Marian Center
Design work for the new Marian Center is progressing. Bauer Askew Architects have delivered floor plans and renderings, which have been shared through various channels and are on display in the Narthex. Parishioners were invited to vote on the roof design, with over 90% favoring the gable roof option. On August 29, the Finance Committee reviewed the project along with the schematic-level cost estimates and gave their approval to proceed with the final design.

As stated in the June 16 bulletin, the decision was made and approved by the Parish Council, to build a new structure to replace the current Marian Center building. The assessment concluded that space is desperately needed to accommodate present and future needs for a growing parish and school.

The picture shows the revised interior of the new building. The new Marian Center will serve as a meeting space for large groups (50 or more people), as well as housing the Backpack and Bridge ministries, and the Food Pantry. Final design concepts of the exterior of the building are currently in progress with Bauer Askew Architects. These renderings will be available to the parish for viewing in the coming weeks.

This spring we presented our comprehensive campus plan to various stakeholders and parishioners, outlining the funding requirements and interim milestones for each major phase of the program. While contributions have been steady, they have not reached the level necessary for the major projects needed. We hope parishioners will recognize the importance of having adequate facilities for present and future needs, as did the visionaries that previously laid the foundation of our present campus.

After lengthy investigation and consultation with active parishioners, church and school employees, ministry leaders and volunteers, the decision has been made and approved by the Parish Council, to build a new structure to replace the current Marian Center building. The assessment concluded that space is desperately needed to accommodate present and future needs for a growing parish and school.

Let us reflect on the invaluable legacy left by past generations, a treasure too easily overlooked in the rush of our daily lives. This Easter, let us take a moment to express our gratitude to the visionary heroes of Saint Rose of Lima whose dedication laid the very foundations of our present campus. They paved the way for future generations to encounter God. Because of their faith and devotion, we have inherited not only a beautiful church and a thriving school, but also a rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and values – an enduring spiritual inheritance.

Dear Fellow Disciples, Peace.

I hope this message finds you well and filled with God’s blessings. I am delighted to share some wonderful news with you regarding our obligation to the Nashville Diocese’s Legacy of Faith, Hope and Love Campaign. Thanks to the graciousness of Bishop Spalding, our parish has been extended a 25% reduction from our $1,139,000 commitment to the diocesan campaign. This generous gesture reflects Bishop Spalding’s support for Saint Rose of Lima Parish and the vital work we do together as a community.

Currently, we have six key program components in motion: the Master Plan and Funding, Marian Center, Athletic Field, Sanctuary, Columbarium, and New Gym.

Master Plan and Funding: We’ve presented the Master Plan to over a dozen different groups, receiving positive feedback. Engaging with various stakeholders has been fruitful, with constructive comments provided during and after the meetings. In May, we aim to meet with the Murfreesboro Planning Department to discuss our plans further. Funding: While our cash balance decreased this month due to our contribution of $854,250 to the Diocesan Legacy Campaign and design expenses, our cash total remains robust and continues to grow. However, all the funds needed for the Marian Center must be secured before construction can proceed. We’re pleased to note the growing membership in the Hundred Dollar Heroes initiative, where households contribute $100 monthly to support the program’s endeavors.

In our last update in January of this year, we stated that the Feasibility Study for the Marian Center Renovation was well underway. We had received approval from the Diocese legal team to enter into a contract on the Athletic Field Relocation Study and were planning to meet with the Saint Rose ONE Building Committee to present the preferred alternative for the Master Plan Update. We also reported that we had completed some clearing on the 30-acre Nature Sanctuary and finalized a federal grant request for EPIC funds to clear out the underbrush on this property.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

From the beginning of our Capital Campaign, we have strived to provide transparency. Our Finance Committee has advised on financial matters and the Parish Council has prioritized our initiatives. Together, we have ensured that all decisions have addressed the parish’s needs, reflected our mission and served our community effectively.

As we further navigate the financial aspects of this campaign, I want to reiterate some important information I shared in the bulletin last October – our original goal, though carefully calculated, was based on cost estimates from 2020 when we initially completed the Master Plan. Our continued research and discussions with architects have proven our assumption that we will need a significant increase in participation and funds to finish phases I and II.