What will be the benefits/growth of Our Lady of Assumption Parish from this project?
The shortage of priests continues to drive parish reorganization, which involves amalgamation of parishes that will occur in the West End of Windsor. Over the next few years, Assumption Parish will welcome parishioners from Blessed Sacrament Parish, Holy Name of Mary Parish and St. Patrick's Parish. Assumption Parish will become the center of parish life and pastoral outreach for this area of Windsor. Assumption Parish will continue to be a center for outreach to students at the University of Windsor.
What the does the Diocese of London intend to contribute towards the fundraising?
The commitment of the Diocese is joined by the personal commitments of both His Excellency Ronald P. Fabbro C.S.B. and His Excellency R. Anthony Daniels. We encourage and embrace the Campus Master Plan Concept to restore Our Lady of Assumption Church and enhance its surrounding grounds so that future generations can appreciate this National Treasure.
We strongly believe that this community project will have a positive impact on the Windsor-Essex economy by providing new jobs. We are very pleased that to date a number of both national and local civic leaders have joined Assumption Heritage Trust. The creation of this leadership team to steward and guide this project will ensure its success.
- The Diocese has and will continue to assist Assumption Church by gifting to the parish monies that the Diocese of London receives from its' parking lot arrangements with the University of Windsor.
- In addition, unlike other parishes, Assumption Church provides ministry to students, faculty and staff on the University campus. The Diocese supports the Campus Ministry Program for Assumption and intends to enhance that support as the parish grows.
- The third example of the Dioceses' support to Assumption Church is the decision to gift the net proceeds from the disbursement of other assets of the Diocese of London to this effort.
- In addition, once the project has secured 70% of its funding the Diocese of London remains steadfast in its commitment to provide a loan for 1/3 to complete the project.
To what extent will the local economy benefit from this restoration?
The major recapitalization project planned by the Diocese of London for Assumption Church is a highly sustainable project and it will be a major generator for the local economy (e.g. labour, trades and contractors). It has been noted that on similar conservation projects approximately 90% of the project budget goes to labour and less than 10% is allocated to goods and materials.
What will be the nature of the Heritage Centre?
The introduction of a new on-site destination Heritage/Orientation Centre feature will celebrate Assumption Church's heritage and ideals. This interactive teaching and learning centre will provide on-site information and guidance through technology, opportunities for demonstrations, and educational forums. The Centre will anchor the Campus while providing a gathering place for people to come together to expand their understanding of our history.
Heritage education and stewardship exist not only through the historical significance of Assumption Church but within the flexible use of public green areas as well. The linking of peoples, places, chronicles and stories will reveal our local, provincial, and national history for local citizens and visitors alike.
How will the community benefit from the public gardens?
A series of new public gardens will integrate and transform the Church surround. The public gardens will provide a distinctive and significant framework for the Church, become places to recognize and honour important individuals and events with reference to the evolution of Assumption Church through dedications and story-telling within the landscape, as well as providing seasonal texture, repose and contemplation.
Examples include:
- Parish Greens and Devotion Areas
- Mary’s Garden (Dedication to Mothers)
- Our Lady of Assumption Niche Garden
- Basilian Fathers Arbor Garden / Green
- Sisters of Holy Names Garden Court and Pavilion
- Parish Columbarium and Border Garden
To what extent will the local economy benefit from this restoration?
The major recapitalization project planned by the Diocese of London for Assumption Church is a highly sustainable project and it will be a major generator for the local economy (e.g. labour, trades and contractors). It has been the Trust’s experience that on similar conservation projects approximately 90% of the project budget goes to labour and less than 10% is allocated to goods and materials.
Who is PMC?
Philanthropic Management Consultants Inc. is an independent Fundraising and Management Company with over 30 years of experience in directing philanthropic programs in both Canada and the US.
PMC Inc. provides philanthropic and management consulting services in the disciplines of leadership development, fund development, marketing, and public relations in creating major gifts programs, corporate sponsorships and event planning.
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Jo-Anne M. Mancini, CFRE is the President of PMC Inc. Website www.pmc5.com
