A House For God’s People To Gather
Why It Matters: A Space for Connection
Our Gathering Space is the bridge between the sacred and the everyday—a place where relationships are formed, faith is shared, and lives are transformed. This project is more than bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home, from new visitors to lifelong parishioners.
The Need: A Space That Reflects Our Vibrancy
Currently, our gathering area does not fully accommodate our growing community. Enhancing this space will allow us to host meaningful conversations, welcome new families, and provide a setting for ministry events that reflect the vibrancy of our faith life, especially around sacramental and life celebrations.
The Vision: A Testament to Our Commitment
The new Gathering Space will be a testament to our commitment to building a parish that embodies the values of hospitality, unity, and inclusion. It will feature modern, functional design elements to serve our needs today and for generations to come.
Your Role in the Vision
When you contribute to this vital project, you are investing in more than a building—you are helping to strengthen the bonds of faith that unite us. Every dollar you give brings us closer to a space that reflects our shared mission of Revealing Jesus Together.
Impact Statement: Tangible Results
Your generosity will:
• Create a welcoming first impression for all who enter our parish.
• Provide comfortable, adaptable spaces for fellowship, small groups, and ministries.
• Enhance accessibility, ensuring everyone feels included and valued.
Make Our House a Home
Help us create a space where every individual feels the warmth of Christ’s love. Together, we can build a gathering space that truly reflects our mission.
I think of it as a transition space from the outside world to the inside of the church. It’s a get ready, folks, sort of a space. So I liked it, you know, it holds the people together, gives them a place to continue to visit.
– Ed Kern (original and visionary architect of Saint Jude Church)
Catholic Leadership Institute Disciple Maker Index
Gathering Data and People
Over 50% of our parishioners identified a need for a space – To Gather – throughout the entire year. This foundation was laid at the creation of Saint Jude when we first stopped and chatted after mass in the halls of the school building.
Fulfilling the Vision and Needs of our Community
Now we stand with one another, ready to welcome a new generation of faithful believers into this church, dedicated as a temple for God’s People. We are not so much adding this additional space to our church as we are creating more opportunities for meaningful connections and ministries.
70%
CLI-DMI Survey Participation Rate is above average for parish-wide surveys demonstrating a strong commitment to growth and change.
Transformational Giving: Investing in Eternal Impact
Why Transformational Giving Matters
Transformational Giving isn’t just about large contributions; it’s about making a profound and lasting impact on our parish community. These gifts allow us to dream big, think boldly, and achieve extraordinary milestones that will benefit not only our parishioners today but also future generations.
The Power of Your Gift
When you commit to a transformational gift, you are partnering with us to bring our vision of a vibrant, welcoming, and faith-filled community to life. Your generosity will touch lives in countless ways—providing spiritual growth opportunities, enhancing our facilities, and fostering a legacy of faith for years to come.
Naming Opportunities
Consider leaving a legacy by naming key areas of our parish expansion, such as the Gathering Space, gallery, or ministry rooms. This is a unique way to honor your family, commemorate a loved one, or reflect your commitment to our parish’s future.
Major Campaign Milestones
Your support will help us reach critical milestones in our capital campaign, including funding specific aspects of the project like accessibility enhancements, youth ministry and group meeting spaces, or state-of-the-art community areas.
Planned Giving and Endowments
Explore planned giving options to make an enduring gift that supports the mission of our parish for decades to come. Endowments are a powerful way to ensure long-term stability and growth.
Donor Recognition: Honoring Your Generosity
We are committed to celebrating the generosity of our transformational givers with gratitude and reverence. This includes opportunities for public acknowledgment, private recognitions, and tailored expressions of thanks that reflect your unique contribution.
By giving at this level, you are not just supporting a campaign—you are building a legacy of faith and love that will inspire countless others.
Our Mission Is to Reveal Jesus in our Community for Years to Come
Our New Gathering Space is not the only project we’ve been working on. We have been strengthening our commitment to our faith community and the needs of those experiencing poverty before starting this endeavor. Our small groups and ministries are strong, as is our commitment to social justice and the poor. Our Parish has two endowments: One for the ongoing needs of the Parish and one for special programs like the food pantry called Saint Jude Cares. Having these endowments in place at the Catholic Foundation of NWPA ensures our gifts are invested for the life of the parish and for future generations.
Let us enter into this sacred space preparing our hearts for divine worship. Let us return transformed by the Eucharist to reveal Jesus in our community. Crossing the threshold of our Gathering Space brings us Together, To Gather.
Future
Address
Saint Jude Church
Revealing Jesus Together Campaign
2801 W. 6th St.
Erie, PA 16505
together@saintjude.church