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The 50 MORE! Campaign

St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More—50 MORE! 2

Our Mission

We, the faith community of St. Thomas More, confirm our commitment to our Lord and brother,

Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. We center on the Eucharist and the embodiment

of Catholic family values. We commit to love of neighbor: hospitality and compassion; nurturing

and enrichment; empathy and social justice, emphasizing the contemporary needs of the church and

the poor.

Cover Photo is a concept photo only and is being used as a representation of a future design.

3 St. Thomas More—50 MORE!

Dear People of St. Thomas More, God loves you and so do I!

It has been two years since I first walked on this holy ground as your pastor. From that first moment

I have been deeply moved by your loving faith and joyful commitment to God.

In God’s providence, Fr. Gerald Falk has continued to serve in

our community, our ministry team has remained together and

grown, and we have all been invited to embrace the vision and

dreams that God has revealed to us through the Diocese of

Green Bay’s visioning process.

In God’s providence, we now enter our Jubilee year, and

prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary. From our humble

beginnings at Rainbow Gardens in 1963 to the building of the

gym-church-school in the midst of Randall’s woods in 1966,

to the building of our current church in 1989, your generous

gifts of time, talent, and treasure have always been offered for

the glory of God. Special thanks go to Fr. Falk for his 40 years

as our Pastor and to our Charter members who have remained

faithfully present through the years.

In God’s providence, we now have the opportunity to make

some important investments in our facilities and our future.

The 50 MORE! Campaign will provide the resources we need to make significant enhancements

to our worship space, grounds, and facilities, as well as provide necessary support to the Youth

Ministry, Scholarship Fund, Bishop’s Appeal, and Endowment Fund for our growing ministry needs.

Thank you to all who have helped prepare our community to embrace this opportunity before us!

Please read on to find out more about our Jubilee year dreams and prayerfully consider a generous

gift to the 50 MORE! Campaign. Let us join together in Jubilee excitement and joy as we reflect

upon the blessings of God’s love in our lives; 50 years together...and please God, 50 MORE!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Jim Lucas

Pastor of St. Thomas More


Parish History St. Thomas More Parish will soon celebrate

fifty years since its founding in 1963.

Appreciating and honoring our history will be

important during the upcoming enhancement

of the structure and the celebration throughout

the Jubilee year.

Rev. Patrick McMahon, the founding pastor of

St. Thomas More, celebrated the first Mass

held at Rainbow Gardens dance hall in 1963.

During the following year, building plans

were develop to construct a new church

facility, school and convent on the 12 acre

parcel known as Randall’s Woods. In 1966,

with 600 parish families and 333 students, the

$741,876 project, funded by parishioners,

was completed.

The first project, however, did not include

the church structure that is currently used.

Weekend Masses were celebrated in the

gymnasium.

Rev. Gerald Falk was named pastor in

September 1970 and faithfully led the parish

for 40 years. He continues to serve the people

of St. Thomas More as Pastor Emeritus.

The 25th anniversary of the parish marked

an opportunity for change and expansion.

The parishioners approved the renovation of

the existing complex and the construction

of a new church facility at a cost of $690,000.

In 1996 the parish saw more changes to the

facility. Funded by a generous $1 million

donation and $1 million parishioner pledges,

the school was completely renovated as well

as the parish and religious education offices.

The final construction project took place in

1999 when, as a result of another private

donation, the Gathering Area of the Church

was added.

Rev. James Lucas was named the pastor of

St. Thomas More Church in September 2010.

Church entrance in the 1980’s with parish members being greeted

by Rev. Dave Belongea, OFM Cap. and Rev. Gerald Falk.

View of the facility and grounds in 1997. The structure in the

center back originally served as both the school gymnasium and

the original church.

Rev. Gerald Falk and Rev. James Lucas at the diocesan-wide

Catholic School mass, leading the parish forward into the next

50 years.


Since that time, focus groups of parishioners

have discovered strengths and revealed dreams

for the future of the parish. Community,

Education, Pastoral Care Ministry, Liturgy,

and Service and Justice were identified as the

core reality of the parish.

As the parish approaches its anniversary, a

majority of parishioners have shown support

for the proposed renovation. This project will

bring about important and necessary changes

to the parish, through the worship space

enhancements and facility renovations

being planned.

Going Forward

Throughout the history of St. Thomas More,

parishioners have been guided by the Holy

Spirit. Their involvement in community

outreach is as an expression of their love of

Jesus Christ.

