Friday, April 30, 2004

St. Mary nears goal The new building for St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Sharpsburg may be seen on its 40-acre site much sooner than anticipated. The initial capital campaign, “Our Faith, Our Future” has raised more than 73 percent of its goal of $1.2 million in just five weeks. The drive will continue until the $1.2 million figure is realized. Original projections put completion at November 2006, but the drive has been so successful that the parish may be able to move that date up by six to 12 months. Reaching the $1.2 million goal will allow parish members to break ground and begin construction, as per the guidelines set by the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The cost of the church complex includes land, construction and furnishings. Present conceptual plans call for a 600-plus seating capacity formal worship area, classrooms for religious education, parish offices, full kitchen, library/bride’s room, nursery/preschool facilities, a large narthex for additional seating and entertaining, and a large outdoor plaza. The entire project will be handicap accessible. St. Mary’s pastor, Father Dan Fleming, termed the campaign “amazing” in its response from parishioners. “In addition to 49 percent of the parish making pledges, we are also blessed with the generous contributions by other individuals and families in the area. The level of enthusiasm is outstanding,” Fleming said. With the campaign still gaining momentum, Fleming said he felt confident the church would reach its goal and the parish family will have its first real home. Several months ago, the parish announced the selection of an architect and builder in a design/build concept. Gene Barrington of Barker, Cunningham and Barrington, P.C., of Buford, was selected as architect, and Group VI of Peachtree City was chosen as the builder/contractor. St. Mary Magdalene’s capital campaign committee hosted close to a dozen receptions in homes of parishioners where conceptual plans were displayed and feedback received. Bill Craig is chair of the capital campaign committee and Susan Botticelli is assistant chairperson. The firm of Guidance in Giving, professional fund raisers, has assisted the Sharpsburg campaign in its initial phase.

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