Dear Parish Family,

I am happy to announce that the parish will be adding an indoor and outdoor gathering space this coming fall. This new space consists of a coffee shop, community gathering area, and connected outdoor patio. It will be realized by repurposing and renovating several offices, the staff kitchen, a waiting area, and two staff restrooms in the administration building. I've included construction photo renderings below.

A few months ago, a longtime parishioner who wishes to remain anonymous came forward and offered to donate $100,000 to this project when it was just a consideration. The donor's only stipulation was that the parish match the $100,000 gift dollar for dollar. The donor was equally clear that these funds were not being offered for the planned parish hall. The donor's $100,000 contribution is only being offered as a restricted gift exclusively for a coffee shop and patio space.

St. Mary Magdalene Parish has always been more than a place we attend Holy Mass on Sundays-it is a spiritual home where relationships are formed, faith is shared, and community is strengthened. In that spirit, I am proposing a limited Matching Gift Campaign to raise $100,000 for the creation of a parish coffee shop with an attached outdoor patio.

This project is not about convenience alone; it is about connection. A welcoming coffee shop and patio will provide a warm, inviting space where faith and fellowship naturally meet-a space for conversation, ministry gatherings, youth and family connection, and simple moments of welcome. It will also serve as a natural extension of our parish life-supporting fellowship, evangelization, and inter-generational conversation in a relaxed and hospitable environment.

To help make this vision attainable, using the generous gift every dollar given during this campaign will be matched, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution and allowing us to reach our $100,000 goal more quickly. Matching campaigns are a powerful way for our parish community to work together, knowing that each gift-large or small-has an immediate and multiplied effect. Once funding is in place, the projected construction timeline for completion is 6-8 months, which would allow us to begin enjoying the space this fall.

A dedicated planning committee comprised of parishioners has already been at work carefully reviewing the needs of the project. This committee is offering continued oversight to ensure that the space reflects our parish's values of stewardship, beauty, and hospitality. The finance and pastoral councils have been briefed and have reviewed the plans for the project's realization. By participating in this matching gift campaign, you are not only helping to fund a building project; you are investing in the life and mission of our parish for years to come.

Any funds generated from the coffee shop (after costs) will be directly deposited as restricted gifts into the new parish hall fund...each cup of coffee or pastry you enjoy...builds the hall.

Along with our finance and parish council members and the planning committee I prayerfully invite you to consider supporting this parish-wide effort. Each week we will share our progress toward the goal amount in the bulletin and in Flocknotes. Together, through generosity and shared vision, we can create a space that reflects Christ's hospitality and strengthens our parish community. Thank you for supporting this project and investing in our parish home.

In a closely related matter, I see this current matching gift campaign as a vital step towards realizing the parish hall building which remains the primary need. A parish hall building committee has been formed and initial inquiries are underway with the diocese. I will be sharing more about the hall project as planning takes shape.

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