Frequently Asked Questions

A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth

Thank you for your prayers and your enthusiasm for A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth. Together, we are preparing a sacred home where countless people will encounter Christ in the Eucharist, celebrate the sacraments, and grow in faith for generations to come. The following questions address some of the most common inquiries we have received during the campaign.

1. Why is A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth being conducted in phases rather than asking everyone at the same time?

A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth is intentionally being conducted in phases so we can build a strong foundation before inviting the entire parish to participate. We are first meeting with a smaller group of parishioners whose early participation can help establish the foundation for the campaign. Beginning in phases allows us to organize the effort carefully, receive valuable feedback, and build momentum before extending the invitation to the entire parish family.

Every parishioner will have the opportunity to participate in A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth, and we look forward to inviting each household to prayerfully consider how God may be calling them to help build our future church.

2. Why haven't I been contacted yet?

During this early phase, our volunteers are simply unable to visit every family at once. As the campaign progresses, additional parishioners will be invited to participate through personal visits, parish communications, and weekend presentations. Please know that every parishioner is important to the future of St. Frances Cabrini and to the success of A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth. 

The timing of your invitation is not a reflection of the importance of your family or the size of a potential gift. Every parishioner is an essential part of our parish family, and every household will have the opportunity to participate. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing this exciting opportunity with you.

3. What is the current status of A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth and the new church project?

The parish is actively completing the architectural, engineering, permitting, and site preparation work required before construction can begin. These behind-the-scenes steps are significant milestones and are necessary to ensure the project is completed responsibly and successfully.

At the same time, we are continuing to build the financial foundation that will allow us to move confidently into construction. We look forward to keeping the parish informed as important milestones are reached and as we move closer to breaking ground.

4. Will everyone be asked to participate in A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth?

Every parish household will be invited to prayerfully consider making a gift to A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth. Every gift, whether large or small, is an act of faith and stewardship. Together, our participation reflects our shared commitment to building not only a new church, but a lasting spiritual home where future generations will encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Widespread participation across our parish family is just as important as the total amount raised, because it reflects our shared commitment to the mission and future of St. Frances Cabrini.

5. If I would like to participate sooner, what should I do?

We would be honored to visit with you personally. If you would like more information about A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth, a campaign pledge form, or an opportunity to meet with Fr. Joseph or a campaign volunteer before your scheduled invitation, simply contact the parish office.

We are grateful for your enthusiasm and would be happy to assist you.

6. How much has already been pledged?

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of parishioners and benefactors who have participated in the early phase of the campaign, we have made tremendous progress toward our goal. Their leadership has provided a strong foundation as we continue inviting the entire parish family to participate.

We will continue to share campaign updates and celebrate important milestones as the campaign moves forward.

7. Why are we building a new church now?

St. Frances Cabrini has experienced remarkable growth over the past several years, and our community continues to expand. Many of our Masses regularly approach or exceed the capacity of our current church, making it increasingly difficult to accommodate our growing parish family.

Building now allows us to prepare for the future while continuing to serve the needs of today's parishioners. Our vision is not simply to construct a larger building, but to create a sacred church where the beauty of the liturgy, the celebration of the sacraments, and the proclamation of the Gospel will inspire faith for generations to come.

A Place Where Heaven Touches Earth is an investment not only in bricks and mortar, but in the spiritual life of every person who will walk through its doors—our children, grandchildren, and countless future parishioners who will come to know Christ through the life of this parish.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and faith. Together, let us entrust this endeavor to the intercession of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini as we build a place where Heaven truly touches earth."

Peace and Blessings

Rev. Joseph Gates
Pastor, St. Frances Cabrini Parish
Missionary Director, Diocese of Venice in Florida