DEBT ELIMINATION CAMPAIGN   |   Gym and Activity Center



New Year      New Start      No Debt      Our New Goal $400,000

We need you, for it is up to us to make a bright future for generations to come. 
For all who given gifts in the past, we are most grateful.

Q & A

Who Spoke after the January Masses?
Mid-January, several parish members spoke about the debt campaign after each of the weekend masses. To see their speeches, click on the speaker's name.

   Bill Dulde   |   John Foley   |   Jason Kelroy
Did Saint Jude receive estate gifts for this campaign recently?
Yes. Through the generosity of two families, a substantial donation was made toward our Debt Campaign, the Capitol Improvement Fund, and a Family Emergency Crisis Fund. Click here to read the full announcement.
Why This Fundraiser? 
With the remaining debt acting as a millstone around the parish’s neck, we are precluded from moving on to other areas that need attention, but do not have the funding. These needs would include the major maintenance concerns of an aging facility such as roofing, tuckpointing, boiler work and the like. 
 
Why Do We Have This Debt? 
Simply put,the Activity Center ran over budget 
when it was built and we did not have adequate funds to pay for it. 
 
What Happened to the Money Raised 
in Previous Campaigns? 
All has been applied to the principal and interest on the debt; however, it has been inadequate to eliminate the debt. 
What Happens If We Don’t Make the Goal? 
The balance will be added to the parish budget as a whole. With everyone’s help, hopefully we can eliminate this balance by February. 
 
What Would That Mean to the Overall Budget? 
Well, funding to retire the balance would have to come from the general operational budget.  That would mean cutting valued programs to gain additional revenue in order to keep the budget balanced.  
 
Are There Specifics on the General Operational Budget? 
No, it will be left to the leaders of the parish to determine. 
Why Will This Campaign Be Different?  
  • We have a lower amount to attack. 
  • We obtained generous gifts at the onset of this phase of the campaign. 
  • We have been assured that there will not be competing fundraisers during this campaign. 
  • We have a committed volunteer panel willing to participate and “get ‘er done”! 
Will 100% of the Contributions Go to the Debt? 
YES, upon receipt all contributions will be applied to the Debt Elimination Campaign. 
 
Are These Contributions Accessible by Any Other Source? 
To the best of our information, it is all but impossible. Direct deposit to the mortgage should help assure this. 
        
What is the Parish Debt Elimination Summary? 
Our original construction cost was $2,274,768.  Since 2002, many in the parish have been generously contributing toward servicing and reducing this debt. Recent generous gifts, including a major gift of $100,000 have significantly advanced our efforts to eliminate this debt.  But we still need more!   
 
I Have Many More Questions. Where Do I Go for Answers? 
We have many more answers, both financial and historical. Feel free to direct them to Mrs. LaDien and if she doesn’t have the answers, she will send you on to someone who does. 
What Are Some of the Ways I Can Help? 
  • If you are a new family to Saint Jude and have not contributed to this campaign in previous years, please consider making a generous gift toward funding this wonderful facility.  
  •  As we appreciate any and all donations, please discuss our campaign with relatives and friends who may have a vested interest in the future of Saint Jude. 
  • Perhaps individuals could join forces to name an area within our facility, such as the entrance to the gymnasium, the snack shop, the gym floor and the Activity Center rooms in honor of a significant person in their lives. What a wonderful way to leave a lasting legacy for a deserving individual or family!  
Important Facts to Know
  • The mortgage note was refinanced on May 1, 2012 with Catholic Family Life. The interest rate dropped from 6.75% to 4.7%, 10 year term - a comparative good rate for a non-profit organization. Our goal is to pay this debt in as short a period as possible. We anticipate that doing so will save us over $90,000 + in additional interest payments.
  • The actual refinanced payment is $9,243.00. The Finance Committee has resolved to continue monthly payments at our previous payment rate of $14,473.50 in order to apply more to the principal. 
  • Through generous contributions, we have been servicing this debt while making gradual impact on the total principal.