Changing the Face of St. Raphael Parish from
Generation to Generation

Click here for the Latest Construction Updates or Call 835-RAPH

Phase I

Construction Costs

Last summer, the Master Plan Committee presented to the parish the results of its comprehensive and extensive needs assessment of the parish facilities. The response indicated significant support for the Master Plan and its phases, and it was clear that enlarging the worship space was a priority. The scope of Phase I was revised so that only those projects necessary to be completed before construction of the worship space could begin were included. These are construction of an expanded parking lot, a new parish activity center, a new rectory, and purchase of the Douglass building for the parish offices.

The revised Phase I projected construction costs of $6.5 million. This amount included not only the cost of 'bricks and mortar' but soft costs (tables, chairs, basketball hoops, interest, insurance etc.) and a $500,000 contingency.

The Design Subcommittee, formed last September, has taken the recommendations of the Master Plan Committee for Phase I and has been meeting almost weekly with our architects, Zarzycki-Malik, to analyze, refine, and prioritize the designs of the projects, always aware of the potential costs.

Since November, $5.6 million has been pledged - a tremendous amount and tribute to the parishioners of Saint Raphael. We are truly blessed by the support and confidence you have shown. All Capital Campaign pledge receipts are invested in an interest bearing account.

So how do we close the gap on this difference between the estimated costs and the amount pledged to date? There are several ways. The Capital Campaign Subcommittee will continue its efforts to raise additional funds and collect the pledges. Some parishioners have offered to donate goods and services relating to the construction. These donations will reduce the cash outlay for the costs. Certain construction costs have been identified as "wants" and not necessarily as "needs" during Phase I. We will provide for the future addition of these items, but recognize that these will be the last dollars spent. It is the priority of the Design Subcommittee to build spaces unique to Saint Raphael Parish and of excellent and efficient quality.

The Diocese requires us to have 50% of the estimated cost in liquid assets. Because certain "wants" may be postponed until additional pledges are received, we meet this condition and are ready to break ground June 10th. We have finalized a very favorable loan with Key Bank to provide funding for the difference between actual costs (construction should last approximately 12 months) and receipt of the pledges (over a three year period).

We assure you that we will continue to work with our architects and general contractor to review costs and to be good stewards of the funds you have pledged to Phase I. We will keep you updated as to the progress of the construction. Thank you for your continued support and confidence.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kris McGivney at 440-930-5479 or leave a message for her at the Parish office.

Subcommittees of Construction Phase

Soon we'll be seeing construction workers descending upon our campus, utilities being installed, a new parking lot being laid, and steel being erected. This activity is the result of a tremendous amount of work that is taking place "behind the scenes." It was clear when we started that a lot of time and talent would be needed to make this project successful. As a result, several subcommittees were formed to concentrate on specific areas of concerns.

The Design Subcommittee is lead by our architects, Bob Zarzycki and Jim Malik. This group has been meeting since last September and has worked with the architects to determine the final designs of the Parish Activity Center, the rectory, and the parking lot.

The Capital Campaign Subcommittee will continue to obtain and collect pledges for Phase I. Billings are sent at the end of each month based on the frequency you have requested. Jenny Zimmerman, Development Director, coordinates this activity.

The Legal Subcommittee is headed by Ed Maher. This subcommittee is responsible for preparing or reviewing all documents, including the purchase of the Douglass building. Ed also acts as our liaison with the Diocesan legal office to obtain the necessary approvals and sign-offs.

The Finance/Accounting Subcommittee is lead by Gary Miller. This subcommittee has negotiated the interim loan with Key Bank and will review the costs of the project during construction. Gary will also analyze and prepare an operating budget for the new buildings.

Our Construction Manager Subcommittee will be directed by Brian Blayney. Brian is taking on this responsibility in addition to his role of Director of Plant Operations of the parish. Brian will be the parish's on site representative with the general contractor and architect during actual construction.

The Safety Subcommittee is meeting regularly to develop procedures that will need to be followed during the construction period. These procedures include how the day school and PSR children will enter and exit the school, access to the parish offices and meeting rooms, and general safety guidelines. Rick DiLisi is chairperson of this subcommittee. Members of the parish staff are assisting with these written procedures. The Bay Village police and fire departments are advisors to this group.

The Communications Subcommittee has geared up and is ready to make sure the all parishioners are aware of the construction activity and new procedures. They will disseminate the information often and in a variety of ways so that everyone will be informed. This subcommittee is lead by Mary Lou Toler. This subcommittee will also have fun archiving the project (think picture of crowded parking lot at Easter, with snow added for effect).

Kris McGivney and Fr Tim would like to thank all of the chairpersons and members of their subcommittees for the tremendous commitments of time and talent. Cooperation and coordination, as we see time and time again at this parish, are evident in every meeting. We look forward to an exciting year of change.

Construction Update

• A 24 hour information hotline, 835-RAPH, is now available.  Please feel free to call in at any time to receive the most recent information on a wide variety of topics.
• You will receive an occasional pre-recorded message via your home telephone from Fr. Tim over the next several months when there are important updates to share.

Phase I Brochure

Download the Phase I Brochure


If you have any questions or would like further information about the Master Plan, please contact Jenny Zimmerman, Development Director at 871-1100 or jzimmerman@saintraphaelparish.com.