DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE EXCITING NEWS?? One of our parish families has issued a challenge to match all new pledges OR incremental increases for existing pledges up to 5 million Dollars. YES, that was 5 Million Dollars!!! This means that we may be able to build the ENTIRE PROJECT at today’s dollars within three years, if we take full advantage of this gererous offer. Want more information? Ask Msgr. Youtz or Angela about how we can reach our Final goal for the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center
This is a limited Time Offer. Expires at year’s end (December 31, 2011)

Capital Campaign News
Many thanks to all members of our parish who made a pledge to our Capital Campaign to build the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center.  To-date, we have counted pledges from 276 parishioners for a total of $1,126,762.  Please understand we need the support of our entire parish family in order to achieve our goal.  If you have not taken the opportunity to make your gift, please turn in your pledge card as soon as possible.
Our Capital Campaign Committee and other parishioners will be conducting follow up phone calls to all parishioners who have not yet made a gift to the campaign or made their wishes known to us.  Our phone-a-thon will begin on Tuesday, November 16th. By submitting your pledge card now, you will help our committee members save time.  Thank you

Please look for you Capital Campaign Brochure in the mail.

Why is it called a Religious Education Center, what does this mean?
At the heart of the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center will be the relocated Catholic Elementary school of St. Anne. This new facility will offer additional, and much needed space for the Religious Education Ministry of St. John Neumann, as well as the Youth Ministry. The Religious Education Center will also provide opportunities for St. John Neumann to solidify our Catholic Community through social gatherings and parish-wide activities.

How will the school support itself once it is built?
The majority of operational expenses are expected to be covered by the tuition. The classroom space will double the size of the school and there is a marketing plan under consideration to maximize the number of students at the school. As is happening currently, if a parish is sending students to a Catholic school, the parish supports that school as well. Currently St. John Neumann sends support to St. Anne and to Catholic High. It is expected that there will be a mix of students from different parishes at the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center

Will other parishes be asked to help with the school if they are sending children here?
Yes. There is a formula in place, within the Diocese of Harrisburg, that will be applied to the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center as well. It is based on the number of children who are attending the school from each parish. We seek the support of anyone who is interested in this new facility, expecting most of the funding to come from individuals here at St. John Neumann and families of the students and alumni at St. Anne School.

How will the Diocese help us with building the Religious Education Center?
The Diocese of Harrisburg has already helped St. John Neumann in this process. By requiring that all costs be included in the estimates for new construction, we know that the cost of this facility includes furnishings for classrooms and offices as well as window coverings, including computers and science equipment for the labs. The next step, when appropriate, will be for us to work with the Diocese to secure financing.

When will the project get underway, and how long will it take?
Based on the regulations of the Diocese, we will be able to break ground when 50% of the cost of the project is in the bank. With your generosity, we hope to break ground in the summer of 2012. The good news is that we have township approval to move forward with the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center. So it really is up to us to be as generous as possible. Once ground is broken, it will take approximately 12-14 months to complete the facility. If this timeframe is met, the new facility will open its doors in September 2013.

What will happen to St. Anne parish?
St. Anne is currently undergoing a strategic planning process to determine what their next steps will be and who and what direction they are being called to serve. When St. Anne School relocates, the parish will have the full use of the space and the timing of when they can implement their plan is contingent on when the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Building is complete.

What are the priorities in terms of the building?
Based on the feasibility study conducted in the spring of 2009, increased space for religious education and relocating St. Anne School were the first priorities. Additional space for parish-wide gatherings is the second priority. The timing of completion of this new space will be based on the continued generosity of our parish family.

If we cannot raise all of the money, are there contingency plans in place?
The good news is that we do not have to make any final decisions right now. We are currently investigating a number of options that will provide the greatest flexibility in the new facility as well as provide for our greatest need – additional educational space. Our hope is that through the generosity of every member of our parish and school family, we will be able to build the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center as it is currently planned. When the pledge period for the campaign is concluded, we will be able to better understand the financial picture and finalize our plan accordingly.

How many classes per grade level are currently at St Anne School?
During the current school year, 2009-2010, there are 11 classes at St. Anne School, plus the pre-K program that operates at St. John Neumann. The breakdown is as follows: 2 – K, 1-1st, 1-2nd, 1-3rd, 1-4th 1-5th, 2-6th, 1-7th, 1-8th. There are aides in the kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms. While some of the grade levels are reaching capacity for the classroom space currently available, there is active plan in place to maximize the number of students in each of the lower grades, in anticipation of the completion of the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center.

What is the current tuition at St. Anne School?
Tuition is based on a few criteria. A Catholic family pays $2,950 for the first child, $2,750 for the 2nd, $2,550 for the 3rd and additional children are free (as long as they are all attending school at the same time). Non-Catholic families pay $3,950 for each child that attends. Currently there are only 4 families with more than 3 children attending the school. Approximately 10 to 15% of the current student body is non-Catholic.

