The road to renovating Newman has already been a long one ... and it's likely to continue to be so before we achieve our goal.  "Groundbreaking on Phase One"--the reorganization of both our front and back entrances--began Monday, 18 August 2008, and we formally celebrated its completion 19 April 2009 with a "Rounding 1st and Heading to 2nd Event."  This $1.1 million dollar piece of the entire program created four up-to-date office spaces for key staff on the University-side of our building, transformed what was originally designed as a private entrance into a real public portal, and relocated some current spaces (sacristry, janitor's room, etc) to make space for the Chapel Renovation in Phase Two.

After we allow the "Building Fund Cookie Jar" to refill from the pledges made by our members and friends, the renovation work will move to the Chapel and the creation of a new Gathering Space/First Floor Lounge from the reclaimed former offices.  A start for Phase Two is tentatively scheduled for May 2010.  After that, there will be a Phase Three--addressing some necessary, but less visible, electrical and HVAC infrastructure.

Fundraising continues, as we have just finished approaching stationary members who have joined since our original Building on Good Faith Campaign efforts ended in June of 2007.  Through their "adopt-a-pledge" efforts we are hoping our newest members will be able to pick-up the slack on commitments made by members who have moved or had a major life or employment change and so have had to step back from their original pledge.  Approaching the renovation work in phases means we are competing with the inflation rate.  Small parish fundraisiers like last May's plant sale, gifts from area parish friends, and continued direction of any annual surplus in the parish checkbook to the cause is helping meet the needs.  Of course, your gift is always welcome.