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!

Town Hall Meetings

Information regarding St. Edna's "Vision for the Future" was the sole purpose of our Town Hall Meetings.  How did Parish Leadership conclude the Vision?  Where did the information come from?  Why do we need to change the way things are done?  What will it cost?  What will it involve?  How will this benefit all St. Edna parishioners overall?

Three dates were set for the meetings and publicized well in advance:

1. Thursday, October 20th at 7:00PM
2. Saturday, October 22nd at 10:00AM
3. Sunday, October 30th at 1:00PM

Attendance was greater than anticipated, and in two of the meetings extra chairs had to be set up to accommodate those in attendance.  The agenda of each meeting included a detailed Power Point presentation, with time for questions and discussion.  Comment cards wer epassed out with room for additional questions and comments to be listed before turning it in.  The card also had space for an email address to be listed for those who wanted to stay in the loop of information regarding the progress of the St. Edna Vision for the Future.

Responses at the meeting and 82% of the comment cards were incredibly positive on the outline for the future.  This online journal was set up to make sure all who want to monitor the progress of the process will be kept informed.  Linked to this post is the Power Point presentation view at the Town Hall Meetings for all to review. 

In our next post, we will report on the following:

• Several tasks have been set in motion since the meetings
• A committee has been formed and is interviewing companies to facilitate our Capital Campaign
• The architect will transfer the renderings of the proposed changes to formal drawings, and those drawings will be will be presented to the Archdiocese for approval

Much to do; much is being done.  Success will require the involvement of the entire parish.  We ask for your prayers.

Welcome!

Welcome to St. Edna's On-Line Journal!  The purpose of this site is to act as a conduit for the flow of information on the progress of the parish's "Vision for the Future."  The road is long and the hurdles many on the path to implementation.  Engaging all of our parishioners through communication is step one. 

Those individuals who attended our Town Hall Meetings and registered their email addresses will receive notification every time a new post is listed.  In the weeks and months to come, this journal will report on what is happening and in some cases what is not happening.  But whatever the case, you will be kept up-to-date and informed.

The next post will recap the Town Hall Meetings, listing some of the comments and concerns submitted by those in attendance.  After the recap posting we will begin reporting on the various start-up tasks necessary before we can begin our journey. 

First and foremost we will need formal approval from the Archdiocese on St. Edna's Vision for the Future.  Once that is accomplished the building renderings must be transferred into usable architectural drawings which can be brought to the Village of Arlington Heights for approval and permits.  We know this may take more time than we would like, but everyone will be kept up-to-date each step of the way.

At the same time these important tasks are taking place, a Building Comittee needs to be formed and interviews need to take place for the company the parish will use to facilitate our Capital Campaign.  Our intention is to keep the information interesting in content and complete in the explanation.  We thank you for your support and ask for your prayers as we begin.