Seeking Approval from the Archdiocese of Chicago

We started with the formation of a "Master Plan" then relayed the "Plan" to the parish through a series of Town Hall Meetings. At the same time these steps were happening, Fr. Jerry began the process of the approval requirements from the Archdiocese of Chicago. There is a 38-page Archdiocesan Manual of suggestions, general procedures, and sign-off approval protocols for Capital Improvement Projects for parishes that must be followed.

Obviously, this step includes presenting the brick and mortar of the project; however, the emphasis must be on the "Vision" for the build-up. It must be shown that the building project is driven by the needs of the "Vision." Once the needs are understood, the easiest part of the plan is drawing a new building or retrofitting an existing building. It is the "Vision" that breathes life into the structures and delivers the purpose of the project.

St. Edna's "Vision for the Future" is far-reaching. Since its inception, St. Edna's physical plant, faith-based ministries, and fellowship gatherings have continued to expand. This growth, both in attendance and scope, has created a space problem. In many cases, programs have waiting lists for additional particpants. In addition to our space needs, many of the parish's physical assets have matured beyond their life expectancy.

With all the collected information in hand, the "St. Edna's Vision for the future" was presented to the Archdiocese. We explained our need to house our clergy safely and reduce unnecessary existing space due to declining priest numbers. To accomplish this, we need to replace the exisiting rectory.

While gathering information, the Planning Committee listened as parishioners and parish staff voiced their thoughts for the future direction of St. Edna. The need to expand our involvement with the youth and youth adults of the parish was expressed over and over. We were reminded that our young people are bombarded each day with conflicting messages regarding their faith and morality through the internet superhighway of information and misinformation. 

To gain the attention of our youth and continue to present the teachings of the Catholic Church to them, we need a venue that will allow us to offer meditation with recreation plus room for Catholic instructions.  This venue should be such that it will take advantage of up-to-date technology for audiovisual presentations.  Father explained the need to build a "Multitorium" and also renovate the lower level of the Hurley Center.  This structure would also house programs that will attract adult men and women groups and be the home for our expanding fellowship gathers available to all parishioners throughout the year.

PROPOSED "MULTITORIUM" SET UP 1

PROPOSED "MULTITORIUM" SET UP 2

Father also explained our wish to provide a quiet worship area for our parishioners and our proposal to add a chapel area to our existing church proper. 

PROPOSED CHAPEL PLAN

Father Jerry further explained that we need more space to continue to expand our faith programs:
Catechesis, L.I.F.E., Youth Ministry, Confirmation Preparation, Sacramental Preparation, Religious Education Programs, Liturgy of the Word for Children, Vacation Bible School, Welcoming Committee,  Baptism Preparation, Marriage Preparation, R.C.I.A., Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Stewardship Council, Worship Commission, Parish Life Commission, Human Concerns Commission, Faith Formation Commission, Outreach to the Poor, Moms Plus, Sunday Nursery, Christian Family Movement, Bereavement Ministry, Support Groups, Sharing Coffee, Saint Edna Angels, Joanne's Raggedy Ann Club, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Respect Life Ministry, Brothers Reaching Out, S.H.A.R.E, Disaster Assistance Ministry, Justice & Service, Prayer and Worship, Advocacy, Snack Theatre, Young At Heart, Puppet Ministry, Christ Renews His Parish, Transformation Scvripture Sharing, Women's Spirituality, Women of St. Edna, Food Pantry Workers, Respect Life Committee, Rosary Group, and S.H.A.R.E. Referral for Employment.

PROPOSED DOHERTY CENTER REMODELING PLAN

PROPOSED LOWER LEVEL REMODELING PLAN

Father Jerry's presentation of St. Edna's "Vision for the Future" received a preliminary go ahead to move to the next of several levels of approval required by the Archdiocese.  At this posting a committee of parishioners has been formed to interview, evaluate, and eventually hire the company that will facility the Capital Campaign necessary to bring our "Vision" to reality.

We thank each of you for your ongoing support and continue to ask that you pray for the success of the project!