How many children receive financial need-based assistance and how is it provided?
Approximately ¼ of the current families receive some level of financial support. This amount varies from some to full tuition. Pennsylvania’s EITC program provides 60% of these dollars, the St. Anne School Focus Fund generates 11% and the remaining 29% is generated through fundraising, mainly the St. Anne School Scrip program.

How much will it cost for St. John Neumann to be the host parish and do other parishes help support the school?
In the Diocese of Harrisburg parishes without a parish school are asked to contribute $1,000 per student that attends a Catholic School (elementary or high school). Currently, St. John Neumann contributes approximately $200,000 to St Anne School, this is more than we have been asked to give. The maximum cost to the host parish is 27% of its normal income. For St. John Neumann, that would equate to approximately $270,000.

How do St. Anne students compare academically to others in the region?
In the last two years, St. Anne School has had 19 winners in the Lancaster County-wide Science Fair and 19 regional winners at the National History Day competition. Additionally, while St. Anne graduates make up 10 to 15% of the student body at Catholic High, in the current freshman classes they account for 30% of the top 10 students. In the National Honor Society, St. Anne alumni represent one-third of the population.

How competitive are the teachers’ salaries?
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg strive to keep pace with the public school salary scales at a level of 70%. St Anne is very competitive for an entry level teacher. However there are challenges to continue the pay scale for our longer term teachers. Every homeroom teacher obtains the professional state accreditations and certifications that are required in Pennsylvania. A person who chooses to teach at St. Anne School has not only chosen a profession but also makes a commitment to and demonstrates a passion for the ministry and mission of Catholic Education.

What is the operating budget for St. Anne School and how does that compare to the new building?
The operating budget for the 2009-2010 school year is $1,050,000. Income is primarily generated from tuition and secondarily from parish support. Approximately, $65,000 is spent on purchased utility services such as heat, electricity, etc. While discussion of the type of environmental control system that will be placed in the new facility is underway, the estimated cost for purchased utility needs is $125,000, or about double the current costs. Other operational costs will be determined based on the number of students and the increase in classroom teachers as necessary.

Will the weekly offerings support the campaign?
No. This project is above and beyond the operational costs of the parish. The weekly offertory is used to support our normal operations. We are asking you to consider a pledge in addition to your weekly gift.

Who will be asked to contribute?
Every family in the parish and St. Anne School as well as alumni of St. Anne School, will be offered the opportunity to make a pledge. We hope that every household will contribute according to their ability. Because the Religious Education Center will also serve and benefit this parish, we expect that a majority of the funds will be generated from Saint John Neumann families. We understand that not everyone has the same financially ability, but every gift is needed and appreciated.

How much should I give?
Only you know your personal circumstances and can make that decision. We ask that your gift be a sacrifice and that you prayerfully consider making a three-year pledge of financial support. Your pledge is measured as a faith response in proportion to what you have received from God. Please remember that God is never outdone in His generosity to us. To assist you in making your decision, please consult the three-year pledge table in this brochure.

What are the benefits to me, the donor?
Acting together as one people of God, we make our parish stronger by caring for our gifts and giving a return to God in gratitude. We have experienced incredible growth over the last 30 years. By relocating St. Anne School to Saint John Neumann, we are extending the work began by our mother church over 80 years ago and providing an opportunity for continued growth. Please be aware that your gift is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax advisor.

Why are we being asked to consider a three-year pledge?
It is critical to the success of this campaign that all families make a pledge. By making pledges over three years (which may be four tax years), parishioners can adjust their payment schedules to suit personal circumstances. The pledges will provide the confidence for us to complete the project in a timely manner without burdening the parish with excessive debt.

What if my circumstances change after I make my pledge?
The parish will be able to move forward based on the pledges received. A pledge, however, it is not legally binding. Should your circumstances change, for better or worse, send a note to the parish asking to adjust your pledge accordingly.

Is there a minimum pledge?
No. All gifts and pledges are needed and welcomed, we are asking each family to prayerfully consider what Saint John Neumann means to them and how their financial gift can make a difference in this campaign.

Blessed John 23rd – FAQ’s for 2/28/10 Bulletin

Why is it called a Religious Education Center, what does this mean?
At the heart of the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center will be the relocated Catholic Elementary school of St. Anne. This new facility will offer additional, and much needed space for the Religious Education Ministry of St. John Neumann, as well as the Youth Ministry. The Religious Education Center will also provide opportunities for St. John Neumann to solidify our Catholic Community through social gatherings and parish-wide activities.

What are the priorities in terms of the building?
Based on the feasibility study conducted in the spring of 2009, increased space for religious education and relocating St. Anne School were the first priorities. Additional space for parish-wide gatherings is the second priority. The timing of completion of this new space will be based on the continued generosity of our parish family.

When will the project get underway, and how long will it take?
Based on the regulations of the Diocese, we will be able to break ground when 50% of the cost of the project is in the bank. With your generosity, we hope to break ground in the summer of 2012. The good news is that we have township approval to move forward with the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center. So it really is up to us to be as generous as possible. Once ground is broken, it will take approximately 12-14 months to complete the facility. If this timeframe is met, the new facility will open its doors in September 2013.

