From Fr. John From Fr. John
DearSt.ColumbaParishioners& SchoolFamilies,
Godisgoodallthetime!Iam delightedtobeservingatSt. Columbaduringthisexcitingtime ofgrowth!IthankGodforthe strongfoundationwehaveinour churchandschoolthroughthe
LeadershipoftheSistersofMercyandpastorsand parishionersoverthepast140years.Iespecially wanttothankthemanypeoplewhohavebeen involvedinourcampusplanningandcapital campaigndevelopmentoverthepastfewyears.We havealmost100peoplesupportingthisvital mission–trulyactingasLivingStonesforour spiritualhouse.
Iinviteyouandyourfamilyintoprayerand discernmentabouthowGodiscallingyoutomake asacrificialgifttothisimportantworktoensure ouragingfacilitiesaremodernizedandimproved forfuturefamiliesofSt.Columba.
Pleasereturntheenclosedpledgecardatoneofour MassesonCommitmentWeekend,November16 and17,orduringtheschool’sThanksgivinglunch onNovember21.Ilookforwardtocelebratingwith youthefruitsofourgiftssothatwecancontinue servingourcommunityasavibrantplaceof worship, esto come
InChrist
ST. COLUMBA Living Stones Prayer
Almighty God and Father, we your children of St. Columba Church and School give thanks for the wisdom of the past and ask for guidance from your Spirit as we look to the future.
Use us as living stones as we move forward and build upon our strong foundation. Knowing that all things come from You, help us to eagerly build Your kingdom here in this time and place. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Parish History and a Call to Action Parish History and a Call to Action
St. Columba Church and School are thriving today because of a long history of resilient Catholic leadership with an undeniable trust in God. The Cornerstone for St. Columba Church was laid June 12, 1881. Sister Mary Baptiste Meyers led the Sisters of Mercy to Durango in 1882 and was instrumental in the founding of two schools, an orphanage, and Mercy Hospital. Families that started the parish in the early years
More than 140 years later, our trust in God remains steadfast. As we look to the future and seek God’s guidance and wisdom to continue answering our call to discipleship, it is abundantly clear that we must address the aging buildings of our campus. We have delayed challenging facility decisions for decades, and it’s time for action. Throughout the history of St. Columba, there have been key times when parishioners and school are still represented at Mass each Sunday. Together, we have kept alive a vibrant faith so the community of St. Columba might flourish.
families have stepped up to meet significant needs in our community. We believe now is the time for a faithful, committed response to our critical infrastructure challenges. Together, we can continue to be a beacon of Christ’s light in Southwest Colorado.
30-YEAR VISION 30-YEAR VISION
Our 30-year vision includes needed upgrades and new spaces identified by our church and school families. The cost is estimated at $50 million.
10-YEAR PLAN 10-YEAR PLAN
Our 10-year plan includes infrastructure improvements and additions that will be the foundation of future phases of construction. New buildings in our 10year plan include an entrance vestibule for the church and a parish commons. The cost is estimated at $15 million.
PHASE 1- NEXT 3 YEARS PHASE 1- NEXT 3 YEARS
Church Building
Capital Campaign Capital Campaign
Stewardship Goal #1:
Stewardship Goal #1:
$6.2 Million $6.2 Million
New addition and entrance to the east for community-building and welcoming, while maintaining reverence in the sanctuary. Includes new, accessible restroom facilities.
Patio for outdoor gatherings
Remodel of church entry, priest’s sacristies, and balcony
Roof & steeple repair
Quiet area in back of church
Systems upgrades, including heating/cooling, electrical, sound, fire safety, floor support, security, and more
Site Infrastructure
Sidewalks and landscaping
Utilities delivery (water/sewer)
Hauser Building
Modernize fire suppression & fire protection systems
Additional information on the parish website: stcolumbacatholic.org
Your Decision to Give Your Decision to Give
“How much should I give to the Capital Campaign?”
