Capital Campaign
Welcome to the Saint James Capital Campaign!
We are excited to partner with Zeffy, a platform that allows us to raise funds at no cost to our church. With Zeffy, 100% of your generous donations go directly to our campaign, while donors have the option to leave a tip to support Zeffy’s services. Zeffy is a registered B Corp™, trusted by over 25,000 nonprofits throughout North America, and has helped organizations raise over $500M, equalling $25M in fees saved.
Your contributions make a difference, and we appreciate your donation helping us achieve our goals!
Saint James Parish Master Plan
Our long-term building and grounds planning and expenditures are guided by the parish master plan. Our aim is to optimize the use of our existing facilities while preparing for future expansion. We are committed to delivering exceptional worship experiences, nurturing missionary disciples, and enhancing our charitable, merciful, and just acts, while also prudently planning for our future requirements.
O Glorious Apostle, St. James, who by reason of your fervent and generous heart was chosen by Jesus to be a disciple. Please bring our petition for a successful Saint James Capital Campaign to Jesus. As one of the Church's first bishops, you devoted your life to preaching the Gospel and bringing souls to God. Pray for us, that we may serve the Church as eagerly as you did and for us to have willing hearts to address the needs of the parish. St. James the Greater, pray for us! Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the parish and school operating funds be used to pay for the Capital Campaign?
No.
How long will the pledges be received for the Saint James Capital Campaign?
5 years.
Can the school cancel the Pre-K2 program?
No. The Pre-K2 program is a vital part of the mission of St. James Elementary School. We are excited to have our Pre-K2 families involved with Saint James Parish.
Do we get the parish hall back?
Yes. The Pre-K2 will move into the new Early Learning Center, and the parish hall will be renovated.
Will the Early Learning Center be profitable?
Yes. The parish and school operating funds will not be used to pay for the Capital Campaign. The current number of Pre-K2 and Pre-K3 will not be increased. The current Pre-K2 and Pre-K3 program is making a profit. The Early Learning Center will be profitable.
Will school tuition be increased to pay for the Early Learning Center?
The parish and school operating funds will not be used to pay for the Capital Campaign. The Early Learning Center will be profitable. The Pre-K2 and Pre-K3 tuition will be based on market rates.
PreK-4 through 6th grade tuition rates will not increase to pay for the Capital Campaign, but they may experience yearly step increases to cover the cost of operation. These step increases are normal, from year to year.
Will the 4th Graders move out of the trailers?
Yes. The 4th Graders will move back into the main body of the school. Moving the Pre-K3 out of the main body of the school will open up some classrooms. The trailers will continue to serve a purpose for the school in being a space available for use.
When will I see construction?
The Diocese of Biloxi requires us to have half the money in cash and/or donations. Priority Number 1B is the school facility renovation/construction. The cost estimate is $2,800,000. When we reach $1,400,000 in cash and/or donations, then we can begin to construct the Early Learning Center.
Can I pay for a project to be completed?
Yes.
Is the cathedraticum applied to the Capital Campaign?
Yes. The cathedraticum is a tax paid by the parishes to our local bishop, Bishop Louis F. Kihneman, III, representing our support of the bishop’s pastoral, administrative, and charitable works within the diocese. The cathedraticum is set at 9%. If we raise the goal of $5,325,000, then we will pay $479,250 in cathedraticum.
Will the Capital Campaign cause the parish to go into debt?
No. The Saint James Finance Council with the approval of Fr. Ryan has agreed to avoid placing the parish into debt. The parish currently has no debt. The Capital Campaign will not cause the parish to go into debt.