Foundation for the Future is a $1.5 million fundraising capital campaign, the bulk of which will be used to pay for the vacant property the parish purchased in early 2023, allowing for future development and expansion of the parish.
The remainder of the funds raised will be used to pay for several essential upgrades to existing Saint Patrick facilities.
Campaign Update: November 2025
A view of our new, spiffed-up lot after infill, grading and seeding and a new sidewalk in late October 2023. Imagine the possibilities with this foundation for the future!
Campaign Launch Video
As of January 12, the vacant land north of the Parish Office is officially ours...
As of January 12, the vacant land north of the Parish Office is officially ours. Think of the possibilities that lie ahead. Adjacent land is in short supply and rarely available. With this purchase we have established a foundation for the future—a foundation for parish and education expansion and the ability to ensure development in our neighborhood is consistent with our needs and our mission.
We also gained 26 parking spaces (14 south of Richardson's Funeral Home and 12 at 6th and Washington) and have avoided competition for nearby street parking with the elimination of a potential business and apartment building on the newly cleared land.
Our parish first made an offer on this property 18 years ago. Our prayers have been answered.
Parish leadership has been working behind the scenes to prepare for this exciting announcement and the future of our parish. As Father explained in his November 2022 letter to parishioners, the Archdiocese has extended us a line of credit for this campaign. While exploring the long-term possibilities this land brings, we have also considered near-term uses of the property, upcoming maintenance on our parish campus, and the existing CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) project we need to complete. We can’t forget the present as we consider the foundation for the future.
We thank those who have already stepped forward with gifts to provide a foundation for our upcoming campaign.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How much do we need to raise and what will it include?
- The $1.5 million we need to raise includes the cost of the land, initial costs such as grading and seeding, civil/site design services, asphalt and concrete work, heating and some cooling at the Education Center, and funds still needed for CGS expansion. More details are in a chart below. First things first, we need to pay for the land to establish our foundation for the future. The Archdiocese extended us a most favorable 2% interest rate for our line of credit. Once detailed due diligence is completed on how best to use and develop the new land, a separate plan detailing the related needs will be presented.
- When did the parish-wide campaign begin?
- The committee formally launched the initial financial campaign for the property and current needs in late April 2023. A three-year campaign is planned.
- May I be a part of the campaign team or development team?
- Yes. We would like to have additional team members. Please consider how you can be part of the change and expansion the Lord has in store for us. If you would like to be on either team, contact Pastoral Council Chair Laura Schaefer or Administrator/Bookkeeper Justin Krieger. You are welcome to call the Parish Office at 319-266-3523
- Why do we need the property?
- This is a long-awaited strategic purchase that advances opportunities for future growth.
- Securing this property means being able to develop it in a way that best suits our future growth.
- Having this property allows us to consider a campus-style development at our Parish.
- What is the value of the property?
- An appraisal was conducted in May 2022 by Rally Appraisal and the property as-is was valued at $985,000.
- What will the property be used for now and in the future?
- A Property Development Committee has been convened and will evaluate the best uses of the site. This committee will work with our Parish leadership, city planners, civil engineering team, and other city employees to determine its initial and/or future use.
- Does our Parish leadership endorse this project?
- The purchase of this property was widely supported by the Pastor, School Principal, Parish Council (voted 9-0 in favor of purchasing this property), Catholic School Board, and Finance Council.
- Will Clover Patch be relocated to this site?
- Relocation of Clover Patch Preschool & Day Care is just one of several possibilities for future use. Certainly, having a facility that supports the future growth of our school and parish life is attractive. We have begun research to determine financial feasibility.
- What will be the next project?
- We included all known major upcoming expenses in this capital campaign. Smaller projects, which occur periodically, will be incorporated into annual budgetary planning.
- When will the new property be developed?
- At this point we are looking at roughly a year-long process to determine the best use for the property and to work on City approval. In the meantime, it will remain a green space for parish and school use.
If you have further questions, please contact
- Fr. Ivan Nienhaus, Pastor
- Laura Schaefer, Pastoral Council Chair and Campaign Chair
- Justin Krieger, Administrator/Bookkeeper (for help with donations)
Campaign and Property Development Team Members
- Laura Schaefer
- Lisa Ahern
- Donna Bash
- Paul DiMarco
- Tom Hoag
- Justin Krieger
- Roger Kueter
- Bill Ludwig
- Fr. Ivan Nienhaus
- Jon Wiebers
- Danica Wilcox
- Carri Zehentner
