ST. COLUMBA PARISH CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Dear St. Columba School Families and Friends,
For the past few years, our community has come together and been engaged in a discernment process to determine the best path forward for our aging campus. In this brochure, we are excited to share the fruits of that work: a 30-year Vision, a 10-year Plan, and the immediate 3-year Phase One inclusions. Now, each of us has the opportunity for individual discernment, asking how we might be called to help make this vision a reality.
We recognize and appreciate the diversity within our community parishioners, school families, and friends who may not attend church at St. Columba. Each of you brings a unique perspective, and your support is essential to everything we do. For our parishioners, St. Columba School is our largest ministry; the school simply would not exist without the financial support of the church and its members. For our school families, we understand you are already making significant contributions through tuition and giving to our Annual Campaign, which supports the day-to-day operations of the school. It is your generosity that makes everything we do possible.
In this campaign, you may wonder why we are being asked to fund church improvements when we are a school family? This is an important question, and the answer lies in our shared vision for the whole community. The initial phase of this campaign includes critical infrastructure work that serves both the church and the school, creating a foundation for future growth. While this phase includes improvements to the church, when you step back and look at the complete vision, two-thirds of the planned improvements are dedicated to enhancing the school and its future. At the core of our school curriculum, we regularly use the church facilities throughout the week for weekly Mass, Monday morning Grace Gathering, and theology classes.
We ask you to take a look at the attached inclusions page, where you’ll find the schoolspecific improvements in the 10-year plan and 30-year vision.
Our hope and prayer is that you will view this campaign through the lens of our shared community, and to give what you can, knowing that each contribution, no matter the size, will bring us closer to our long-term vision. Please consider how St. Columba has touched your life, and join us in preserving its legacy as the cornerstone of faith and learning in our community for generations to come.
Our journey began with the Sisters of Mercy, who came to Durango in 1882 – with such humble beginnings, they established not only a church and school but also an orphanage and Mercy Hospital. This legacy is part of a broader story: Catholics have historically played a significant role in establishing healthcare and education in the United States, often founding the first institutions of their kind in many communities. The work the Sisters accomplished is truly remarkable, and their spirit of dedication and faith continues to shape our mission today. In the decades that followed, many before us stepped forward to grow St. Columba into what it is today; now, it is our turn to take the next step to ensure that St. Columba remains a beacon of faith, learning, and community for generations to come.
In grateful recognition of your generosity, all donors will be recognized with a plaque or other permanent feature incorporated into our architectural design. We look forward to sharing more details about this recognition as our plans develop.
Commitment Week will be November 16 - 21. Please submit your pledge at the Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, November 21, where baskets will be available in the gym and school office to collect school pledges. Thank you for your commitment to our community-–and for your partnership and generosity in building a lasting legacy for future generations.
With faith and gratitude , p
Our family business is guided by a value we return to in times of decision making - the value of being good community citizens. “We give willingly to and are actively involved in the support of our communities, because they provide us our success.” At St. Columba School, we’ve found our community. Our children, being raised in an often tumultuous world, have been kept safe. Their spirits and minds nurtured. Their talents celebrated and their missteps refocused in the spirit of loving correction. As our older two have moved on to high school, we’ve seen the successes provided by the St. Columba School community. Their kindness and leadership, their scholastic dedication, their willingness to consider issues they encounter with a faithful and loving heart - all attributes grown and nourished by St. Columba School. Our support of the school community matters now and for the next generation of families to find their community.
Mandie and Jonathan Frazier Parents of Anderson '23, Vivian '24, and Mabel 6th Grade
St. Columba School has been a truly wonderful experience for our family. Both of our children started their St. Columba journey in preschool where Montessori learning has set them up to love learning, independence and self discipline. We deeply appreciate the teachers who dedicate themselves to giving each student specialized attention, nurturing their strengths and helping them grow in areas of need. This is a school that fosters a sense of belonging for all, inviting each student to bring their authentic selves into the classroom. More than just cultivating lifelong learners, St. Columba instills values that guide our children to be responsible, compassionate citizens within their communities.
