ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCHColumbus, Nebraska

Commitment Weekend — June 24 & 25

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From Fr. Mike

Dear Parishioners,We read in the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (5:5): “Hope does not

disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

We will not be disappointed when we hope in God. Our unique history of faith gives us the confident hope to plan for a great future. It is in this confident hope, and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that I write this letter encouraging everyone to participate in our “Behold-Believe-Belong” Capital Campaign.

We stand at a great moment here in the history of St. Bonaventure parish. In our 140th anniversary year, we have embarked on this special venture to expand our facilities and plan for the future.

I am so very pleased with the many parishioners who have served on our campaign teams. Their effort, vision and commitment have been inspirational. Our campaign theme “Behold – Believe - Belong” beautifully reflects our unique history and promise for a great future! This is who we are, but it is also who we are called to be.

Hope in God brought the Franciscans here. Their vision of a Catholic presence in Columbus and the sacrifices of the faithful built this parish. This was their legacy.

We are the beneficiaries of the vision and commitment of those who have gone before us in the faith. Now it is our turn to step up and secure the future.

We are fortunate to have this challenge. We have a dynamic parish. We want to provide for our future parishioners, as well as serve our current members. Our Project 2020 master plan will provide for the needs of all.

Past generations ask us, “What will you sacrifice for the One who sacrificed Himself for us?” United in this faith and inspired by the sacrifices of our Catholic forefathers, we will answer the call to provide for the future and secure the sacred mission of the Catholic Church here at St. Bonaventure.

Please read this brochure to review the latest details about Project 2020 and the campaign. Spend time in prayer with other family members and discuss with them how you can make a sacrificial gift over the next three years.

I ask you to join with me with a pledge commitment to this campaign and to this vision for the future of St. Bonaventure Parish.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Mike Swanton

P.S. The success of this campaign will require the participation of each of our parish families. I believe this can be a great defining moment of who we are as a parish. Please bring your pledge card to Mass on commitment weekend, June 24‑25.

Commitment Weekend — June 24 & 25

“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through

the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” – Romans 5:5

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From Our Steering CommitteeDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We take time in this material to reflect on the theme of our Capital Campaign and the image we are using to guide us as we plan for the future of our parish family in expanding current facilities.

Our theme, Behold-Believe-Belong, reminds us of the commitment of those who came before us and the sacrifices they made to preserve this parish. For 140 years, this family has shared sacraments and celebrations. We’ve tearfully said goodbye to those who have passed and we’ve openly welcomed new parishioners as family in the body of Christ.

Now, as one parish family, we are called to provide for the future. Project 2020 is the blueprint for our future – a master plan that

can be completed all at once or over time as funding allows. It gives us many options to move forward.

To take on this process, we need your spiritual and financial support. Please review this brochure for additional details and please contact us with any question you might have. Investing in Project 2020 is our goal. Continuing to build God’s church and kingdom here in Columbus will be our legacy.

In the Franciscan spirit,

Your Campaign Steering Committee

Our Campaign Goal

Our goal is to expand our parish facilities to enable all parishioners the ability to continue their pilgrimage of faith in seeking the wisdom of Christ and the worship of God as one community bound together by the Holy Spirit.• Weaskeveryparishfamilytoparticipate

in the campaign by prayerfully considering a sacrificial gift of 3% to 5% of their annual income for each of the three years of the campaign, or for retirees a one‑time gift of 3% to 5% of their assets. This is in addition to regular stewardship giving.

• Wewanttoraisebetween$6,500,000-$10,500,000towardthecompletionofthe phases outlined in the Project 2020 master plan.

Your Campaign Steering CommitteeCampaign Co-Chairs: Carol Sand, Jan Fremarek, Chris & Clete Pillen, Kim & Mike Dreesen. Campaign Steering Committee: Dr. Kim Allen, Mike Allen, Jody Bargen, Brett Bonwell, Penny Bonwell, Janet Brezinski, Dr. Phil Buhman, John Cimpl, Marlene Cimpl, Connie Cumberland, Tim Cumberland, Joyce Dohmen, Ann Ernst, Dr. Ron Ernst, Marcus Faltys, Dr. Megan Faltys, Dennis Grennan, Don Heimes, Sue Henggeler, Jamie Heine, Matt Jedlicka, Sharee Jedlicka, Dee Johnson, Ray Johnson, Ron Jones, Belinda Keiter, Deacon Dan Keiter, Dianne Keiter, Eric Kluever, Lynette Klug, Dennis Miller, Kay Miller, Marv Peterson, Rose Peterson, Mike Pilakowski, Clete Pillen, Chris Pillen, Bill Ruskamp, Michell Ruskamp, Jeanne Schieffer, Bob Soulliere, Michelle Soulliere, Christopher Spale, Jill Spale, Bill Swantz, Janet Tooley, Tim Tooley, Sarah Wacha, Tami Weber, Bob White, Tami Williams, Joel Young, Cheryl Zoucha.

“Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible.”

– Luke 1:37

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The Planning Process

Project 2020 TeamRocio Adame, Brian Aerni, Guadalupe Arcos, Jody Bargen, Royce Campbell, Janelle Chvala, John Cimpl, Connie Codling, Connie Cumberland, Tim Cumberland, Larry Dowd, Mike Dreesen, Tyler Erickson, Marcus Faltys, Mike Faltys, Jan Fremarek, Theresa Gabriel, Chad Gonka, Nancy Gonka, Dennis Grennan, Jeff Hall, Al Hanus, Don Heimes, Steve Hollinrake, Theresa Ingram, Sharee Jedlicka, Jean Jones, Kate Jones, Ron Jones, Nathan Karges, Belinda Keiter, Deacon Dan Keiter, Dianne Keiter, Lynette Klug, Norma Krzycki, Susi Kobus, Eric Kluever, Jan Moser, Lorie Naughtin, Shelli Naughton, Jack Pekny, Marv Peterson, Willie Piitz, Mike Pilakowski, Clete Pillen, Cheryl Rambour, Tammie Romberg, Carol Sand, Jeanne Schieffer, Jan Schmeits, John Schueth, Jo Sokol, Chris Steinke, Bob Voboril, Bob White, Joel Young, Elaine Farley‑Zoucha.

Phase I

• TheSt.Bonaventureparishcouncilagreed to update the parish facilities / property strategic plan – fall, 2014. – It was apparent that funding

for building improvements was needed.

– A plan of upgrading had not been developed

• Inearly2015,acoregroupwasformed to review the facilities plan from 2000 including:– The 2000 plan was reviewed as a

starting point for identifying future needs.

– The team assessed facilities and identified needed improvements.

– Many items from the 2000 plan had been addressed, including the pre‑school child care facility.

• Abuildingcommitteewasformedin mid‑2015.– Focus groups were formed– Potential facility needs were

identified, discussed and prioritized

– Limited resources was a relevant factor in the process.

• Inconsideringa5-yeartimeframe, the name Project 2020 was adopted including– Phase I Assessment of needs– Phase II Development of

Conceptual Drawings– Phase III Capital Campaign– Phase IV Detailed Design– Phase V Construction

• IdentifyingNeeds:Consistently,the top 5 needs agreed upon were:– New Parish Center– Expanded Gathering Space– Additional Parking– Property Acquisition – Grade School Improvements

Phase II

• May,2016:BCDM–anarchitectural/engineering firm from Omaha was chosen to develop conceptual drawings and cost estimates for the proposed facility upgrades.

• June,2016:Aseriesof11meetingsincluding BCDM and the St. Bonaventure building committee began to: – Determine design criteria, scope,

size and arrangement of new facilities.

– Eight subcommittees were formed to review the top 5 priorities

• September24,2016:Parishworkshop held to gather input and make revisions. – Over60parishionersattended.

• Dec.10-11,2016:Allparishionerswere invited to presentations held after Masses to:– Review conceptual drawings– Answer questions– Gather additional information

Phase III

• January,2017:ThefirmFortheGreater was retained to direct a capital campaign.

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VisionParish Master Plan Emerges

Parish School•Newgymnasium•Updateeastend• Safedrop-offzone

New Parish Center• Sizeincrease:500%•BanquetSeating:350•CommercialKitchen•ConnectedtoNarthex

Narthex• Expanded300%•Gradelevelentrance•Nosteps• Entrancemovedwest

‑ add pews to main body of church

Site Prep• Propertyacquisition•Additionalparking• Landscaping

St. Bonaventure has been an important part of our lives for over 25 years. Project 2020 has drawn our parish closer together. It’s more than a master plan. It’s a vision for a great future – a future with a closer and stronger parish family – a future we look forward to being a part of.

Dennis and Coni Grennan

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

– Proverbs 29:18

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Project 2020

Parish Center

• 500%Increaseinsize– 6368Sq.Ft.

• Banquetseating:350•Conferenceseating:600•Accommodateparish

activities/groups•Weddingreceptions• Funeralluncheons•Quinceañeras•ConnectedtoNarthex• Large,ADArestrooms

•Portablepartitionsforupto6meetingrooms

• Storage–tables/chairs•Massoverflow-large

screen viewing •Commercialkitchen–800Sq.Ft.

