Dear Saint James Parish Family,
It is a joy and privilege to serve as Pastor of Saint James the Apostle Parish. Together we have built a parish that is a vibrant, faith-filled community, and I continue to be inspired by your generosity, commitment, and love for the Church.
Our parish is thriving in many ways. Our ministries are alive and active. Our community outreach, youth religious education, and adult faith formation programs continue to flourish, and many new and young families are fi nding a spiritual home here at Saint James. Our story reflects a bright future ahead.
As we look to the future, we have a unique and blessed opportunity to define the course and pave the path of our beloved Saint James community. I am overjoyed to announce the launch of our Centered in Hope, Growing in Faith parish capital campaign! Over these past three years, the parish leadership and community have built a robust financial foundation, ensuring we thrive independently. Centered in the real hope that our future is bright, this effort will allow us to build a new Parish Center and outdoor plaza, purchase a local rectory residence, and eliminate the remaining parish debt. Combined with the proceeds from the sale of the school and convent property, YOUR SUPPORT will help us realize this vision and ensure that Saint James remains a place of worship, welcome, and service for generations to come.
We have worked together to build a strong, hope-filled foundation, now we need to work together so that our beloved parish can continue to grow in faith.
I invite you to prayerfully consider how you can participate in this campaign. Your sacrificial gift—rooted in gratitude and hope—will help us build a lasting legacy for the next generation.
Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and your continued love for our parish.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. David C. Santos
Pastor
Why is the school building, convent and land being sold?
The school closed in 2020. Both the school building and convent building have outlasted their ability to adequately provide for the parish’s event and meeting needs. In addition, due to their physical condition, the parish no longer has use for either structure and the buildings are becoming an increasing financial liability for the parish. Even though neither building is being used, each still needs to be maintained and there are still significant insurance costs that drain the parish operating budget.
How much is the total sale price of the school, convent and land?
$4.5 million is the total sale price.
Between escrow and the closing, $3.25 million will be received by the time of closing. The remaining $1.25 million will be paid to the parish by Winston School (the buyer), over 10 years ($125,000 per year). This fee structure was necessary in order to close on the deal with Winston School.
Who is buying the school, convent and land? How will the property be used?
The agreement is to subdivide the property, sell both buildings as well as the associated and adjoining land to the Winston School. Their purpose is to educate children with learning differences.
Why do we need to conduct a capital campaign if we are selling property?
Our capital campaign goal is $2.5 million. A capital campaign is needed to close the funding gap between the sale of the property, the construction of a Parish Center as well as meeting other established objectives of extinguishing the parish debt and purchasing a replacement rectory residence.
It is important to note and reiterate that Saint James will have received $3.25 million by the time of the sale. The remaining $1.25 million will be paid to the parish by Winston School, over 10 years.
Therefore, a capital campaign is needed to provide adequate and timely funding to meet all the established objectives.
What is the breakdown of total revenue and project costs?
What is the parish debt to the Archdiocese of Newark?
The debt represents past unpaid obligations that Saint James Parish and the former school owed to the Archdiocese. Every parish is assessed at a rate, based on the parish income, which is the practice in most of the dioceses across the country. These assessments are used to fund many of the typical business expenses that the parish would normally incur such as property insurance, workers compensation, and medical benefits.
This debt was incurred over a long period of time. However, in 2021 the debt was $725,000 and is currently at $445,000. It is important to continue to reduce the amount of the debt because it is the fiscal obligation of the parish (and all parishes) to pay the Archdiocese these assessments, as the existence of the debt limits the ability of Saint James to grow.
The debt will be retired in full at the time of the closing from funds derived from the sale.
How is the Annual Appeal impacted?
The parish is still assigned and responsible for meeting its 2026 goal. However, the Annual Appeal goal for 2026 will be included in the total capital campaign goal. Therefore, there will be no separate solicitation for the Annual Appeal in 2026. The Annual Appeal will resume as normal in 2027.
What is the Archdiocesan School Assessment?
