Dear Fellow Parishioners & Family Member,
"Paving Our way to a Brighter Future" is the theme of the Parish Renovation Campaign our parish is embarking on as we celebrate 50 years of service to the parish community.
Since my arrival almost three years ago, I have grown in my respect and appreciation for this faith community; and its many wonderful, dedicated parishioners. The priests, parish staff, as well as our parishioners who are involved in the various faith ministries of the parish and our Outreach ministry to the local community.
Our Church and Parish Center have served us well and continue to meet the needs of our large and active parish. However, like many homes, our Buildings and Grounds are aging and in need of serious repairs. We especially need to repave our entire parking lot and improve handicapped parking access to the Church and Parish Center, eliminate our remaining roof debt, improve our Church lighting system and update the flooring in the hall of the Parish Center.
We recently completed a Planning Study and with your input and support, we are ready for the next step- a Capital Campaign. This brochure presents the details of our Capital Campaign, through which we hope to raise $900,000 to accomplish these vital projects over a three-tofour-year period. When we reach this goal, we will see our vision for this parish realized- our buildings and grounds will be safe, more accessible, and in good condition and we will be well prepared for the future. I trust that you will be able to support our parish to the best of your ability at this important point in our history.
As a parish, we have come a long way in getting to this point. I hope the leadership I have shown over the past three years gives you confidence to support this campaign and bring it to a successful completion. With the Lord's guidance and your support, we can accomplish the task that lies ahead of us with faith, hope and love.
Pax et Bonum,
Rev. James-Patrick Mannion
Administrator
Memorial Opportunities...
Your Gift can honor the memory of someone you Love
A Memorial is a special way to show appreciation to God who is the giver of all gifts. All Memorial gifts of $2,500 and above will be appropriately recognized on a Memorial plaque located in the Church.
An Appeal for Special Generosity
Whatever you decide to contribute should have some relationship to how generous God has been to you. An appeal is made to those families who have been blessed by God with more of His material means. If you have been so blessed and you are able to pledge as much as $10,000, $20,000, or even $25,000 or more, we ask you to be leaders in our campaign with these more substantial gifts.
Tax Advantages of Thoughtful Giving
Federal and state laws on income and inheritance taxes encourage charitable giving. All annual contributions are deductible for tax purposes. It is particularly advantageous to contribute securities, real estate or other valuables. The current fair market value of securities or property is deductible and by transferring these assets to the Church the donor pays no capital gains tax. For substantial gifts of real estate, other than marketable securities, the IRS requires an appraisal.
Advantages of Giving Through your IRA
Individuals age 70½ and older can make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD's) directly from their Traditional, Rollover or Inherited IRA's to eligible 501C3 charities such as St. Mark. The funds must be sent directly from your IRA administrator to the charity. You cannot withdraw the money yourself then donate it. QCD's are excluded from your taxable income and can be used to satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you are over the RMD age. You should contact your IRA administrator to request this.
Planned Giving/Estate Gifts
Planned giving is a great way to support St. Mark's. There are many ways to establish planned or estate gifts. They include making St. Mark's a beneficiary of your retirement account, adding St. Mark's as a beneficiary in your last will and testament, establishing a charitable gift annuities and charitable trusts, and even gifting assets such as real estate and personal property.
Have Questions - We can Help
Call Andy White, Campaign Director at 516-607-3635 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions about IRA Giving or naming St. Mark Catholic Church in your will or living trust. We're happy to help, without obligation.
WHAT YOU ARE ASKED TO CONSIDER.....Here is an example
As you make your pledge... Please Remember...
- Payments can be made over a period of three to four years.
- Pledge payments are in addition to your regular offertory contribution. The Sunday collection pays for the day-to-day operations of the parish, while your pledge will be used for the renovation of parish facilities.
- Payment reminders will be mailed to you in accordance with your payment plan.
- Payments on pledges are deductible for tax purposes.