•Community/familyroom – wedding prep, funerals, etc.

•Musicroom

Narthex

•Gatheringspace• Enteratgroundlevel–nosteps• Fellowshipbefore/afterMass• 300%Increasefromcurrentsize

– 1475Sq.Ft.– Vestibuleadditional165Sq.Ft.

• Easilyaccessibleto– Restrooms– Community/family room

•Coatroom•Massoverflow

– Including speakers for sound•Receivinglines•Availableascryroomarea• Scrip,lotterycalendar,KofC,

Squires, Ladies of the Lord, etc.

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Cost EstimatesHouses/SitePrep/NewParking $1,765,375Narthex/GatheringSpace $856,714ParishCenter $3,867,458School $4,046,805

Project2020CostEstimates $10,536,352

Construction Q & A

Q. What if we cannot raise $10.5 million – does the entire project fail?

A. No. The design can be built in phases. The intent of the Project 2020 master plan is to address all needs, in phases, if necessary.

Q. How is it that there will be no steps entering the church?

A. Grading a gradual slope from the parking lot entrance will leave the “plaza” level (area in front of the church) equal in elevation with the vestibule.

Q. Will seating be lost in removing the side chapel? Why is this being done?

A. Additional pews (for about 100) added in front of the narthex will make up the loss. From a spiritual standpoint, the restricted viewing in the side chapel hinders a full participation in Mass. The new plan includes everyone in the body of the church.

For more construction questions and answers, please go to our

website at stboncc.com.

Project 2020

•Newgymnasium(regulation sized)

• Stagefor50–adjacenttothegym

• Spaceforrisersinfrontofstage

• Increasedofficespace– Principal & counselor– Teacher’s work station– Sick bay– Conference room

• Staffrestrooms•Mediaroomexpansion

•Receptionarea–directvisualcontact to school entrance

• Studentrestroomsneargym•Communityroom

– Parent‑teacher group meetings

– Student gatherings• Storagespace–custodial,etc.• Providesaferstudent

drop‑off area– Reducetrafficcongestion– Continuity between drop

zone and main entrance

Parish School:

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Decision to Give

Project 2020 ObjectivesHouses/Site Prep/Parking * Narthex * Parish Center * School

Current Cost Estimates $10,536,352

A member of the Ambassador Team will call you prior to commitment weekend to answer any questions you might have about Project 2020 and the capital campaign.

How much should I give to the Capital Campaign?Each family is asked to prayerfully consider pledging three

percent to five percent of their annual income for each of the three years of the campaign – over and above their regular Sunday giving to the church. For our retired parishioners or those on a fixed income, we ask that you prayerfully consider giving three percent to five percent of your household assets, either as a lump sum gift or spread over three years. Please remember:

All pledges, no matter the amount, are welcomed—and all sacrifice is equal in the eyes of God. The charts below show how your commitment can be fulfilled annually, monthly or weekly.

Recall all the blessings God has given you, not only for your personal use, but to build the Kingdom of God on earth.

Pray to discern what sacrificial gift God is asking you to commit to this capital campaign.

Discuss your participation and sacrifice with all members of your family as to what it will mean to you over the next three years.

Bear in mind that every gift, regardless of amount, will be an important contribution to the capital campaign.

We began our married life at St. Bonaventure and are blessed to watch our children grow in their faith and receive their sacraments here. We cherish these friendships which have helped mold our spiritual journey. We are excited by this effort and know that Project 2020 will help to nurture the spiritual journey of future generations.

Lynette and Andrew Klug

Three PercenT GivinG charT Five PercenT GivinG charT

annual Weekly MonThly annual ToTal 3-year

Weekly MonThly annual ToTal 3-year

Income Contribution Contribution Contribution Contribution Contribution Contribution Contribution Contribution$30,000 $17 $75 $900 $2,700 $29 $125 $1,500 $4,500$50,000 $39 $125 $1,500 $4,500 $48 $208 $2,500 $7,500$75,000 $43 $188 $2,250 $6,750 $72 $313 $3,370 $11,250$100,000 $58 $250 $3,000 $9,000 $96 $417 $5,000 $15,000$150,000 $87 $375 $4,500 $13,500 $144 $625 $7,500 $22,500$200,000 $115 $500 $6,000 $18,000 $192 $833 $10,000 $30,000

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Q How Long is the Pledge Period? A We are looking for 3‑year pledges.

Q How often do we pay on our pledge?A Pledges can be paid weekly, monthly, quarterly,

annually, or all up front.

