Building Our Future Together

Dear Friends,

St. Bernard of Clairvaux's church was built in 1998 and in 2011 our Parish Event Center was added. An onsite rectory for our priests was envisioned for a future time. Through God's grace, our community has continued to grow and thrive with almost 200 new families joining recently. I am blessed to have your continued support and welcoming spirit as we make our beautiful church their new spiritual home.

Today we have the opportunity, with your support, to expand upon our founding members' vision and begin construction of a rectory. An onsite rectory will allow our priest to be closer and more available to serve the needs of our parish family. It will provide for them a sense of community and mutual support and eliminate their daily commute. Financially, a rectory will be a solid long-term investment saving an estimated $40,000 net savings/yearly on rent and driving expenses. Additionally, a rectory will provide a source of rental revenue from retired priests.

As Proverbs 24:27 reminds us: “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready, after that, build your house”. I look forward to discussing this effort in person and answering any questions that you may have. May God bless you for your continuing support of our parish!

In Christ,
Fr. Mike Straley & Fr. Simon

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN

Please make checks payable to Catholic Community Foundation. Indicate "Building Our Future Together" on the memo line.

We encourage you to contact Barry Markl at blmgolf@cox.net or Carolyn Rock at rockcarolynb@gmail.com to answer any questions you may have.

Naming Opportunities!

Naming opportunities are a meaningful way to leave a legacy and honor your sacrifices, your family, or the memory of a loved one. We will be updating the Giving Tree in the Parish Center by adding the names of all the parishioners who generously contributed to the Parish Center Campaign as well as the names of our donors to the ongoing Centered In Christ Campaign and donations for the future rectory of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

This will be a living memorial of our loved ones and those who have generously supported our mission and growth. The Giving Tree serves as a lasting tribute to honor the sacrifices of our parish families, as well as an encouragement for those who come after us. Memorials are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. There are numerous opportunities for you and your family listed below.

Rectory Naming..............................................................$1,000,000

Chapel..................................................................................$500,000

Courtyard........................................................$250,000 (RESERVED)

Pastor's Suite (A) ...........................................$150,000 (RESERVED)

Pastor's Suite (B-available) ..............................................$150,000

Priest Suite (2 total) .....................................$100,000 (RESERVED)

Great Room.....................................................$100,000 (RESERVED)

Visiting Priest's Room (1 available) ...................................$75,000

Concrete Foundation.......................................$50,000 (RESERVED)

Dining Room ....................................................$50,000 (RESERVED)

Kitchen..............................................................$50,000 (RESERVED)

Roof ......................................................................................$50,000

Landscaping ........................................................................$50,000

Electrical...............................................................................$50,000

Air Conditioning...................................................................$40,000

Furnishings ...........................................................................$40,000

Stucco ....................................................................................$40,000

Windows ................................................................................$40,000

Garage....................................................................................$40,000

Frame/Drywall .....................................................................$30,000

Flooring & Tile  .....................................................................$30,000

Paint .....................................................................................$30,000


Please call the at Catholic Community Foundation for questions or if you are interested in purchasing a naming opportunity:
donorsupport@ccfphx.org | 480-651-8800

WHY BUILDING IS IMPORTANT TO OUR SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY: DID YOU KNOW?

CODE OF CANON LAWBOOK II. THE PEOPLE OF GOD Can. 533 §1. A pastor is obliged to reside in a rectory near the church.

• Purchasing a 4,000+ sq ft, 5+ bedrooms, and 5+ bathrooms single-level home would cost over $1,500,000 and that is before the renovations in the zip code of St. Bernard based on current market conditions.

• An existing residence might not have the capabilities to house four (4) priests, each with their own suite, plus a guest room for a summer seminarian or traveling priest. Therefore, major renovations would need to be done after the purchase of a home to accommodate these circumstances.
  • • The house needs to be single-level to accommodate retired priests.
    • Purchasing an existing home may lead to future maintenance costs more rapidly than a new Rectory building.
    • The new Rectory will offer four separate living suites, allowing priests to have their own separate space. This design is similar to the new condos in the 85259 zip code which are expensive.

• The long-term advantage of a Rectory onsite would save on parish expenses while providing a source of revenue through rent from retired priests.
  • • A rectory would provide suitable housing for two retired priests versus offsite living, requiring current market value rent payment. These men, who have given their lives to the Church, are responsible for finding their own lodging when they retire from active ministry. A Rectory would offer them reasonable rent while continuing their priestly ministry.
    • The Rectory will also have a large common area along with a Chapel for the priests' use.

• Parish Priests will be on campus and accessible, fulfilling their ministry duties, versus off-campus and detached when parishioners require them in their time of need. Additionally, the availability to administer the sacraments would be more readily achievable, allowing the parish community to grow in their faith.