Our Faith
Our Family
Our Future
Our Parish History
For over 174 years, our church has been a beacon of prayer, service, and evangelization in Millstadt. From our humble beginnings as a small log church to the expanded and beautiful campus that we call home today, countless faithful hands have shaped our journey. Generations of parishioners have dedicated themselves to building not just a physical church, but a community rooted in faith, hope, and love. Their sacrifi ces, unwavering faith, and selfl ess service have created the strong foundation we stand on today. As we approach our 175th anniversary, continuing to grow in faith and service, we celebrate you, our faithful parishioners, who live your faith by reaching out to others. Together, we honor the legacy of those who came before us, ensuring that their spirit endures as we carry the mission forward for generations to come.
Campaign Case
In July, 2024 our parish faced emergency repairs due to a sewer backup during heavy rains. These repairs were funded through insurance, a Diocesan loan, and our Building Fund. Unfortunately, additional costly repairs to our church building are still needed:
- Sewer backups caused signifi cant damage, destroying the 60-year-old boilers in the school and rectory, the fi nished portion of the rectory basement, and a small area of the annex basement.
- The school’s chimney had deteriorated to the point of being a safety hazard, requiring immediate attention.
- Our 138-year-old church building is in critical need of steeple repairs, tuck-pointing, and brick sealing to prevent further deterioration.
Addressing all of these repairs is essential to preserving the mission and future of our parish. Your support is vital as we work together to safeguard our spiritual home for generations to come!
How can you help?
It is time to repair, restore and preserve the most beautiful gift of our ancestors and to ensure that it remains for the future generations to come.
First, Pray
Pray for God’s provision and your opportunity to take part in the preservation of our beautiful church.
Second, Give a Gift
We are asking that you consider how generous God has been to you and that you respond in proportion to your own financial ability.
Third, be a part of this Exciting movement!
Be an advocate for St. James! We need you to help spread the word and invite others to participate.
Q. Is my pledge over and above my Sunday Offering?
A. Yes. We can only reach our goal with a little extra sacrifice. We cannot reach our goal if we reduce our weekly offerings in order to make a pledge to the Capital Campaign. The parish will continue to have normal operating expenses during the pledge period.
Q. When will work on the church building begin?
A. The bishop has instructed us to use the Capital Campaign funds to first pay for the repairs already made, and then we can begin the church repairs. Therefore, our goal is to begin the church repairs in spring/ summer of 2027.
Q. Wasn’t the Hankammer bequest made to finance parish maintenance costs?
A. Yes, but only for the Parish Center, which was not affected by the flooding.
What will happen if we go over our goal?
A. All gifts collected after we exceed our goal will be put towards the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of our facilities.
Q. Can I make my pledge online?
A. Yes, we have set up pages on our website and on Flocknotes where you may make your pledge.
Q. Why should I make a pledge?
A. Most people take advantage of time-payments for major purchases. A pledge to the parish Capital Campaign is a “time-payment plan” that makes it possible for you to meet your parish obligations without undue hardship. Pledges enable you to consider a more significant contribution to the campaign, rather than a one- time gift.
Q. Who will be asked to support the Campaign?
A. Every parish family will be invited to be a part of this effort. It is our hope that every parish family will make a sacrificial gift for this major effort according to his or her financial ability. We hope everyone will play a conscientious role in renewing the future of the parish.
Q. What happens if I cannot fulfill my pledge?
A. Pledges are made in good faith and accepted as such. If hardship or illness prevents you from fulfilling your pledge, let the parish know, and other arrangements will be made.
Q. What if I would like to give real estate or some other kind of gift?
A. There are several ways to support our campaign; please see the ways to give section on the next pages of this brochure or call your financial advisor.
Project Scope
Repair Flood Damage
- Replaced heating systems in rectory and school buildings, and repaired damage to rectory and annex basements.
COST AFTER INSURANCE AND BUILDING FUND DONATIONS: $200,000
Church Steeple Repair, Brick Tuck-Pointing and Sealing
- Ensure the ongoing beauty and weather-resistance of our church building, and prevent further peeling of plaster inside the church.
ESTIMATED Cost: $175,000
School Chimney Repair
- Removed as much of the crumbling chimney as possible and capped it off to prevent deterioration in the future.
COST: $20,000
Additional Maintenance to be considered as funds allow:
(Any funds received in excess of $500,000 will also help to fund these projects)
- New HVAC for Church*
ESTIMATED COST: $35,000 – $40,000 - Church Window Repairs*
ESTIMATED COST: $30,000 – $35,000 - New Church Carpet*
ESTIMATED COST: $23,000 – $30,000 - Repaving cracked portions of Parking Lot* ESTIMATED COST: $17,000 – $25,000*Please note that the associated costs are estimates only and may be adjusted. Any changes or updates will be addressed accordingly based on available resources from our campaign.
Total Goal : $500,000
Wills & Bequests
Providing for St. James Catholic Church in your will can have significant federal and estate tax advantages.
Matching Gifts
Many firms have matching gift programs to provide incentive for their employees to make charitable donations. Please ask your Human Resources department for a matching gift form. Both current and retired employees may be eligible.
Tax-Deductible Gifts
All gifts are tax deductible as provided by law. Receipts will be provided upon request.
Pledge Installments
You will receive reminder notices in accordance with the payment method you select. Please make your checks payable to: St. James Capital Campaign.
IRA Gifts*
People over 70 1⁄2 years old may also be eligible to make a charitable gift from your IRA assets with no tax complications.
*Talk with your financial advisor for more information on making these types of charitable donations.
Campaign Prayer
Almighty God and Father,
We praise You for You are the source of life and every blessing. We thank You for our parish and our school and the countless gifts You have bestowed on us over the past 174 years. Open our hearts and minds to Your will, and guide us to be faithful stewards of the gifts You have entrusted to us. Help us to follow the example of Mary, remaining always faithful to You. We pray especially for the success of our capital campaign. May we step forward together in faith, recommitting ourselves to Your mission of love. Through our combined efforts and Your abundant grace, may we continue to bring people to Christ for generations to come.
AMEN.
Fulfill your pledge
Use your campaign envelope and bring it to mass or mail it to the parish office.
Explore using tax advantaged charitable gifts such as IRA distributions or remembering the parish in your will. Contact your financial advisor for more information.
Sign up to fulfill your pledge using Online Giving! You can set your recurring pledge payment using your bank account or credit card.
Campaign Leadership