Q Will we get pledge reminders?A Yes. Statements will be sent quarterly, beginning

July1,2017.

Q How do we pay our pledges?A Pledge payments can be mailed in with a check

or through an EFT payment plan, set up with the parishoffice.

Q Can we donate stocks, bonds, mutual funds, grain, livestock?

A Yes. An accountant can explain the benefits.

Q I work for a matching gift company. How do I start the matching gift process?

A PleasecontactBelindaKeiterintheparishofficeto discuss this possibility.

Q Is my pledge legally binding?A No, it is not. This is not a contract. Your pledge is morally binding – however, in the

event of unforeseen economic circumstances that affect family, your pledge would no longer be morally binding and the church would expect you to take care of family first.

Q What percentage of our pledge payment goes to the Archdiocese?

A Zero. In a capital campaign, 100% of contributions stay in the parish.

Q Are our gifts tax deductible?A Absolutely.

For other Questions and Answers about Project 2020 and the campaign

please visit:http://www.stboncc.com

“Since happiness is nothing other than the enjoyment of

the highest good, and since the highest good is above, no one can be happy unless he rises

above himself, not by an ascent of the body, but of the heart.”

– St. Bonaventure

Since joining St. Bonaventure in 1980 we’ve had to plan for the physical and spiritual needs of our growing family. This parish family has been invaluable in that process.

When Angie and Brett moved back to Columbus in 2004 we were proud to see them get involved and become parish leaders. They embraced an idea that as Catholics, we are all responsible for the future of this parish family. Project 2020 is our future. We’re excited for what it will provide for our children, our grandchildren and the entire St. Bonaventure family.

Deacon Jim and Lorie Naughtin

Campaign Q & A

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Youth TeamCo-Chairs:Mike AllenJamie Heine Lynette KlugChristopher SpaleJill SpaleTeam:Hannah Allen Wren AllenAmy BrandtJan FoltzStuart Gerhold Eric Kloke Eric KlueverKim KlueverSusi Kobus Colson KoschNaomi KoschLindsey Liebig Susan LittlefieldMichael Madej Rachel Madej Deb OhnoutkaJeff OhnoutkaAngie Ostdiek Amberly Parker Hallie Parker Jacque Schwartz

Thanks to Our VolunteersAmbassadors TeamCo-Chairs:Mike DreesenMatt JedlickaSharee JedlickaBill SwantzTeam:Helen ClearyDoug DemuthChuck GonkaNancy GonkaRay HajekJeff HallPat HeimesDeacon Dan KeiterJeff Kosch Jan MoserClete PillenChris PillenCheryl Rambour Clayton Rief Julie Sansoni Tim TooleyDuane VavraSheila VavraJoe WachaBob WhiteTom Williams Jack YoungKathy Zadina

Communications TeamCo-Chairs:Dr. Kim AllenTim Cumberland Dianne KeiterJeanne SchiefferSarah WachaTeam:Royce Campbell Joe Chohon Stacy Chohon Connie CumberlandJeff Dubas Jane Dusel‑Misfeldt Keith Evans Jeff Hall Kristyn Kamrath Matt Kamrath Virginia Martin Jon Misfeldt Theresa Petr Cassie Rief Angie Rusher Tim Schieffer Louise Stopak TJ Thiem Janelle Parry Yipp Jack YoungMary Young

Co-Chairs:Janet BrezinskiBill RuskampTami Williams Team:Charlene Augustine‑Semin Karen Beck Al BeckerMaxine Becker Eva Bernt Rich Bernt Mary Blum Vaughn Blum Janet Bolton Peggy Brooks Elaine Chochon Pat CimburekDorothy Ebel Dave Eisenmenger

Eldon EnbelNadine Engel Gerry Engelbert Jill Erickson Ann Ernst Kelli Faltys Sandie Fischer Bud Fleischer Rita FleischerBob Gablenz Ann Gannon Dorothy Gubbels Richard Hamling Janet Hanson Randy Hanson Gene Hegemann Helen Hegemann Betty HeimannHank Heimann Ed Heimann

Joan Heimann Annette HellbuschDan HellbuschIrene Henry Ron HenryEd Hittner Mary Hittner Shirley Hoessel Cathy HoopsKristin Jacobson Joan JahnSteve Jahn Jean Jones Bernie KampschneiderFlorence Kolm Kim Korth Joe Kosch Wilma KoschShannon Kosch Diane Krings

