints from:

• 1-year long wait times for sacramental preparation such as 1st Communion &
        Confirmation.
• 1,500 children & adults enrolled annually in faith formation classes that are held in a
        setting that is not conducive to effective faith development.
• Limited facilities to meet the ongoing formation needs of our current 75 ministries, or
        775 participants, and that does not allow space for new ministries.
• There are ten (10) weekend Masses - four at the Holy Family Center and six at St.
        Bernard’s with little time after Masses for fellowship and community building.  A new
        church at the Holy Family Center campus could relieve some of the pressure on
        funerals and weekend Masses at the existing St. Bernard campus, but would require a
        financial commitment from the congregation.

To help assess our space needs and financial capacity, St. Bernard’s has engaged VeraCruz Advisory, LLC, a firm specialized in working with non-profits and Catholic institutions.  VeraCruz is meeting with the Parish team and all Ministry leaders, who helped develop this Survey.  Over the next two months, the VeraCruz team will be facilitating a process and developing information to help us make informed decisions about what we need-want and what we can afford.

Know that no decisions have been made, and that is why your participation in the Survey and input to guide decisions is so important.

This brief Survey (“Survey”) will provide valuable input as meetings are conducted and plans are developed for St. Bernard’s second campus property (where the Holy Family Center is located).  As a stakeholder, your voice can be heard by participating in this Survey.  Your input will help provide important feedback and help guide decisions for St. Bernard’s related to the Parish’s direction, apostolates (ministries), activities and use of property-facilities.  This initial stakeholder engagement work and process will take place from September through October 2019.  

It is in this context that we ask you - current, potential or fallen away - St. Bernard Parishioners to have a voice in helping shape the space needs for our ministries, Parish activities and worship space.    
 
Responses should be candid.  All responses will be kept strictly confidential without any references to individual names unless YOU give permission.

Please complete this Survey before October 1st.  Do not hesitate to contact VeraCruz team members Carlos de Quesada at (954) 829-2561 (or via email cdequesada@veracruzadvisory.com) or Dan Flanagan (734) 646-9221 (or via email dflanagan@veracruzadvisory.com) with any questions.