St. Michael Parish at 401 W Kaye Ave, Marquette, MI 49855 US - Parish Completes $1.2 Million Project
| Parish Completes $1.2 Million Project |
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St. Michael Church recently completed a $1.2 million expansion and renovation project. Bishop Alexander Sample dedicated the new facilities after 10:30 Mass on Sunday, August 20th. The annual parish picnic followed. “This has been an open process that has involved a large number of parishioners in suggesting ideas and making decisions regarding the project. We’ve been working on this for three years,” explained Terry Dehring, Chair of the Facilities Expanison Committee.
The project included expansion of the Zryd Parish Center meeting room, construction of a gathering space and entrance canopy, newly constructed bathrooms adjacent to the parish center and the installation of a chair lift from the church hallway level to the school level for easier access to Dunleavy Hall. 382 parish families have pledged or contributed over $961,000 toward the project and Friends of St. Michael's Parish contributed over $28,000. In addition to parishioners’ donations, and Friends' contributions the project was funded by earnings from the Zryd (pronounced ZHRID) Endowment Fund, which was established to assist in major capital improvements. The Parish also received an interest-free loan from the Catholic Diocese of Marquette’s Needy Parish Loan Fund.
Msgr. Jed Patrick, our Pastor, has emphasized that the capital campaign is open-ended. Parishioners who have not yet made a pledge are encouraged to contribute to the project, as they are able. If additional money is raised, other needed improvements that were previously identified by parishioners, could be funded. Possible future projects include consolidation of parish offices, and improvements to Father Marquette Middle School, such as a new band room and library. The school is part of the parish complex.
Msgr. Patrick also emphasized that a lot of parishioners have worked long and hard to bring this project to fruition. "I am especially grateful for the leadership of our staff, Pastoral and Finance Councils, Capital Campaign and Facilities Expansion Committees and the generosity of so many parishioners to make this dream a reality," he said.
