Our Lady Of The Mountains Cathol

Building Expansion History

Expansion & Re-utilization Plan for Our Lady of the Mountains

During 2003, Father Gregory Cioch, the pastor of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Estes Park, Colorado initiated several projects. The first was a number of repairs and maintenance activities on the roof, outside logs and other weather-exposed and damaged areas. Later, the pastor formed a committee to explore issues related to possible expansion of the parish. This came to be called the Building Committee. And during 2004 and into 2005, a Needs Subcommittee was formed to look at issues such as the number of worshipers at various Masses over several months, projected growth in the Estes Valley, additional worship seating alternatives, classroom needs, possible additional offices, and re-utilization of existing spaces, etc.

In mid-2005, several members from the Building Committee went to the Archdiocese of Denver to talk about the results of the various studies – and to seek guidance on how to proceed with possible expansion of this church. The Archdiocese (represented by the Offices of the Archbishop, Liturgy, and Construction) gave preliminary ideas, suggestions and lists of experienced architects, contractors and other consultants.

The Building Committee developed a Request for Proposals that was sent to several of the recommended firms. In 2006, the Architectural Design Firm of Gifford Spurck Associates (GSA) was selected to develop preliminary concepts and strategies for expansion and re-utilization of Our Lady of the Mountains’ facilities.

After extensive input was received from parishioners and the Archdiocese reviewed the plan by Gifford Spurck Associates, it was decided to have the Building Committee come up with a plan that would address the most immediate needs at a more affordable cost. Two local parishioners, Architectural Engineer Paul Brown and Builder Kerry Prochaska prepared design plans & budgets for a revised project. This new project and the fundraising for it were approved to begin on May 26 th, 2007, by the Archdiocese.

EXPANSION DETAILS

Enhances the Spiritual Quality of the Worship Space
Expands Church seating by enlarging the south transept, providing 80-115 additional seats for services
Expands Supportive Program spaces in the upper and lower centers, including the Social Hall, Classrooms, Offices and Storage
Installs an Elevator serving Upper & Lower Centers
Upgrades the Building to meet Current Code Requirements by providing:
ADA Accessible Restrooms, Confessionals and other Conformity Features
New 4” water service for fire sprinkler system
Replacement of rooftop HVAC system

FUNDRAISING INFORMATION

We are excited that our proposed building project will dramatically improve many aspects of our parish life! It was approved by the Archdiocese in May, and, in order to save extra expense, we are depending upon our Fund Raising Committee to collect what we need, rather than hire professional fundraisers .

We began our informal Capital Campaign immediately after approval by allowing our visitors an opportunity to contribute to it through second collections. In July, we sent out Fund Raising Packets to 780 visitors who have contributed to us in the past, and funds from these sources are steadily mounting. While these monies will be very helpful, a large portion of the funds will still be dependent upon contributions from our own parishioners.

Because we are a small parish, it is going to be a challenge to raise the the goal $1.54 million - this includes $1.22 million for the project, 10% overhead, $70,000 contingency fund & 10% for pledges not able to be met due to life events. Anything you can give - whether it's $5.00 or $50,000.00 - will be greatly appreciated. You can make your contribution and/or pledge at the Kick-Off Celebration, by dropping in a collection box, or by mailing it or bringing it to the office.

Our goal is to have one-half of the money ($670,000) cash-in-hand by the end of September. If God blesses us with these donations in time, we can begin construction the first of the year; have the sanctuary and Upper Center ready for next Memorial Day, and the whole project completed by July 1, 2008.

We ask your prayerful consideration of how you can help extend God's works in our parish, and earnestly solicit your support. Whether or not you can help us monetarily, we ask for your avid prayers for the success of this project.

August 26, 2007

FUNDRAISING KICK-OFF, OUTDOOR MASS and PICNIC

The end of the summer brought about a big push in our parish fundraising efforts for the church expansion. Father Gregory started the fundraising kick-off by celebrating Mass outdoors, surrounded by God's natural beauty. The day was perfect (although a bit windy), but many visitors and parishioners attended the Mass.

After Mass, many celebrants enjoyed a delicious picnic on the church grounds. Fundraising efforts got off to an excellent start, and all of the parish organizations were on hand to talk about their groups as well as their unique ideas for fundraising. A presentation on the plans and schedule were made every half hour so that everyone was able to get a great visual presentation of what lies ahead for Our Lady of the Mountains.

January 6, 2008

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

On Sunday, January 6th, members of Our Lady of the Mountains parish in Estes Park gathered together after the 10 a.m. Mass to celebrate the start of the parish’s long awaited expansion and renewal project. The groundbreaking ceremony was opened by Pastor Grzegorz Cioch V.F. and was attended by members of the parish of all ages, young and senior. Special attendees were members of the McGraw family, a well known pioneer family of the Estes Valley and long time supporters of Our Lady of the Mountains parish. Speakers at the ground-breaking included various leaders of the expansion project such as Ms. Fran Grooters, daughter of Ms. Ruth McGraw and Dr. Anthony Fink, Chairman of Fundraising.