Our family has a strong connection to Catholic education, with Kyle having attended a Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. A focus on shared values, respect for others, and the ambition that Catholic education nurtured were formative. It’s an experience we are grateful to pass on to our children.We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire St. Columba community, and to the administration and teachers who make each student’s journey here so magical and distinct. Thank you for the impact you make every day.
Kyle and Marissa Montgomery
Parents to Vaughn 2nd Grade and Lana Pre-K
ST. COLUMBA CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT PLAN: SCHOOL-SPECIFIC INCLUSIONS
To our School Families and Supporters:
This document highlights the improvements planned for the school as part of our Capital Campaign and Campus Improvement Plan. These enhancements are designed to serve both the immediate and future needs of our school community, addressing infrastructure and safety, and providing new spaces for learning, gathering, and growth.
Phase I of 10-Year Plan – Foundational Infrastructure Requirements & Safety Upgrades (included in $6.2 Million)
• Code-required sidewalks for improved accessibility and safety
• Code-required updated landscaping to beautify and unify campus grounds
• Water and sewer utilities delivery to support campus needs, including fire safety upgrades
• The addition of a patio to the church narthex will provide a year-round gathering space for both church and school until the Parish Commons is built (see Phase III noted below)
Hauser Middle School and Preschool Building Upgrades for added safety and security
• Fire suppression system installation
• Modernized fire protection and alarm systems
* The school is fully compliant with all code requirements and undergoes annual fire and safety inspections
Phase II of 10-Year Plan – Elementary School Building Improvements ($2.3 Million)
• Fire suppression system installation for added safety
• New main electrical service
• Environmental improvements to contribute to energy efficiency and to enhance the overall quality of the indoor environment:
Replace existing windows, boiler, and HVAC improvements
Furred exterior walls with added insulation
New carpeting and acoustic ceiling tiles
• Replace existing gym floor
• New kitchen equipment and code compliance update
Phase III of 10-Year Plan – New Parish Commons & School Facilities Upgrades
($4.2 Million)
• The Parish Commons is an addition to the elementary school building, where students will have lunch daily and will also be available as a space for parishioners and school families to gather and connect. By moving lunch to the Parish Commons, we will relieve daily pressure on the gymnasium, significantly improving the day-to-day experience for the students
• As a stretch goal dependent on the success of the campaign, we also envision adding dedicated specialty classrooms to the Parish Commons. These additional spaces would further alleviate pressure on the Hauser Middle School Building and other shared facilities enhancing the learning environment for the students
•Completion of school facility upgrades
30-Year Vision
• Complete remodel and expansion of the Hauser Middle School and Preschool Building, including a new science lab
• Addition to the Elementary School Building, including new administrative offices and dedicated spaces for student support and staff
• Creation of specialty classrooms within the elementary school building for music and art, allowing elementary students convenient access to these classes in their own building. This setup will also enable middle school students to attend music and art at the elementary school, fostering a sense of connection and community between elementary and middle school students
• Relocating specialty classrooms from the Hauser Building to the elementary school building also helps relieve the current strain on the Hauser Building and creates more space for an impactful remodel to benefit the middle school students. This change will reduce crowding, free up hallway and locker space, enhancing daily quality of life for middle school students and staff with more space for movement, organization, and creating a more comfortable experience
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.
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.
COMMITMENT WEEK NOVEMBER 16 -21
"Like living stones, let yourselves 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.
“Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house...”
Campus Planning,
Campaign
Fr John Moses Jatau
Dcn Chris Peterson
Principal Kevin Chick
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
Advisory Committee & Campaign Team Leaders
Tim Rose
Lesley Gannon-Meiering
Mariah May-Ostendorp
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
Carrie Slifka
Vikki Agovino
Ali Wegrzyn
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
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