Jerry KringsMartha KunasekJoan Lahm Dee Landholm Mark Landholm Susan Littlefield Judy LosekeVirginia Martin Karen Melcher Deacon Larry Mielak Michelle MooreDeacon Jim Naughtin Lorie NaughtinBrian Naughton Shelli NaughtonKati Odbert Rae Ann Otte Mary Lou PodrazaMichell Ruskamp Jan Schmeits

Diane SchneiderMike Schneider Bob Soulliere Michelle Soulliere Colleen SoulliereDori Stracke *Deb Svehla Sharon Swanson Donnie Thorson Jane Tooley F. Jane Tooley Brenda Tubbs Jim Tubbs Bob Voboril Cathy Wibbels * recently deceased

Prayer Team

Thank You

Saint Bonaventure provided me with a strong foundation for my Catholic faith. From that foundation I’ve been able to grow my faith at Benedictine College.

Hannah Thomazin

Elliot and Hannah Thomazin 2017 March for Life

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Events Team

Co-Chairs:Jody BargenKim DreesenMike PilakowskiCarol SandTeam:Linda Aerni Robin AndersonBetty Bender Dee Bernt Tammy Bichlmeier Dave Bichlmeier Kathy Brenner Chris Chvala Connie Cumberland Tyler Erickson Ann ErnstKelli Faltys Mike FaltysTheresa Gabriel Sue Gonka Mary Hall Deb Hamling Annette Hellbusch Dan HellbuschTeri Hotovy Theresa Ingram Kristin Jacobson Jean Jones

Andrew Klug Susi Kobus Jeff Kosch Melissa Kosch Shannon Kosch Connie Kresha Linda Levos Mary MaguireVirginia Martin Dennis Miller Kay Miller Theresa MorrisonAmy Morton Kati Odbert Jane Pekny Jack Pekny Phil Powers Mary Powers Cheryl Rambour Denise Schneiders Steve Schneiders Kathy Steiner Sharon SwansonStacy TaylorKendra ThiemChristi Wiese Gerry Wiese Joel Young

I think this project is great for people of my generation. This may be our last opportunity to do something that has a lasting impact on our Church.

Jesus told us Heaven is a place of many rooms. I hope one of those rooms is a huge banquet hall where we can have a reunion someday of the entire St. Bonaventure family. I want to meet and thank all those people who did so much for our Church. I also hope to meet all the parishioners who come after me and have them know that Marlene and I have done our part as well.

Ken and Marlene Ebel

“… so that in all things God may be glorified…”

– 1Peter 4:11

Co-Chairs:Joyce DohmenSue HenggelerRon JonesTami WeberTeam:Kim ArltClete Borchers Lisa BorchersMaxine BredahlHelen Cleary Liz CzubaSandi DemuthPaul DohmenKathy EngelbertLeonard Gabriel

Cathy HajekHarriette JanicekCharlie Jasper Karen JasperJames MurphyPatricia ParryGloria RinkolMarv RinkolDelores SempekJohn ThomazinKelli ThomazinJohn WhiteheadDarren WieseMary Kay WlaschinPeggy Wojcik Paula Young

Thanks Team

1565 18th Avenue • Columbus, NE 68601 • 402-564-7151 • www.stboncc.com

St. Bonaventure Catholic Church

Eternal and ever‑loving Father, we praise Your name and thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed on our

St. Bonaventure parish family.As we behold You in the Eucharist, we are rooted in the past, standing in the present,

with our eyes fixed on the One who leads us.We believe in Your vision for the future of our parish, not because of who we are, but because

of who You are. Unite and guide us as we surrender to do Your will.

Through the intercession of St. Bonaventure and our mother, Mary, allow us to emulate the

sacrificial hearts of those who have gone before us in faith.

By the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, we belong to the Mystical Body of Christ.

In the Franciscan spirit, we will continue to build Your kingdom.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

St. Bonaventure History1877 Founding of St. Bonaventure by

the Franciscans

1878 The friary, church and St. Francis Academy are dedicated – the Angelus bell is rung for the first time

1880 The first class of communicants to receive their first Holy Communion

1883 Rev. J. O’Connor lays the cornerstone for the first church–dedicatedin1884with 45 pews and seating for 100

1909 Church expanded ‑ seating capacityincreasedto490

1926 Stained‑glass windows from Germany are purchased and installed

1952 Parish grade school, social hall and convent completed

1954 Rectory construction begins – completed in 1955

1961 Perpetual adoration begins

1991 Renovation of church nave and narthex. Glass wall between altar and side chapel removed

2005 Preschool and kindergarten addition completed

2011 Remodeling of church interior

2014 Project 2020 process begins

Campaign Prayer

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to

give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11