A standard 25% of the proceeds from the sale of schools or convents within the Archdiocese of Newark is assessed and goes to support Archdiocesan Schools. This policy has been in place for many years and it is necessary for the vitality of Catholic Education within the Archdiocese of Newark. Through the efforts of Father David, this assessment was negotiated down to 12.5%.
It is important to know that we have been granted time to pay this assessment over 10 years.
Where will the Parish Center and Outdoor Plaza be located?
The rectory will be demolished. The new Parish Center and outdoor plaza will sit adjacent to the front of the church allowing easy access.
Where and when will a house be purchased to serve as a rectory?
The original plan was not to purchase a house to serve as the new rectory (Priest Residence) for about three years. We are fortunate to have a house directly across the street from the Church to serve as the new rectory come on the market at a good price. We purchased and closed on the house on December 23, 2025.
Where will the Pastor, Parochial Vicar and other Priests In Residence live during the construction?
The Pastor and other Priests in residence will reside in the recently purchased house mentioned above.
When will construction begin?
It is anticipated that construction will begin in Spring of 2027.
Where will the staff work during the period of construction?
It is anticipated that a temporary mobile office unit will be in place on the Church property for this purpose.
The Parish Center is designed and created as an adjunct to our beautiful church and will provide space for the Saint James community to fully engage socially and communally as well as spiritually.
The new Parish Center would be built on the location where the parish rectory currently sits, thus providing ground level direct access to and from the church.
FEATURES
Gathering Space
As Catholics we yearn for community. Our parish community is where we gather for Mass, First Communion, Confi rmation, and all our sacraments. However, the need to gather beyond our worship space for purposes of social gatherings as well as ministry meetings and events are equally important to our faith and our mission. It is through our community that we can build love, fellowship, and trust. This connection will only build for a stronger Saint James Parish community.
The Gathering Space would include:
One Multi-Purpose Community Room (40×30)
- (Or (Two) 20×30 Rooms)
- Total Capacity: 200 Persons with Seating
- Multi-Media Capabilities
- Storage for Tables and Chairs
Storage Area & Closets
Women’s and Men’s Restrooms (sized for occupancy)
Kitchen
- Three Compartment Sink and One Hand Sink
- Dishwasher
- Convection Oven and Microwave
- Range
- Refrigerator
- Coffee Machine
Administration Space
To best serve the needs of our parishioners, community, and ministries the appropriate Administration Space is necessary. Combined with our Gathering Space this will expand the outreach and engagement among all our ministries.
Our goal is to build an Administration Space that includes:
• A Welcome Desk and Vestibule
• Parish Secretary Space (10×10)
• Three Administrative Offices (10×10)
• One Large Meeting Room (14×20)
• One Small Meeting Room (12×14)
• Staff Restroom
Outdoor Plaza
There will be an outdoor plaza. The plaza will provide for contemplative space where individuals can pray and reflect more intimately with God. It will also serve as a gathering space for individuals to come together and engage with one another.
Video Walk-Through
What is the timeline for the campaign?
The active phase of the capital campaign is about six months. Our goal is to complete solicitations and to secure pledges by the end of May 2026.
How many years do we have to fulfill our pledge?
All families are invited to consider a three-year (36-month) pledge. While one-time gifts are gratefully accepted the most effective way we can achieve our financial goal of $2.5 million is over a three-year time period.
If I make a three-year pledge commitment, can I fulfill my pledge before the three years?
Yes. Each parishioner can structure their pledge fulfillment based on their own circumstances.
How much money do we need to start the projects?
Since the parish is conducting a capital campaign, 90% of the total funds needed to initiate construction must be received and available in cash (which includes campaign monies and the remaining revenue of the sale) before proceeding.
How much can the parish expect to have in cash at the end of the active phase of the campaign?
Parishioners are asked to make 10% down payments when making their pledge. Parishes typically receive 15–20% of the total pledged amount in cash at the end of the active phase of the campaign.
What happens to our Sunday collection?
