The St. Isidore Expansion Task Force (ETF) hired Ketchum Canada Inc. (KCI) - a fundraising firm to conduct a preliminary Planning Study over the summer. KCI carried out a series of in-depth, confidential interviews, several focus groups and email surveys with a wide cross-section of St. Isidore parishioners. The interviews tested the size of the St. Isidore expansion goal, the leadership available, the timing of the project and the degree of financial support for the project illustrated by Ralph Vandenberg - Architect.
The official results of the KCI Planning Study will be disclosed at the:
St. Isidore Annual General Meeting - Sunday Sept. 16, 1 PM - Parish Hall - Please join us.
The ETF wishes to thank all participants for their valuable feedback, their time and cooperation with the important and successful Planning (Feasibility) Study. Participants expressed great confidence in the church leadership and in the ETF. The need to expand was well received and seen as urgent and compelling by many. The Study confirmed that the proposed expansion plans which were estimated to cost $7.1 million are too ambitious for the parish to take on. As a result, plans for expansion will not be abandoned - only revised. Participants are 'keen and willing to volunteer', but, felt that a Plan B was essential. Most expect that a Plan B can be designed more in-line with parishioner ability to support and maintain.
The ETF listened to your concerns. We heard you and we have gone back to the drawing board. This means the Planning Study was a very valuable tool. The project now enters a new phase in its process, which will soon lead to finalizing the design of the renovation and expansion of our Church. We are determined to find the best solution. New or revised plans will be presented at the AGM on Sept. 16 and will be open for discussion.
We have a vision of our new church ~ a place for all to attend weekly mass in comfort as a 'united' community and a place to celebrate the many occasions in our lives such as baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals.
Based on the feedback from more than 100 parishioners, the question now is... will the vision involve maintaining the existing church or not? Please come to the AGM on Sept. 16 to continue the dialogue on this important decision.
The Catholic Community of St. Isidore - Expansion Task Force Members:
Des Adam, (Chair), Father Ross Finlan, Brian Ward, Mike Green, Darlene Gollesch, Tom Hewitt, Reg Dion, Jerry Bellomo, Bill Egan, Mary Carver, Norbert Puetz, Tino Tolot
To volunteer: call - Deacon Des at the parish office - 613-592-1961- Ext 4