Dear Parishioners of St. Francis de Sales,
Grace and peace to you.
Over the past several years, our parish family has continued to grow and thrive. We are blessed with strong Mass attendance, vibrant parish activities, and a community that is deeply committed to the mission of Christ and His Church. With this growth comes the need to prepare for the future and ensure that our parish facilities continue to serve the needs of our community for many years to come.
As part of the Diocese of Calgary's Multiplying Hope Campaign, our parish has been exploring projects that will strengthen our parish infrastructure and support our mission. After careful consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, the Diocese, and the Town of High River, we have identified two important projects that will help secure the future of our parish.
While our original Multiplying Hope proposal included both a parking lot expansion and the construction of a new rectory, after careful consideration we have decided to proceed in phases. We will begin with the parking lot project and, once it is completed and fully paid for, we will turn our attention to building a new rectory closer to the church.
Phase One: Parking Lot Expansion and Renewal
Our immediate focus is the expansion and renewal of the church parking lot.
Anyone who attends our Sunday Masses, parish picnics, major celebrations, or funerals knows that parking has become increasingly limited. During many parish events, our parking lot reaches capacity, forcing parishioners and visitors to seek parking elsewhere.
In addition, the existing paved parking lot has reached the point where significant repairs will soon be required. Rather than addressing these issues separately, your Finance Council determined that it would be prudent and more cost-effective to complete the expansion and resurfacing as one comprehensive project.
The proposed project includes:
- Expanding the parking lot into the former rectory green space.
- Removal of five mature trees and redevelopment of the surrounding landscaped area.
- Regrading the property to ensure proper stormwater drainage.
- Construction of approximately 840 square metres of new asphalt parking area.
- Resurfacing approximately 850 square metres of the existing parking lot.
- Installation of new curbs, parking stall markings, and related improvements.
Extensive discussions have taken place with the Town of High River regarding planning requirements, drainage considerations, tree removal, landscaping, and parking design. Professional surveys and engineering work are currently underway to ensure that all municipal requirements are met.
Current estimates place the total project cost between $130,000 and $150,000.
This project will improve accessibility, increase parking capacity, enhance safety, and provide a more welcoming experience for parishioners and visitors alike.
Before any construction can begin, we must complete the necessary municipal approvals and fulfill the Diocese's requirements regarding fundraising and project approval. In the coming months, parishioners will hear more about our fundraising efforts and how everyone can participate in this important initiative. If our fundraising campaign is successful and we are able to satisfy diocesan policies and requirements, it is our hope to begin the parking lot project later this year.
Every gift, regardless of size, will help us move one step closer to making this project a reality. We ask for your prayers, support, and patience as we work through the final planning, approval, and fundraising stages.
Phase Two: Building a New Rectory
Once the parking lot project has been completed and finalized, we will begin work on the second phase of our vision: building a new rectory adjacent to the church.
Many parishioners will remember that before the 2013 flood, the rectory stood next to the church. Having the priest living on the parish property greatly supports the daily life of the parish. It allows for greater availability for pastoral care, easier access during emergencies, and a stronger connection between the priest and parish community.
Our goal is to construct a modest rectory that will provide living space for the pastor and occasional visiting clergy. Bringing the rectory back to the church property will strengthen parish life and help support ministry for many years to come.
The current residence occupied by the pastor could then potentially be used as a rental property, creating an additional source of income to help support parish operations and future needs.
While this second phase remains part of our long-term plan, our first priority is to successfully complete the parking lot project. Once that work is finished, we will evaluate the next steps, costs, and fundraising requirements for the rectory project.
How Does Multiplying Hope Help?
Through the Diocese of Calgary's Multiplying Hope Campaign, funds raised by our parish may qualify for diocesan matching support. This provides us with a unique opportunity to accomplish significant improvements while maximizing every dollar donated by parishioners.
Your generosity will help ensure that our parish remains welcoming, accessible, and prepared to serve future generations.
Looking Ahead
These projects are about much more than buildings, asphalt, or parking spaces. They are about strengthening the mission of St. Francis de Sales Parish. They are about creating a welcoming environment for worship, building a stronger parish community, and ensuring that our parish remains a vibrant home of faith for years to come.
As plans continue to develop, we will keep everyone informed regarding timelines, costs, fundraising goals, and opportunities to participate.
Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and commitment to St. Francis de Sales Parish. Together, through faith and hope, we can build a stronger future for our parish community.
May God bless you and your families.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS
Parish Priest
Parish Finance Council
Parish Pastoral Council
St. Francis de Sales Parish