Many parishioners serve on committees that

support the parish mission. Others are actively

involved in music ministry, bible studies,

prayer groups, retreats, care of the sick and

needy, youth ministry, and social justice

concerns. The reach of St. Thomas More is

certainly beyond the physical walls of the

Church and extends into the larger community

and world.

Our patron saint inspires us to go beyond the

ordinary as a parish through his words, “If any

good thing shall go forward, something must

be adventured.” In 2011, a diverse group of

parish members and staff joined together and

began investigating the needs and desires of

our parish. Along every step of the process,

respect and honor was given to the past,

concern and hope given to the future, and

costs versus comfort considered.

Although the current church is built simply

and fundamentally sound, there are repairs that

are needed. The campaign will raise funds

for this purpose. More importantly, the

Holy Spirit always encourages us to grow

in holiness. Therefore, as an expression of

our faith, the function, symbolism, beauty,

hospitality, and vibrancy of our worship space

will be updated.

The committee also looked beyond the church

building. The campaign will allow us to

continue our current ministries and to develop

new and extraordinary services and programs.

Funds will also be raised for our Youth

Ministry allowing our youth to fully engage

in our parish and community.

St. Thomas More Elementary school provides

students the opportunity to experience a top-

rated Catholic education. Included in the

current enhancement project are areas that will

benefit the day school as well as other parish

events in the lower level.

Sound stewardship through regular collections

provides for most of the day-to-day needs

of the parish. However, the parish currently

relies on the Endowment Fund to provide the

additional funds needed to maintain a balanced

budget. The campaign seeks to grow the

Endowment Fund to help ensure the future

financial stability of the parish, as well as to

grow our programs.

All 1,200 parish families are asked to join

in proclaiming their love for God during the

50 MORE! Campaign and, just as our

predecessors, make a meaningful contribution

and legacy for future generations.

“If any good thing shall go

forward, something must be

adventured.” Saint Thomas More


Worship Space Enhancements

The shape of the sanctuary reflects the new design created for the new entrance area to the worship

space and the baptismal font. This visual connection reinforces procession and our theology that

only through baptism can we share in Eucharist, the body of Christ.

The enhanced sanctuary has a larger surface area. Appropriate recognition is given to the ambo and

altar by the creation of more space around both furnishings.

The new main altar is created using our current altar, as well as adding marble from the first altar

that was used in the gym church, with a new ambo designed to match.

The ambo (pulpit) is moved to the left side of the sanctuary to provide visual and physical

separation from the music area to enhance attention to the proclamation of the Word.

The current sanctuary is not accessible to those in wheelchairs or to those unable to climb steps.

The new design provides access to both the sanctuary and the new Eucharistic Reservation Chapel

through the addition of two ramps.

Handicapped accessible seating will be incorporated in the main seating area.

More space is created for procession on the sanctuary platform as well as the opportunity to adjust

the location of the furnishings for special liturgical celebrations and needs.

Lighting and sound improvements are planned including the installation of a hearing loop system.

A corpus (body of Christ), carved by a local artist, will be fastened to the main cross for most of

the liturgical year but can be removed when needed.

Music area improvements may include redesigned seating for the choir and a new piano and organ.

The posture of kneeling during

the Eucharistic Prayer and after

the Lamb of God is the

approved posture of the

Catholic bishops of the United

States. Kneelers will be

installed as a matter of

hospitality, for without them,

the congregation would be

asked to kneel on the floor.

Photos on page 6 and 7 are concept photos only and are being used as

representations of future designs.


Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.

Baptism means to “plunge” or to “immerse” which is why the font is designed to contain a

significant amount of water. The new design of the baptismal font allows for baptisms of both

infants and adults.

Floor level entry allows easy access to the

immersion pool. Specially designed gates

provide safety yet are easily removed for

access when desired.

The alpha and omega base reminds us of Christ

(Revelation 22:13) and connects us to our

beginning (alpha) of faith in Christ at baptism

and completion (omega) of our faith in Christ

celebrated at the funeral rites.

The cross reminds us of the mystery of the

dying and rising of Jesus that we participate in

through baptism.

The circle represents the universal and inclusive desire of God that all will be saved.

Welcoming members through enhanced doors to the church.

The enhanced doors to the church entry will remind us that we are entering God’s house,

a sacred place.