If we cannot raise all of the money, are there contingency plans in place?
The good news is that we do not have to make any final decisions right now. We are currently investigating a number of options that will provide the greatest flexibility in the new facility as well as provide for our greatest need – additional educational space. Our hope is that through the generosity of every member of our parish and school family, we will be able to build the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center as it is currently planned. When the pledge period for the campaign is concluded, we will be able to better understand the financial picture and finalize our plan accordingly.

How will the school support itself once it is built?
The majority of operational expenses are expected to be covered by the tuition. The classroom space will double the size of the school and there is a marketing plan under consideration to maximize the number of students at the school. As is happening currently, if a parish is sending students to a Catholic school, the parish supports that school as well. Currently St. John Neumann sends support to St. Anne and to Catholic High. It is expected that there will be a mix of students from different parishes at the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center

Blessed John XXIII
Religious Education Center
Project Update

Thank you, to the nearly 200 parishioners who participated in the town hall meetings that followed all Masses last weekend. We are currently compiling all of the questions and answers that were discussed. Your continued enthusiasm and interest in this project and the life of St. John Neumann parish are greatly appreciated. Look for these FAQ’s here in the bulletin as well as on the website over the next few months. Should you have additional questions, please contact Angela Richards, arichards@sjnlancaster.org

Last winter, the Capital Campaign Committee of the Parish Council selected a national fundraising counsel firm, Ruotolo Associates, Inc., to conduct a feasibility study and assist us in the capital campaign for the Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center.

During the spring of this year, the feasibility study was conducted to understand your support for this project. Thank you to all who participated in this process and the following is a recap of what you advised the consultant.

A total of 827 parishioners participated, through interviews, focus groups, and the in-pew/electronic survey. Participants were asked a variety of questions pertaining to St. John Neumann parish, the project and how they might see themselves involved in the campaign. The strengths of the community included its size, the parish activity, and the leadership of Monsignor Youtz. Overall, those surveyed felt that you were communicated with in an efficient and informative manner. However, the areas cited as needing improvement are lack of space for worship and parish meetings/gatherings, the overall condition of present facilities, and the music program.

Most of you felt that the new Religious Education Center would provide for the temporal needs of the parish by providing the needed space for Religious Education classes/programs and other parish gatherings, as well as relieving the demands on the present parish hall. Concerns about the project included questions about what would happen to St. Anne Parish, how our community would support a school, as well as wanting more details regarding the project such as, the timeline and how it will affect all of the ministries here.

With average indications of support during the study of $14,000 to $26,000 over 3 to 5 years, Ruotolo Associates feels that we should proceed with the Capital Campaign for the Religious Education Project and, over the summer, the Parish Council agreed with this recommendation. During the next several months, a series of town hall meetings will be conducted to share with you the questions/concerns that were brought forth during the study, as well as allow you to ask additional questions.

We look forward to meeting with all of you throughout this fall and encourage you to attend one of the town hall forums. Should you have any questions before then, please do not hesitate to call Msgr. Youtz or Angela Richards.
at 717-569-8531.

Q. WHY DID WE DO A SURVEY ON THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CENTER?
A. On Sunday, May 31st , St John Neumann Parishioners were asked to complete an in-pew survey relating to the proposed Blessed John XXIII Religious Education Center. This was the culmination of several weeks of parish feedback which also included focus groups and one-on-one interviews with many SJN parishioners.
This is all part of a ‘Feasibility Study’ recommended by our campaign consultants, Ruotolo Assoc., to estimate for us the level of financial support for the Religious Education Center, as well as how the project is being received by our parish.
From the beginning, the Religious Education Center (REC) design tried to balance the three critical needs of our parish growth:
need for a modern PK-8 Catholic school facility
more room for the rapidly growing religious education and youth programs
expanded special event facilities.

The current REC design represents the Building Committee’s best effort to meet these critical needs.
The purpose of the Feasibility Study was to garner input from the St. John Neumann parish community as well as parents of students at St. Anne.
As we celebrate our 35th anniversary as a Parish, this project represents the largest expansion project since the Church was built.
We have been blessed with generous and active parishioners who have made this a vibrant Christian community. However, keeping our future in mind, our current facility limits our ability to accommodate our growing needs in the future. Hence, we are now embarking on this major project which will positively impact our parish life.
The results of the study, which includes the participation of over 800 families, was presented to the Capital Campaign Committee on Tuesday, June 16th. Following their evaluation of the suggestions from Ruotolo Associates, they will make a recommendation to the Parish Council and Monsignor Youtz. Once the Parish Council has made their decision, we will share this information with you.
We are committed to use this feedback to guide us as we move forward and will continue to solicit your feedback and support along the way. Please keep in your prayers your fellow parishioners on Parish Council and the various steering committees, who are doing their very best to align this project to meet the needs and wishes of the Parish.
Please continue to check the parish website for the latest information and we will continue these monthly bulletin updates.