'United in Faith, Building for the Future:' Church expansion project gets green light from diocese to move forward

Thanks to the support of the parish community, St. Catherine's has been given diocesan approval to proceed with the church expansion project, titled "United in Faith, Building for the Future." The church expansion steering committee made the announcement at this weekend's Masses.

The committee, along with Father Chester and Dan Dawson, worked for the past several months to evaluate not only the need and feasibility of the plan, but to work with firms to develop architectural plans, site suitability testing and logistics for both the expansion project and the campaign to support it.

New plans were created to account for a larger worship area, sacristy, choir loft and undercroft/office space expansion, elevator, and increased parking. The committee considered different options for the size and seating capacity of the worship area and some supporting mechanical and safety specifications and selected a final design.

Father Chester, Dan Dawson and Jim Young from the Steering Committee met with the Diocesan College of Consulters on September 30th to share the strategic approach and plan for the parish's expansion and its ability to manage and meet the financial obligations associated with a large-scale capital campaign. Architectural and engineering plans were shared as well.

Several critical land and associated tests have been done by Engineering firm French & Parrello including a Conceptual Layout Plan, Wetlands, Traffic, NJDEP LOI, Septic, Water Supply Test, Storm water test and a complete Management Plan. Members of the steering committee are planning to have their first meeting with Franklin Township on November 11th, where a comprehensive plan will be shared with the township committee.

Next steps in the project are now underway:

• A comprehensive brochure has been developed that outlines the entire project. All registered parishioners will receive the brochure in the mail in the coming weeks.
• Elizabeth and Herman Martin have graciously stepped up to serve as the Capital Campaign Chairs and are very excited to embark on the project.
• The steering committee will need volunteers to assist with the campaign. More information on how to sign up is forthcoming.
• More details will be available in the coming weeks, including the mailing of the brochure and additional website updates.