Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Final Phase” of the Master Plan?
The Final Phase of the Master Plan calls for the construction of a Parish Activity Center that will address the growing needs of the parish and school communities. The proposed facility will house a gymnasium and consolidate the administrative offices of Saint Louis School, Religious Education, and Catholic Youth Ministry, freeing up space in the current education building for expanded program space.

Why are we doing this?
We have outgrown the current space. The gymnasium is currently the most utilized facility on the entire campus and is used, on average, an additional 6.5 hours a day, after school hours. The brick school building was built in 1961 to address the needs of a single track school (one class per grade). We have grown to two classes per grade, plus a thriving Pre-K, and we now offer Art, Music, Technology and Spanish as part of the curriculum. The school and religious education programs currently use all available square footage in the building. In addition, the aging facility needs to be upgraded to remain competitive with our neighboring Howard County schools and to be more in line with the remaining buildings on our campus. The addition of the Parish Activity Center will be a giant step in the right direction for the future of our expanding parish community.  

When will we break ground on the Parish Activity Center?
We will break ground on the Parish Activity Center when we have raised 50% of the cost to construct the building.

How much will the Parish Activity Center Cost?
The cost of the Parish Activity Center is $5.6 million.

How are we raising the money?
We are conducting a combined Capital Campaign in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Baltimore titled “Embracing Our Mission – Shaping Our Future.” We have formed a Capital Campaign Executive Committee, who has been soliciting leadership gifts to the Campaign and has been meeting regularly to implement the Campaign plan.

How can I/we help?
First, pray for us as we begin the process to make our plans a reality. Secondly, there are many opportunities for every parishioner to contribute in the way that best suits the needs of each individual donor. Below are some possibilities:

There will be selected “Named Gifts” for gifts larger than $100,000. Named Gifts serve as a way to commemorate occasions, recognize individuals and families who have had associations with the school or parish and educate students, faculty, and visitors about philanthropy within the Saint Louis Community. It is an excellent way to recognize and acknowledge our partners in this project. Some examples include:

Naming the Building  Gift of $1,000,000
Naming the Gymnasium Gift of $500,000 (reserved)
Naming the Theatre  Gift of $500,000
Naming the Entrance Lobby  Gift of $500,000
Naming the Outdoor Patio  Gift of $300,000
Naming Offices  Gifts of $200,000 - $250,00
Naming Trophy Display Cases  Gift of $200,000
Naming the Gym Office  Gift of $150,000

The overwhelming generosity of Saint Louis Parish is unparalleled in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the larger community. Our parish has aided countless individuals and organizations with its loving response to those who ask for help. In that same spirit, we ask you to consider helping us meet our current needs and the needs of future generations by supporting the Embracing Our Mission – Shaping Our Future Campaign.

For more information on how you can assist in this effort, please contact Mary Helfrich, St. Louis Parish Development Director at mhelfrich@stlouisparish.org or Colleen Craig, St. Louis School Development Director at ccraig@stlouisparish.org or by calling (410) 531-6191.