Come Join Us Project Update

I’m writing with some exciting developments–many people have asked for updates on our “Come Join Us“ (CJU) Campaign, but I’ve been waiting to provide details until we had some concrete movement on the various administrative hurdles we faced in obtaining approval for this mega-project. I’m elated to share with you that your prayers have worked and we have some tangible successes to report. The project was originally an overwhelming desire per a comprehensive parish-side survey in early 2023–the primary goal is to create space for 100 of us to be able to sit comfortably for a parish community meal or presentation.

Therefore, in Spring 2023 we assembled a design workshop of a dozen or so parish and staff members to gain input on the design of the project. Taking direction from the results of that input, we created concept plans for approximately 4,000 square feet in a new parish center building. The building renderings and floor plans are available in the rear of the church. These include a parish hall on the first floor with a great room that provides room for 100 to assemble for a meal, a new kitchen area, multiple bathrooms and a reception area. Additionally, upstairs we have three new classrooms and a choir rehearsal space. Given our location and the need to close a portion of the public alley behind us, our project required many approvals from the neighborhood, city, and federal agencies including our local ANC, DDOT, Commission of Fine Arts, the DC Council, the Mayor, and even the United States Congress.

In the last 14 months we have achieved a great number of approvals related to the project design and alley closure:
o Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC-6) supported the alley closure case and unanimously approved the project design
o DC District Department of Transportation (DDOT) supported the alley closure application
o Arrangement for moving light pole (DDOT) and utility pole (Verizon) secured

o Committee of Fine Arts (CFA) unanimously voted to support the project design
o Historical Preservation Review Board unanimously voted to support the project design
o The DC City Council unanimously approved legislation to transfer the public alley needed to St. Joseph’s for construction of the new Parish Center
o The legislation now sits on the Mayor’s desk for her expected signature and should then be signed off in Congress later this summer.

These administrative accomplishments have cleared the way for the following:

o Final architectural plans and permits for Madonna House basement renovation
o Contractor & Architect already hired
o Must be completed before demolition of the old parish center so our various groups will have a place to meet

o Final architectural plans and permits for new Parish Center
o Architect (Michael Graves) developing final plans now for permits
o Contractor yet to be secured
o Attaining goal for fundraising — To date, the Come Join Us Campaign has raised $4,591,311.79 in pledges/interest and has collected (cash through the door) $3,582,337.57. We still have a bit over $400k to raise.
o Overwhelming generosity to date
o Final push required
o Many have been reluctant to donate until we navigated the administrative hurdles mentioned above
o Many new members in the community since we began fundraising
o Circumstances for people may have changed such that they can pledge more than they could in 2024
o If we reach 75% of our $5M goal—$3.75M—we may receive a loan from the Archdiocese for the remainder at a low interest rate

So, I ask for everyone to pray fervently about their personal financial involvement in this
exciting new chapter of St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill. I cannot wait to dine with you all in
our very own Parish Center–Come Join Us!