A small exploratory committee has been established to evaluate the need for a social gathering space at St. Agnes. They are following a synodal approach as they work through the evaluation. With support from both the Pastor and the Diocese, they are beginning to explore the need, desire, uses, and challenges of building a social gathering space for the future.
As the church and committee progresses, the most up to date information will be posted here so you keep up with the latest happening.
September 27, 2024
Gathering Space Update
For the past nine months, a committee led by Eileen Elliott has explored the feasibility of a St. Agnes gathering space. Last year’s synodal sessions identified the need for a gathering space. Below are the current results:
- Parishioners should be involved in the decision-making process and needs assessment.
This was accomplished through face to face meetings, email surveys, zoom discussions, bulletin questionnaires, web surveys and pulpit requests from Fr. Andy. Approximately 100 responded.
Results: the vast majority agreed St Agnes needs a gathering space and suggested what we needed in a building. - Informing the diocese of the need and getting their process direction.
The diocese provided us with a liaison, John Reardon, to consult with us. He directed us to the Mills Architectural Firm. This firm came to our church and proposed initial drawings and cost estimates. - Inform St. Agnes governing bodies.
The parish council and finance committee were updated on the committee findings and parishioner feedback in August. The main project challenge will be funding. - How to finance the building!
Committee and church governance are discussing project financing. Currently the committee is exploring state/federal church grants. Committee obtained a volunteer grant specialist, and other volunteers who are familiar with grant writing/reviewing to assist with the grant endeavors. Committee is also dialoguing with the Diocese for possible resources.
September 18, 2024
The exploratory committee has completed the phase of gathering input and is no longer taking paper or electronic input. More information will be posted soon.
June 16, 2024
Gathering Additional Input
Having a space to gather and create a stronger sense of community was a resounding theme that arose from our Synod Process done in April. We are continuing to gather feedback from the parishioners and friends of St. Agnes. In order to determine the best way forward, we want and need your feedback by mid-August.
The building committee has three options for everyone to submit your responses to specific questions to clarify the interest in and possibility of such a project
- Complete an Online Form
Submit answers to our questions online by completing this online form. - Write Your Thoughts
Submit your answers to the questions by printing this page and writing in your answers.
Once we receive all of your feedback, we will provide the results to our faith community by mid-September.
April 2, 2024
The synodal process calls for input and discussion from the parish community; therefore, the committee is inviting St. Agnes parishioners to help with the needs assessment and share your thoughts regarding next steps for our faith community.
To do this, we set up a series of small group meetings, following the same format we used for the synod meetings. These small groups are designed to pray, talk, listen to each other, and invite the Holy Spirit to help with the next steps.
The list of questions help to clarify the interest in and possibility of such a project. View the questions.