Why is our campaign called "A Beacon of Hope"?
"A Beacon of Hope" is our mission to reach the people within our parish, whether they are active members of the Church or not. St. Patrick was called by God to be a beacon of light to guide the Irish out of the darkness, like a lighthouse in the misty fog of the world.
Our parish has the opportunity to carry on St. Patrick's mission and bring others to Christ through our parish school. When we evangelize the children in the parish, we inherently evangelize their parents, grandparents, extended family and friends.
What exactly are we proposing and why?
We are proposing that St. Patrick Parish realize a vision that allows more people to encounter Jesus Christ and grow as His Body. The immediate plan is to expand our parish school to serve Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
This is not simply a construction project; it is an investment in Catholic education and evangelization, giving children, families, CCD, homeschoolers and parish ministries the space they need to flourish.
Proposed improvements include:
- Five new classrooms, in addition to the existing four
- Innovation / Media Lab
- Science Lab
- New school entrance and lobby
- New administration wing
- Enhanced security and safety provisions
- School secretary and nurse's station
- Principal's office, records room and break room
- ADA accessibility throughout
- Expansion of tuition assistance
Why are we expanding St. Patrick rather than merging or partnering with another Catholic school?
Our parish school has grown steadily since opening in 2020, adding a grade at a time. Our vision now calls for completing a K-8 pathway.
The surrounding communities of Taylor Mill, Independence and nearby areas are growing, creating an opportunity to serve additional families. Local developments include approximately 2,000 planned or under-construction homes.
Families value having a school close to home where their children can begin and complete their grade-school education. Our incomplete grade offerings have led some families to choose other schools.
What does the Bishop think?
The Bishop is supportive of our efforts to expand our parish school at St. Patrick.
The Diocese has reviewed our long-term plan for the grounds and facilities. As part of that process, modifications were made to the secured entrance and classroom sizes.
With those areas addressed, the Diocese approved proceeding with the Generosity Campaign process, followed by completion of the design and construction approval stages.
How will we attract enough students and families to make this vision sustainable?
The additional space is designed to accommodate Kindergarten through 8th Grade, with approximately 20-25 students in each grade.
Our school continues to experience growth. During the 2026-27 school year, kindergarten and first grade experienced 40% growth. We also have middle school students through seventh grade this year.
This growth has occurred despite concerns about our current space limitations. Additional facilities will help us serve families who otherwise might choose another school.
What makes St. Patrick School distinctive and compelling?
St. Patrick's vision brings Catholic faith, education, worship, service and community together so that children learn not only about their faith, but how to live it.
The close relationship between the school, church and chapel makes that connection visible throughout the week.
Will this vision strengthen the parish, not just the school?
Our vision is that the school and parish share one mission of evangelization.
The proposed Innovation / Media Room, for example, will serve not only the school but also CCD, prayer groups and parish ministries that currently lack adequate space.
We already see parishioners volunteering to support the school and school events bringing the community together more frequently.
Strengthening our school is one way of strengthening the entire Body of Christ at St. Patrick.
What happens next, and how can parishioners participate?
The Town Hall process was an important first step in listening to the hopes, questions and concerns of our parish community.
The Diocese requires 50% of project funding on hand and 100% of pledges committed before approving the design and construction stages.
We currently have 75% of the required funds on hand and have reached 90% of the pledge goal.
We ask for parishioners' prayers, continued input and prayerful generosity as we work toward the next $1 million in pledges.
Our goal is to begin formal design and construction in 2027 once the necessary requirements are met.