St. Raymond in Mt. Prospect raising $3.1 million for renovation

St. Raymond de Penafort parish in Mount Prospect is roughly two-thirds of the way toward completing a $3.1 million fundraising campaign that will pay for extensive renovations to the Catholic church and school buildings.

Hank Matecki, the parish’s business manager, said that more than $2 million has been pledged so far, and that roughly $1 million of that has been collected.

“The response has been wonderful,” he said, “especially when you think how bad the economy has been.”

With some money in place, the parish has begun work this summer on several projects inside St. Raymond’s school. Those projects include asbestos removal, the addition of drop-down ceilings and the installation of energy-efficient windows. Parish leaders expect all that work to be completed before the start of the school year.

The fundraising campaign, formally named “Upholding the Tradition,” is designed to make the St. Raymond campus safer and more efficient. Five priorities have been identified: health and safety upgrades in the school; health and safety upgrades on the parish campus; renovations that increase energy- and cost-efficiency; repairs to aging/deteriorated property; and miscellaneous enhancements.

The specific projects called for include a new fire sprinkler in the parish center, new furnaces, new carpeting and a repaved parking lot.

A facilities committee developed these priorities last fall. The fundraising effort was formally launched in October.

Parishioners and others interested in making a donation should call (847) 253-8600 and ask for the business office. Donors can give in one lump sum or spread their gift over time, Matecki said.

“We know it’s a challenging time, and we’re thankful for the generosity already showed,” he said. “This is a great parish, and these projects will keep it strong,”