Case Statement Overview
Infrastructure and Facilities Improvements and Enhancements
Our History
St. Luke the Evangelist Parish was founded in 1905 and serves as a cornerstone of the Catholic community in Glenside, Pennsylvania. The first pastor celebrated Masses in temporary locations until the parish established its permanent church.
On May 5, 1919, Father Rafe acquired a permanent site for St. Luke Church and a rectory at Easton Road and Lynwood Avenue (now known as Fairhill). That same year, Archbishop Ryan laid the cornerstone for the new church on June 24, and groundbreaking for St. Luke Catholic School took place, demonstrating the parish's commitment to worship and education. The church was completed the following year and dedicated in its current location on July 19, 1920, while the school opened shortly thereafter, growing to serve generations of students and celebrating over 100 years of service to the community.
Today, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish remains an active and vibrant community. Offering a variety of ministries and programs, the parish continues its mission to give glory to God, foster a welcoming church community, and live and share the Gospel of Jesus in daily life.
Our Vision
Over the past several years, our parish has faced significant issues with its facilities, including a leaking roof, a deteriorating parking lot, and cracking potholes that require immediate attention. Additionally, the bell system, a cherished feature of our parish, is in need of critical updates to ensure it continues to serve as a symbol of our faith and a call to worship. We also need to update the hardware and software for the Rectory Database systems to maintain optimal performance and security. These challenges have impacted our ability to maintain the welcoming and safe environment we strive to provide for our parishioners and visitors.
Over the past several years, our parish has faced significant issues with its facilities, including a leaking roof, a deteriorating parking lot, and cracking potholes that require immediate attention. Additionally, the bell system, a cherished feature of our parish, is in need of critical updates to ensure it continues to serve as a symbol of our faith and a call to worship. We also need to update the hardware and software for the Rectory Database systems to maintain optimal performance and security. These challenges have impacted our ability to maintain the welcoming and safe environment we strive to provide for our parishioners and visitors.
Addressing these critical infrastructure needs is essential to sustaining and growing our vibrant Catholic community. The Parish Finance Council has evaluated the scope of these issues and is committed to implementing solutions that ensure the safety, functionality, and beauty of our parish grounds.
Our Plan
· Repair and replace the leaking roof to protect our church and parish spaces.
· Resurface and improve the parking lot, addressing cracking potholes and ensuring accessibility for all.
· Make partial payment toward the installation of a new bell system.
· Upgrade rectory hardware and software systems
· Develop a comprehensive maintenance plan to prevent future issues and sustain our facilities for years to come.
To successfully implement the plan above, we would need to launch a Capital Campaign with a fundraising goal of $225,000 over a 5-year pledge period.
We are now embarking on a feasibility study to explore conducting a Capital Campaign to carry out this vision. This study seeks the input and opinions of parishioners like you. You are invited to participate in a brief survey for this study to discuss your personal thoughts on this proposed project plan. We invite and appreciate your participation in this important endeavor for the future of our parish.