Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: The architecture of our church and campus is unique and historically important. Will steps be taken to ensure it is preserved?
A: Yes. With that in mind, we’re working with Leo A Daly, the firm that designed the original church. Together, we will ensure SMM’s design integrity is preserved.
Q: Are these projects necessary for our community?
A: Yes, based on parishioner feedback collected during the 2023 Master Planning exercise and the 2024 Capital Campaign Planning Study.
Q: What's the vision of this campaign?
A: As Pastor of The New Parish in Dundee, Monsignor Suneg drew from his childhood to envision a beautiful, European monastery-inspired campus more than 100 years ago. With this campaign, cherishing our past, we envision a bigger campus – complete with a West Campus, an enhanced church space, a new parish center and the best K-8 learning experience in Omaha – for many future generations.
Q: Why did the scope of this campaign change?
A: The scope of this campaign changed based on parishioner feedback.
Q: What happened to the Childcare Center project?
A: After careful consideration, it was determined that more research is warranted on the Childcare Center project. It is a significant, long-term investment that demands a sustainable approach, so the plan is to proceed, offering flexibility to create a Center in the future.
Q: Why are we addressing these needs now?
A: This capital campaign comes after years of planning, not the least of which was the Master Plan completed in 2023 by the Building, Grounds, & Infrastructure Committee – in partnership with the architecture firm, Leo A Daly.
Q: What architecture firm are we working with and how did we choose them?
A: Leo A Daly, based in Omaha. They were chosen because they offer the most relevant design, engineering, and planning experience. Leo A Daly designed the original spaces on campus and has worked with the parish over the years. They know SMM better than any firm on earth.
Q: Who is on the Building and Grounds Committee and how were they selected?
A: The Building and Grounds Committee is comprised of well-qualified parishioner volunteers, based on their professional endeavors. They operate under the direction of Bishop-elect O’Donnell.
Q: How will the capital campaign impact our sister parish, St. Cecilia? Are there opportunities (or gaps) we need to address to avoid overlaps?
A: We don’t envision this campaign impacting St. Cecilia.
Financial
Q: When should I make my pledge or gift?
A: As soon as possible. The sooner we know everyone's commitment levels and down payments, the sooner we can finalize preliminary plans. Construction costs only increase with time.
Q: How do I make my pledge?
A: There are several ways to make a pledge:
- Completing a pledge card, provided by campaign volunteers and the parish office.
- Writing a personal check, noting “capital campaign” in the memo field, and then placing it in the collection basket at Mass or dropping it off at the parish office.
- Contact Jim Varner, the Parish Business Manager, at 402-558-2255 Ext. 104 to set up a one-time or recurring withdrawal/charge.
Q: How do I make pledge payments, and how often?
A: Pledge payments may be processed manually via cash or check, or automatically. Please contact Jim Varner, the Parish Business Manager, at 402-558-2255 Ext. 104 to set up a one-time or recurring withdrawal/charge.
Q: Will I receive payment reminders based on the frequency I specify?
A: Reminders may be set up by contacting Jim Varner, the Parish Business Manager, at 402-558-2255 Ext. 104.
Q: Do we really think we will be able to raise this much money?
A: Yes, based on parishioner feedback.
Q: How did you come up with my request amount?
A: The sacrificial pledge Bishop-elect O'Donnell is inviting each person to consider is based on four things:
- The range of giving shared during last year's Planning Study (if provided).
- Tithing history at St. Margaret Mary.
- A person or family’s capacity to give (based on publicly available information [e.g., political donations, real estate, SEC filings, etc.]).
- Individual situations (e.g., retirement, health concerns, job loss, sale of a business, etc.).
Q: Who was involved in evaluating the amounts asked?
A: Bishop-elect O’Donnell and the Steier Group worked carefully to determine a sacrificial, 3-year pledge amount for each parishioner.
Q: If I agree to make three annual contributions, when will they be scheduled for?
A: Annual contributions may be scheduled whenever they are best for the person making the contributions.