The expansion and renewal project has been in the planning stages since 2003 when Pastor Cioch initiated several major facility enhancement projects. Features of the current project include expansion and improvement in nave seating to accommodate parish growth and seasonal visitor attendance, ADA compliant restrooms, elevator, expanded and additional offices and classrooms, improved walkways and ramps, sprinkler system and upgrades to heating and air-conditioning systems. All the features will be achieved while preserving the historic architecture of the existing Church building and landscaping in its alpine-like mountain setting.

January 15, 2008

BUILDING EXPANSION UPDATE

The OLM Building Committee met on January 15th with the builder and architect to settle on several remaining design issues and to review the latest cost proposal for the project. The committee was pleased to learn that the cost proposal for the planned expansion and renovation project is almost identical to the original estimate provided by Cornerstone Engineering. This great news gives us a bit of room to do some of the aesthetic things that will make the addition/renovation more consistent with the existing church structure, as long as we continue to meet our financial goal. This should include vaulted ceilings along with log accents. The proposal is now under review with the Archdiocese Office of Construction for final approval. Other good news is that only minor amounts of asbestos were found that might require amendments to the current building schedule.

Parishioners may soon notice moving activity around the church as things begin to be placed into storage. Stone and tree removal, as well as excavation work will soon follow this initial activity.

Parish Finance Council

The Finance Council had its 2nd quarter meeting on January 8th to review the current profit/loss statement and compare it to the budget for the 1st half of the year.

As projected, weekly parishioner collections are down, due to monies committed to the building project. This is the reason that OLM was required to reserve 6 months of cash for normal operating expenses prior to beginning the project. The visitor offertory collection is actually above the projected income amount.

A parish finance report and 2007 contribution notice has been sent to all parishioners by our business manager, Steve LaMontia.

The Finance Council is:

Completing a 10 year cash flow projection for the Archdiocese, showing how we will meet operating expenses and any incurred debt from the building project
Preparing loan application materials to be used to solicit the best rate possible for the building project
Preparing for the routine Archdiocesan audit-April 2008

Upcoming Events:

The Catechesis group raised approximately $5,000 through the sale of the beautiful OLM Christmas ornaments. Tom and Dana Bellman, owners of Home for the Holidays, made this project possible. Ornaments are still available for purchase.

A sacred music concert, performed by OLM musicians, is being planned for late spring or early summer to support the building project.

Karen Steadman is organizing an all parish festival. The event will most likely be held in late summer or fall of this year.

Closings

During the majority of the project, areas of the upper center, lower center, kitchen and restrooms will be in accessible. Temporary restroom facilities are being investigated.

February 13, 2008

BUILDING EXPANSION UPDATE

GREAT NEWS! The bridge loan (between our cash and the contract amount) has been approved by the Archdiocese. The papers are to be signed February 14th. That means that construction could start as early as Monday or Tuesday next week. There most likely will be an announcement by Father at the Masses this weekend. Hurray!

March 4, 2008

BUILDING EXPANSION UPDATE

The OLM Building Committee has been moving forward with the Building Expansion on many fronts. Many of you have noticed that construction is now underway and the upper center has been blocked off to allow the workmen easy access and to provide safety measures for visitors and parishioners.

There have been several small modification to the scheduling and plans due to items found once construction began. Asbestos was found and a limited asbestos abatement contract has been signed and approved. Other projects underway include the completion of the wall partition at the main altar area to help protect the main church from dust and debris during construction. Excavation has begun on the western side, and demolition has begun in various areas of the project.

A sacred music concert, performed by OLM musicians, is being planned for late spring or early summer to support the building project. "Stay tuned" for more details!

For full details on the latest happenings, click here.

April 28, 2008

BUILDING EXPANSION UPDATE
A meeting of the OAC was held on 4/22/08 with representatives of the building committee, contractor, architect, Fr. Gregory, and Deacon Jim Devlin from the Archdiocese Construction office. Several specific issues discussed were color selections for the elevator interior and exterior panels, concrete colors for the contemplation garden, curb and gutter requirements, carpet colors, potential changes and additions, and our two sound system bids.

Many exterior walls have been erected and it is clear to see the future shape of things to come. The exterior stone work has begun and the fire suppression system, deck installation, and log truss assembly will begin next week. The two pews at the rear of the church have been removed because of additional right of way considerations as dictated by fire regulations.

Because of our nice weather the project is proceeding on or ahead of schedule.

Please keep on your calendar the weekend of May 3/4, as this will be your opportunity to tour the work area after all weekend Masses.

August 10, 2008

BUILDING EXPANSION UPDATE
Progress is being made quickly on our building expansion project. We now have a temporary CO (Certificate of Occupancy) for the overflow area - and it is being used to capacity. The sound system has been installed and new screens have been installed to help parishioners see the list of hymns for the Mass.

The Building Fund is currently still $90K short, so if you have not yet made your donation to this worthwhile project, please consider doing so now. If you haven't gotten a chance to stop by and see the progress, below are a few photos.

For current details on our fundraising financials and budgets - click here