April 30, 2013 // Local

St. Joseph Church, School launch $4 million campaign

Todays Catholic

SOUTH BEND — St. Joseph Church and School, founded by Holy Cross Father Edward Sorin in 1853, have launched the $4 million Living Our Faith, Building Our Future Campaign, aimed at funding four priorities in support of the parish’s mission:

• Modest refurbishment of the church interior, including cleaning and re-staining of pews;

• An addition to the grade school, including spacious athletic facilities and additional classroom space for music, pre-kindergarten and enhanced learning programs;

• Construction of a Parish Life Center to enhance pastoral and outreach offerings, foster community life and fellowship, house administrative offices, and provide space for a new preschool;

• Reconfiguration of parish grounds for expanded green space and play areas.

The “quiet phase” of the Living Our Faith, Building Our Future Campaign was initiated in September 2012. To date, over $3.3 million has been raised towards the $4 million goal.

Construction of the new Parish Life Center, at 711 Colfax Ave., is already underway. St. Joseph has contracted with South Bend based companies Alliance Architects and Holladay Construction Group for the project. In addition to providing space for activities within the parish, the center will better serve ministries that provide outreach to local neighbors in need. The Parish Life Center will also house the new St. Joseph Preschool, which will open in the fall of 2013 to serve families with both full- and half-day options.

The Living Our Faith, Building Our Future Campaign is the result of a four-year-long process of deliberation and discernment, during which time members of the St. Joseph community shared ideas and articulated a vision in support of the continued growth and improvement of the parish’s facilities and grounds.

For Holy Cross Father John DeRiso, pastor of St. Joseph since 2004, the campaign provides parishioners with the opportunity to continue the legacy handed on to them by members of the parish from days gone by: “Our forebears entrusted to us a magnificent heritage — one only made possible by their fidelity and sacrifice. Now it is up to us to build upon that heritage for the people of today and for those who will come tomorrow.”

St. Joseph Church and School have experienced much success in recent years. Pastoral and ministerial services have expanded to serve the spiritual needs of a vibrant and active community with a growing membership. In 2011, the school received the distinct honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. It was also designated a Four-Star School by the Indiana Department of Education. School enrollment presently stands at 450 students in grades K-8.

St. Joseph Church and School wish to express sincere gratitude to all those who have already pledged their support to the Living Our Faith, Building Our Future Campaign.