Q: What is the time frame for this project?

A: The Master Plan is expected to be completed by mid-December. In the second quarter of 2025, we plan to conduct a feasibility study with a representative group from our parish to gauge support for the plan. If the feedback is positive and we are in a good financial standing, we will then seek the Archbishop's approval to launch a Capital Campaign to fund the project.

Q: I've got the sense from talking to parish groups that the scheduling capabilities for meeting spaces may be as much of an issue as the actual space limitations themselves. Could group leaders be approved to have some self-scheduling capabilities? The way it was described sounded like the calendars were manually managed and you had to speak to someone each time your group wanted to meet or change time/location.

A: Sacred Heart utilizes an online event calendar for scheduling meeting spaces. While a staff member manages all space requests and updates, this makes sure that we are maintaining oversight to avoid any room conflicts.  

Q: The results were all over the board. Another survey should be sent out drilling further down into the needs/wants. We have a lot of internal space that could be finished out. A dedicated gym would alleviate a lot of scheduling issues. Outdoor meeting spaces and a fire pit, while nice makes us Westside, not SHOJ Catholic Church. KS weather is too unpredictable. We are not CA. Indoor facilities should be the priority.

A: The survey was designed to gather input from everyone on potential options for our space. Now that we have the results, the architects will work closely with the facility master plan committee to refine the possibilities. They will focus on what is truly feasible, considering both the unfinished space we have and any requirements the City of Shawnee may impose if we plan to expand beyond our current footprint.

Q: Inconsistency and lack of details in many of the issues/needs. There needs to be additional input from entire parish on very specific options that can be ranked. IE: finish church unused space for large events and additional meeting rooms.  Finish school basement for dedicated cafeteria and additional classrooms.  Outdoor classroom and gathering space is unnecessary and not conducive to year round use with KS weather. Money can and should be spent on indoor facilities.

A: Our architects will focus on determining what is feasible to finish, considering the impact on traffic flow, accessibility, and the City of Shawnee’s code requirements. Once this is completed, we will obtain cost estimates for each option, which will help us assess what can realistically be finished. This process will guide our next steps in prioritizing spaces and making informed decisions.

Q: So, how are they going to determine what will be done and in what order?  Accessibility and handicap parking is really important or the ability to drop people off at the door.

A: Once the master plan is finalized and cost estimates are prepared, we will determine how to phase the project over several years to achieve the best possible outcome. Accessibility, including handicap parking and convenient drop-off areas, will be considered in prioritizing the phases of the project.

Q:  Will school tuition be increased to help offset the capital campaign for improvements made to the school (i.e gym)? 

A: Tuition rates are currently set based on the instructional and curriculum needs of the school. The church covers the campus facilities and overhead costs through weekly tithing contributions, which are separate from tuition. Major construction projects, like building a new gymnasium, would be funded through a capital campaign and pledged donations from parishioners. If there’s any remaining mortgage, it would be included in the operating budget, supported by weekly giving. As we expand, maintaining additional space will likely require increased tithing. At this time, we cannot predict whether a usage fee would be applied for a new gymnasium in the future.  

Q: I took the survey but did not have any understanding, knowledge or belief that it was designed or intended to identify capital campaign projects. I believe this may have altered respondents results.  

A: We believe with the number of responses received, parishioners were able to provide proper feedback and input.

Q: Was there any consideration that parking should be separated from traffic flow exiting the lot? It seems that we have parking but exiting after mass is difficult (especially on the Johnson Drive side)

A: Parking and traffic flow will be carefully evaluated as our architects develop the master plan. We'll also consult with the City of Shawnee and the Codes department to understand what changes can be made to improve exiting, while ensuring compliance with local

Q: Will there be another survey after the cost financials are identified for each sub-project? That way parishioners have visibility to costs in order to determine priorities or top items for consideration.  

A: Cost estimates will be included in the final master plan. In addition, we will conduct a feasibility study in the second quarter of 2025 to gather feedback on the financial support needed for the project. This will help parishioners have greater visibility into costs and allow us to better determine priorities moving forward.

Q:  If the parish identified welcoming as the top one word description of Sacred Heart, why do we think that improvements like a dedicated gym or new adoration room space will welcome in more families to the school/church?  

A:  As our parish approaches 25 years, our needs have evolved. While "welcoming" remains a key aspect of our identity, there are areas of our campus that are underutilized. By finishing and enhancing these spaces or adding new finished spaces, we aim to better serve both current and future families, fostering a more vibrant and welcoming environment for all who join our community.

Q:  Is now really the time to take on a Capital campaign project? Projected 24-25 budgeted income is shown as a shortfall compared to 24-25 budgeted expenses.   

A:  We fully understand your concern. Rest assured, we will carefully assess whether our parish community can sustain both our operating budget and a potential capital campaign. Prudence will guide our decision-making to ensure financial stability before moving forward with any large projects.

Q:  I am for growing the parish through community and fellowship efforts. If we are really wanting to use ministry to reach out and impact the 65% not coming to mass, I do not think a new gym, adoration chapel or office space is going to be what makes the desire in their heart to return to church.  

A:  Guided by the Holy Spirit, our goal is to create a campus that inspires a deep sense of belonging, healing, and spiritual growth for all who are searching for the truth, beauty, and goodness found in Jesus Christ. While physical spaces like a gym, adoration chapel, or office may not seem directly tied to outreach, they serve as vital, inviting places for both small and large gatherings. These spaces will allow us to foster community, build deeper connections, and create opportunities for individuals—especially those who may feel distant from the Church—to encounter the love and mercy of Christ. By welcoming all with open arms and offering functional spaces for fellowship and ministry, we hope to put hearts on a collision course with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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