Campaign pledges are in addition to the weekly collection. The weekly collection addresses the operating costs of the parish while the capital campaign addresses the capital needs of the parish, which are above and beyond the operating budget.
Gift Recognition
In an effort to recognize the families and individuals who make a sacrifice to our capital campaign effort, we have developed the following levels of sacrifice and commitment. For those families or individuals who wish to make a pledge or gift to the capital campaign, their names would be gratefully displayed and etched, on the new stained glass windows along the corridor in the new space, as:
|
Society of the Sword and Shell |
$25,000 or more |
|
Friends of the Apostle |
$10,000–$24,999 |
|
Pilgrims of Hope |
$5,000–$9,999 |
|
Stewards of Faith |
$3,000–$4,999 |
All pledges and gifts, regardless of the amount, will be recognized.
As members of the Saint James parish family, we are faced with a challenge that only together can be overcome. The projects which are planned for the construction of a parish center are important to each and every member of our community. It is only by our generosity and reflection for a sacrificial commitment that we will be able to accomplish our objectives.
We have established a goal of $2.5 million in order to put forth our projects. While this seems like a large amount, participation by all members of the parish family will not only make this goal attainable, but surpassable.
Suggested Gift Plans…
In order to assist you in your consideration of a commitment to our appeal, we have listed a suggested gift plan. We understand that each individual or family has different financial obligations and abilities. Yet one of these plans should be within the means of most of the parish family. Please consider which plan best fits your monthly budget, and this may be the best guideline for your commitment. Remember, this Campaign is based on equal sacrifice, not equal giving.
Giving Plans to Consider
Pledging…
- Please make checks payable to Saint James Parish and note Capital Campaign in the memo line.
- Your commitment contribution payments are made over a three-year (36 month) period. If necessary, arrangements can be made for payment over a four-year (48 month) period.
- Your commitment to the Saint James capital campaign is in addition to your weekly tithing contribution.
- Payment reminders and envelopes will be mailed according to your payment preference.
- To make your pledge or gift online please visit www.saintjamestheapostle.org and click on the Give tab.
- You may pick up a pledge card on certain Sundays throughout the month of April and May.
- You may use the return envelope provided or drop off your pledge at the parish office.
- You may also contact the Parish Office at (973) 376-3044.
Tax Advantages through Additional Methods of Support
Donating gifts of stock, securities or giving through your IRA have certain tax benefits.
Capital Campaign Prayer
Centered in Hope, Growing in Faith
“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into
our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” – Romans 5:5
Good and gracious God, we hope in Your goodness and the perfect plan that You have for
our future. Your Son’s death and resurrection, earning for us the promise of eternal life
in You, centers us in steadfast hope that we will be with You always. This hope allows
us to grow in our faith, to strive for a deeper relationship with You. We believe that You
encourage and inspire us to reach beyond ourselves, to see how Your kingdom
can flourish, when the seeds of faith grow within us.
Relying on Your Holy Spirit to guide us, we have explored the best use of our property
and resources to serve our current and future parish family. We ask Your continued
blessing on this work, as we embark on a Capital Campaign to make the plans for a
Parish Center come to fruition. Our earnest prayer is that this central space,
important to the continued life of our parish, will be a tangible sign of
Your loving presence and outreach in our midst.
Guide us in our sacrificial giving for this Capital Campaign, that we may prayerfully
consider how we can best contribute to this mission, in grateful recognition of the gifts
You have given us and the ongoing stewardship we are called to in Your name.
Your generosity to us is never outdone, and we continue to experience the gifts of
Your Holy Spirit poured into our hearts.
We pray that we may use these gifts in the service of Your Church, that You may
be known, loved, and served to the best of our ability as we seek to build up the
Body of Christ for the people of Springfield, Union, and beyond.
Centered in hope, growing in faith, we humbly build our parish future
through the grace of the Holy Spirit, trusting that this work will bear much fruit
in the life of Saint James the Apostle parish.
Amen.