Frequently asked questions……
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.