Each church and school family is asked to prayerfully consider making a commitment of 3 - 5% of their annual income for each of the next three years or a one-time gift of 3 - 5% of their assets This is in addition to regular church offertory and school giving.
The guides below show a 3% and a 5% commitment and how they could be fulfilled in annual, monthly or weekly payments.
However you determine the amount of your pledge, remember all pledges no matter the size are welcomed and needed
RECALL all the blessings God has given you, not only for your personal use, but to build the Kingdom of God on earth
PRAY to discern what sacrificial gift God is asking you to give in this capital campaign.
REMEMBER that every gift, regardless of the size, will be an important contribution to the capital campaign
DISCUSS your participation and sacrifice with all members of your family and what it will mean to you over the next three years
Giving Non-cash Assets
Marketable securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, grain, etc.)
A gift to St. Columba Parish of appreciated securities held for more than one year may provide significant benefits to you as a contributor, such as: Entitling you to a charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value Eliminating capital gains tax
"Like
living stones,
let yourselves
Gifts of Other Assets
The donation of personal property may also be a way to provide a gift This would include assets of value, such as real estate, antiques, coins, jewelry, and art
Qualified Charitable Distribution
For a potentially impactful tax deduction, consider making your gift to the capital campaign through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from a retirement account. You can allocate up to $100,000 out of your required minimum distribution (RMD). This will reduce your taxable income and fulfill your RMD, and you will pay no tax on the transaction. Check with your tax advisor for more details.
EK NOVEMBER 16 -21
be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 2:5
Dear Parishioners and School Families,
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of campaign leadership for this important endeavor. St. Columba Church and School have been cornerstones in the lives of our families and our community, and the work we are embarking on will have a lasting impact.
As you discern your contributions to this campaign, we invite you to pray daily, seeking guidance from God on how you can share His blessings for our shared future. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and helps us continue the mission that unites us.
Thank you for your support and commitment to bringing forward St. Columba for future families and generations to come.
In faith and gratitude,
Tracy Pope & Danielle Enea Living Stones Campaign Co-chairs
Questions? Contact the Parish or School Offices
If you have any questions, require account information for security transfers, or need specific instructions on how to make your gift, please contact the parish office (970.247.0044) or the school office (970.247.5527) for confidential assistance.
You should always consult with your financial advisor and accountant before initiating a charitable gift arrangement.
Tracy Pope
Danielle Enea
Donna & Leroy Rheault
Gil Van Lunsen
Joan Roberts-Ems
Katie Nakamoto
Michelina Paulek
Annie Carroll
Cynthia McMahon
Lynn May
Amy Robertson
Rich Bechtolt
Mike Bray
Heidi Martinez
Anne Rossignol
Julie Romero
Rob Zmarzlak
Catie Bird
Michele Hilberth
Michael Eckstein
Kris Keher
Danielle Chick
Jason & Damiane McMillen
Bob Johnston
Frank Wilde
Cathy Simbeck
Kristin Hays
Kate Feir
Alisa Stuard
Mike Best
Geoff Craig
Jeanne Moore
Judy Sturdevant
Julie Kleva
Catherine Knaresboro
Thank you to the additional volunteers serving on the Prayer, Events, Thanks, Youth, Ambassadors, and Communications Teams.
Linda & Tom Charnock
Bonnie Simons
Dee Peterson
Johan Kleva
Sally Smith
Julie Best
Hillary Raab
Emmy Archuleta
Joan Heil
Sarah Robinson
Brady Paulek
Mandi & Chad Carpenter With
Sabine Davidson
Pat & Mark Norton
Janet DeFratus
Mary Gwinn
Susie Hopkins
Kathy Koehler
Barb Taylor
Alison Smith
Mandie Frazier
Daniel Gallavan
Emily Bird
Erin McGuinness
Paul Cahill
Marie & Frank Enea
Diane Giersch
Ron Hoenninger
Tim LaFrance
Alice Rose
Jason Romero
Cindy Werland
Rob & Kourtney Hadrick
Andy Roach
Nancy Agro
Jeff Fultz
