$8 Million and Still Climbing!
It is not too late to join your fellow parishioners. We will accept all the help that you can provide. If you have not already done so, please consider a sacrificial gift for Restore & Renew and return your pledge this week. If you need information, contact the Stewardship Department.
We have now modified our “thermometer” to include information on collections for the campaign as well as the amount pledged. As you can see, we have already received $3.5 million which has funded much of the work already completed and in progress as well as some of the work scheduled for the coming year. If you have already made a pledge, you too can still help by accelerating your payments. The sooner we have the funds, the sooner we can begin the work.
Most importantly, THANK YOU!
History
Holy Name Cathedral has been serving Catholics and the city of Chicago for over 150 years. The Current Cathedral building opened in 1875, four years after the old church was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire. Since that time, six Cardinals have presided over the parish and the Archdiocese, ministering to hundred of thousands of parishioners and visitors while overseeing an organization that provides invaluable services to the community’s poor, sick, and homeless.
Holy Name Cathedral’s rich history carries a burden though. The campus consists of several very old buildings, and the last major renovation of the Cathedral took place almost 40 years ago. Time has taken its toll on the physical structures. The time has come to do something about it.
Please help us preserve our Cathedral campus, ensuring that it continues to thrive as the center of Catholicism in Chicago. Join us in supporting the Restore & Renew Campaign.
The Plans
The Preservation Plan {$2.9 million}
In 2006, Holy Name Cathedral enlisted the services of a consulting firm to conduct an engineering study. The findings identified several critical items in need of repair or renovation:
- Repair Limestone façade
- Upgrade air conditioning system
- Replace 50-year old boilers
- Replace the Cathedral floor and refinish pews
The replacement of the Cathedral floor started in January 2007. The previous combination of stone and standard carpeting was replaced with a more durable terrazzo surface. Additionally the pews were refinished and reinstalled. The project was undertaken prior to Restore & Renew campaign to take advantage of an abnormally long break between the end of Advent and the beginning of Lent.
- Replace roof membrane
- Update fire protection in rectory
- Repair hot water heaters and pipes
The Disabled Accessibility Plan {$1.5 million}
- Construct a ramp to allow access to the sanctuary
- Install an interior elevator in the Cathedral vestibule
- Renovate the downstairs and sacristy bathrooms
- Renovate the existing plaza accessibility ramp to meet current code
The Courtyard Improvement Plan {$375,000}
The upgrades will make the gathering space more functional for liturgical and social events while offering a unique setting for spiritual reflection.
Timothy J. Lyne Rectory Restoration {$3.5 million}
The rectory was constructed in 1929 under the direction of Cardinal Mundelein. Originally designed to house 18 priests, the rectory now serves as the parish office as well as living quarters for resident clergy. Virtually untouched since its construction, the restoration of this aging facility will address the following maintenance, safety and design issues:
- Update security to ensure safety of clergy and staff
- Redesign first floor offices
- Replace plumbing
- Upgrade heating and ventilation system
Endowment/Building Reserve Fund {$2.5 million}
The Cathedral is currently lacking any form of endowment or building reserve fund. The creation of such a fund will be designed to offset future maintenance costs, address unforeseen capital expenses and provide long-term financial stability for the Cathedral. All decisions regarding the allocation of funds are subject to approval by the Pastor and the Parish Finance Council.