- Please make checks payable to: St. Mark Capital Campaign
The Challenge Ahead - Renewing our Buildings and Grounds
As St. Mark's celebrates over 50 years of service, we look back with gratitude for those who labored to provide so much; we rejoice in the many ways our parish family is alive and active in worship, faith formation and Christian service, and we look forward to the future with great hope. After many years of extensive use our Parking Lot, Church and Parish Hall are in need of major improvements. The following is a summary of the items that need our attention and the priority in which they will be accomplished.
Proposed Work to be accomplished:
Phase One:
Summer/Fall 2026
APPROXIMATE COST $550,000
The highest priority is repaving the entire parking lot, adding more convenient handicapped parking and easier access into and out of the parking area. We will also add new signage, drainage and lighting as necessary.
- Repave and Restripe the entire Parking lot
- Add Handicapped Parking closer to the Church
- Add Signage, Lighting and Drainage as needed
Phase two:
Summer/Fall 2027
APPROXIMATE COST $200,000
Upgrading the Church Lighting system will address deteriorating conditions and allow for increase reliability, efficiency and save on future repairs. We will also pay a portion of the remaining Roof loan to save on interest cost and reduce our balance.
- Update the Church Lighting system
- Repay a portion of the Roof Loan
Phase three:
Spring/Summer 2028
APPROXIMATE COST $150,000
We will replace the stained and deteriorating flooring in the Parish Center and make the final payment of the Roof Loan.
- Replace the Flooring in the Parish Hall
- Repay the final balance of the Roof Loan
The history of St. Mark's is characterized by tradition and commitment. Now we are called upon to continue the work of those parishioners who founded the parish and built our present facilities. We realize that raising $900,000 needed for this effort will take a concerted effort on the part of the entire parish community. Knowing that the love and generosity of this parish family will answer the call, we ask you to join us as we undertake this most important challenge.
"Paving Our Way to a Brighter Future"
You are Called to Participate
What we are asking you to do to help us complete our Campaign...
- Read over and prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift to the best of your ability.
We are asking each family to consider a pledge of $2,500 or more. This pledge could be paid with a 10% down payment and monthly installments of $47 over a four-year period. If your situation permits a more substantial pledge, your extra generosity will be most appreciated. If your situation warrants a lesser amount, we ask that you respond as generously as possible. - Complete the enclosed pledge envelope. List the total amount of pledge, any down payment you will be sending in with the pledge and then complete the payment plan you prefer to use for the remainder of the pledge.
Make all checks payable to St. Mark Capital Campaign. Please only indicate a down payment amount if you are enclosing a check. Payment reminders will be mailed to you based on whatever schedule you choose: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or however you stipulate. - Please mail the completed pledge envelope, drop it in the Sunday collection or bring it to the Parish Office on or before November 9th. If we receive your response by that date, you will not receive a follow-up contact.
A Message from your Campaign Committee....
In this brochure we reviewed our needs with you and the challenge we face. Now we are asking each family to consider making a financial sacrifice to guarantee the success of this campaign.
No one can tell you how much you should give. You as a parishioner are the one to decide what is an appropriate and proportionate gift since the financial obligations of each family are different. What you give is between yourself and God.
The Church belongs to all of us, and only through the community, can we achieve our goals. Therefore, all contributions from the smallest to the highest will be gratefully appreciated. Your decision is a personal one and should be made in good conscience and in true Christian spirit.
Through sacrifice and prayer all good things are possible.
Campaign Leadership Team
Rev. James-Patrick Mannion, Administrator
Don & Bonnie Kisiel, Co-Chair
Paul & Jeanne Knudsen Co-Chair
John Dahl, Co-Chair
Parish Advisory Committee
Leadership Team Ambassadors
Our Church lighting system is original and in need of upgrade, we plan on replacing the wiring and control panel. We will also replace the stained and worn carpeting in the Parish Center.
"Paving Our Way to a Brighter Future"
Repaving our severely deteriorating Parking lot and adding more convenient Handicapped parking closer to the Church is the top priority of the Campaign.
We will restripe and add drainage and lighting needed.