The current chapel will be moved to create

a more open family area. Parents with

young children who wish to, may view mass

from large windows and doors located at the

entrance to the church.

A small Eucharistic Reservation Chapel

will be built behind the tabernacle in the

sanctuary to create an intimate setting for

private prayer in the presence of the Blessed

Sacrament.

When leaving, we will be reminded of our

baptismal mission-to live in the Spirit of the

Risen Christ!


$2 Million Goal for 50 MORE! Campaign

As St. Thomas More celebrates 50 years of faith and community we embark on a large scale campaign

to fund a number of areas of need. Estimates for each component of the campaign are listed below.

As good stewards of expected donations the campaign committee plans to spend less than .5% on

administrative fees during this campaign.

Worship Space Enhancements $ 1,201,703 Some of the improvements in this area will include:

Removal and repair of the interior walls due to moisture and cosmetic concerns

New sanctuary back wall, Eucharistic Reservation chapel and Tabernacle wall

New cross with Jesus on it with flexibility to remove seasonally

Music area improvements

Flooring replacement and additional persons with disability seating area

Hearing impaired loop system and sound improvement

Furnish and install kneelers, with potential re-spacing of some pews for additional comfort

Design modifications to nave doors to enhance the sacred entry to the nave of the church

New Baptismal font

Removal of chapel and creation of family area for increased visibility within the Narthex

Exterior Enhancement $ 118,232

Exterior signage to invite and welcome members and guests

Landscape improvements

Carillon (speakers that play music and call to prayer) added near the carport

Interior Renovation $ 159,748

Addition of a lower level cafeteria bathroom that will be utilized by the school children and

parishioners attending fish fries, bingo, and other hospitality events.

Main entrance reception office renovation to improve hospitality and security to parish and school.

Bishop’s Appeal 2013 $ 64,000 (estimated) The 2013 annual Bishop’s Appeal will be rolled into this campaign for one year only.

Endowment $ 300,000 The Endowment Fund has assisted the parish in its mission by providing supplemental funding of its

programs and services and additional support for its operation, maintenance, and capital requirements

that our stewardship support has not provided. It also has allowed the parish to expand its ministries.

Scholarship Fund $ 146,317

The Scholarship Fund assists families who need tuition assistance to educate their children in the

St. Thomas More day school or night school programs.

Youth Ministry $ 10,000 The 2012-2013 fiscal year fundraising for youth programs will be funded by the campaign, therefore

eliminating many smaller fundraising efforts.


Why Give

Not long ago Bishop Ricken announced a

Visioning Process for all churches in the

Diocese of Green Bay. The process invited us

to pray, discover, discuss, and dream about

our church and God’s calling to us in the time

we live.

As St. Thomas More approaches the celebration

of our 50th anniversary, we have this unique and

timely opportunity to invest in our worship

space for the greater honor and glory of God.

St. Thomas More is very conscious of our

members that need additional assistance to

enjoy our worship space. Funding from this

campaign will incorporate additional handicap

accessibility, as well as improved lighting and

sound for all to enjoy.

Additional gathering space for growing families

will only strengthen our future.

Growing the Endowment Fund ensures that our

facilities can be maintained and our ministries

expanded to meet the growing needs of our faith

community.

Investing in education through our Scholarship

Fund and growing the Youth Ministry area to

enhance the faith of our youth will always be a

goal of the St. Thomas More parish.

Our love for God can always be enhanced and

grow stronger. The 50 MORE! Campaign is one

significant and lasting way for us to show our

love for God.

What to Give

The St. Thomas More Parish community is

asking all to make a sacrifice for the Lord

during this campaign. One size does not fit all

in terms of giving amount. Some families may

be able to give more than others. Please pray

about what God is calling you to give.

We ask that you consider giving the equivalent

of your first hour worked each week to this

campaign. Or simply 2.5% of your total

annual income to the project each year for

three years. This gift would be above and

beyond your current support of the parish.

Please know that whatever you are able to give

is greatly appreciated.

Ways to Give

You may give your gift in one lump sum or

over a period of three years. You can give

monthly, quarterly or annually to fit your

household budget.

An ACH direct debit may also be set up for

your convenience. Credit cards, stock and other

donations are being accepted for this campaign.

The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese

of Green Bay, Inc. has generously offered to

assist St. Thomas More in processing pledges

and receipts for this campaign.

Please complete a pledge card to ensure your

choice of payment is processed per your request.

