FAQ

With a project as significant as building a new church, we know that many questions can come up relating to the building project and its status.  Here are answers to the questions that we hear most.

Have more questions?  Reach out to us at building@stphilipcc.org.
 

Q. When are we expecting to be able to move into the new church?

A.  Based on the current plans, we are estimating that the grand opening of our new church will be towards the end of 2021, or early 2022.  Construction projects like this are complicated and have a lot of moving parts.  That’s why we established the Road Home display and will be keeping you up to date as we meet each one of the milestone steps. 
 

Q. After this initial phase to build the church, what other phases are coming next? What’s the long-term timeline?

A.  The overall project includes additional phases that include the creation of dedicated classrooms and meeting spaces that will help our community to come together.  These additional phases will move as quickly as the financial support allows.  As the first phase of construction is being completed, we will evaluate the move and priorities for the next phase of fundraising. We hope that the move and the construction will generate additional support from current and new parishioners.  At the same time, we understand that this is a multi-year capital campaign, and that it needs to run its course.
 

Q. What is going to happen to the current St. Philip Catholic Church?   

A.  Our current campus is an asset to the parish as we move forward in concert with the Diocese.  We'll obviously keep it until we have appropriate facilities on the new property to move and continue to grow.  At that point the Diocese will have to decide what to do with the current property.  There are two possibilities:
1) It could be sold and the proceeds used against our debt. 
2) The Diocese could keep it and use it in some fashion, but they have indicated that in that event we would get appropriate credit toward our project.  
 

Q. What happens to the columbarium?

A.  Our current plan is to move the columbarium (it was specifically designed to be mobile) to the new location, incorporate it into the new campus design and ensure it has an appropriate and reverent location, with room to grow.
 

Q. Could we add a Spanish Mass or do other things to attract the Hispanic population?

A.  The addition of a Spanish Mass is a decision that rests with the Bishop; in the meantime, we will continue to serve all people who come to St. Philip’s to the extent of our resources.