“I am truly grateful and

blessed because our

parish has such a warm

family feeling.” Charter Member, Bette Toppins


Worship Space Enhancement Committee: Fr. Mark Joseph Costello, OFM Cap.,

Liturgical Design

Dennis Horbinski,

Liturgical Design Consultant

Pat DelPonte,

Hoffman Project Planning Director

Todd Bushmaker,

Hoffman Architect and Design

Fr. Jim Lucas

Sr. Betty Reinders

Sr. Mary Rose Menting

Bob Balza

Jim and Diane Guckenberg

Bill and Kiki Harke

Don and Sue Johnson

Joan Kula

Kim and Mark Mettelmann

Jim and Jill Nelson

Scott Pearce

Anita Revord

Tim and Judy Rothe

Sandy Scheibe

Chris and Carol Sullivan

Jim and Maria Totzke

To our fellow parishioners, The faith community of St. Thomas More has come together to develop worship enhancement projects

and a fundraising campaign to meet the current needs of our parish as well as future needs through

endowment funding. We take a moment to thank the members who have given of their time and talent

to this endeavor.

As co-chairs of the campaign we look forward to the opportunity for all parishioners to come together

through a project of this magnitude. What a tremendous way to show current and future members

the value of a Catholic community that embraces growing their faith through such beautiful enhance-

ments, future growth through endowment contributions, and the overall excitement of working with

each other to share a new worship space.

Thank you for being members of St. Thomas More and for your consideration in joining us for

50 MORE!

Pat and Helen Hart Dave and Kim O’Brien

Patricia Verbrick

Therese Magnus Wang

Ed and Ginny Wurzer

2012 –2013 Parish Council: Fr. Jim Lucas

Brad Donnermeyer

Kiki Harke

Sharon Maretech

Jim Nelson

Joyce Paltzer

Sandy Scheibe

Dawn Severson

Jim Totzke

JuanValdez

2012-2013 Finance Council: Fr. Jim Lucas

Tony Balza

Karen Bendel

Roy Conrad

Lori Lanser

Kim O’Brien

Dan Rorabeck

Paul Werner

Mike Wodushek


Communications Committee:

Fr. Jim Lucas


Sr. Betty Reinders

Kiki Harke

Joan Kula

Mark Mettelmann

Kim O’Brien

Scott Pearce

Art and Environment Leader:

Joan Kula

Building and Grounds Leader:

Jim Totzke

Advance Giving Leaders: Maria Totzke

Mike Wodushek

Student/Children Activity Leader:

Maria Totzke

Outreach Leader:

Scott Pearce

There are many additional campaign members that have helped, and will continue to help, in moving

St. Thomas More toward 50 MORE! years of faith and fellowship. Thank you to all that contributed.

There is still more to do so if you are interested in joining one of the many committees please contact

the campaign at [email protected] or call the parish office.

Food, Fun & Fellowship Team:

Betty Conrad

Karla Gunville

Deb Kaufman

Bobbi Lanser

Lisa Pfaff

Karen Rickert

Kathy Sasman

Prayer Leaders—Worship and Spiritual

Life Commission


Sr. Betty Reinders

Brian Conrad

Don Johnson

Joan Kula

Dean Laux

Kim Lesperance

Mary Ann Pflum

Judy Rothe

Sandy Scheibe

Patricia Verbrick

Ginny Wurzer

“We have been blessed with 50 years of dedicated

priests, nuns, and lay personnel and just as

important, we have made loving, lasting friends

here. St. Thomas More continues to be a very

meaningful part of our lives.” Charter Members, Jerry & Joyce Depies

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

1810 North McDonald Street

Appleton, WI 54911

Website: www.stmcath.org

Email: [email protected]

Parish Office Phone: (920) 739-7758

Fax: (920) 749-3743

Jubilee Prayer

Gracious God, source of all life and holiness, fill us your

St. Thomas More Faith Community with love, in joyful anticipation

of our parish’s 50th anniversary. Touch our hearts with a spirit of

thankfulness and generosity as we gather each week to receive your Word

and be nourished with your Body and Blood. May St. Thomas More, our

patron, intercede for us another 50 years, as we strengthen and beautify

our church. May we continue to be a Spirit-filled community of love and

service, working together to give you glory. We ask this through Jesus,

who with the Father and the Holy Spirit enfold us in your love, now and

forever. Amen.

mailto:[email protected]

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