Q: Can we make our 3-year pledge to the campaign if we’re ready? If so, when do we have to begin making payments?
A: Yes! If you or someone you know is ready to commit, please fill out a pledge card, provided by a campaign volunteer or available for pickup in the parish office.
The timing of making the first payments is up to you and your financial situation. Keep in mind: Since construction costs only increase over time, all our contributions will make a bigger impact the sooner they are in the bank.
Q: Can I allocate part of my tithing as a pledge to the campaign?
A: Capital campaigns invite parishioners to prayerfully consider sacrificial gifts that are additional commitments, beyond tithing.
Q: Are we keeping economic uncertainty in mind as we plan the potential costs of these projects?
A: Yes!
Q: Are there any naming opportunities?
A: Yes. Please visit https://www.smmomaha.org/campaign/naming-opportunities for more information, or contact Kim Root, Capital Campaign Lead, to learn more at 402-558-2255 x103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Q: Can we make legacy gifts?
A: Yes. To learn more about making legacy gifts, please contact Kim Root at 402-558-2255 ext. 103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parish Center
Q: Why is a new parish center necessary?
A: St. Margaret Mary is a vibrant community in the heart of Omaha, and yet our ability to host activities that engage both the faithful and others is very limited. A parish center will provide the space, resources, and flexibility necessary to host activities – ultimately accommodating SMM’s long-term, community-building needs.
Q: When will the parish center open?
A: Currently, the timeline for opening our new parish center is unknown. We are working with architectural, engineering, and construction professionals to develop a realistic timeline.
Q: What can’t we do now that a parish center will solve?
A: Currently, SMM struggles to host multiple, larger events simultaneously. We simply don’t have the space and/or resources. A parish center will enable us to do that, as well as host events such as:
- Funeral receptions
- Large family gatherings
- Parish missions and retreats
- Trivia night
- Founders' Day
- RCIA and faith formation ceremonies
- Overflow Masses or funeral receptions
- Rosary rallies or Marian processions start/end points
- Adult faith formation sessions
- Guest speaker series or Catholic conferences
- Catechist training and workshops
- Youth group meetings or confirmation retreats
- Bible studies and book clubs
- Parish dinners
- Anniversary parties
- Cultural celebrations (e.g., Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Patrick’s Day)
- Graduation receptions
- Family movie nights or game nights
- Holiday craft fairs
- Blood drives or health screenings
- Community meals or food distribution
- Job fairs or legal aid clinics
- Emergency shelter or warming center (if equipped)
- Larger arts and music workshops
- Rental space for vetted outside groups or civic forums
- SMM alumni functions
- Father/Daughter dance
- Girl Scouts gatherings
- Knights of Columbus pancake & spaghetti feeds
- Home and School functions
- Lenten Mission functions
Church
Q: Will we be able to celebrate Mass in the sanctuary when it is under construction?
A: We plan to minimize disruption during work in SMM’s sanctuary, but Mass celebrations will likely be impacted. We won’t know how much until design and building plans are defined.
Q: How important is it to establish a permanent baptistry?
A: While Church law doesn't require it, establishing a permanent baptistry communicates the foundational significance -- that baptism is the door to the Church. It is the visible sign of the Paschal Mystery, ideally placed near the church entrance, which aligns with the ancient tradition: baptism is how one enters the Church, both spiritually and physically.
Q: If we establish a permanent baptistry in the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace, will there be enough room for multiple baptisms?
A: Placement and pastoral impact of the baptistry have yet to be determined.
Q: Will parishioners utilize a narthex/gathering space on the east side of the church, given that most park south/west parking lot?
A: Great question.
Q: Why do the pews need to be addressed?
A: We are considering refurbishing or replacing our pews due mostly to wear and tear. With daily use over time, our pews are experiencing cracking, failing fasteners, and slow deterioration. SMM has taken a patchwork repair approach over the years, but we now have the opportunity to improve comfort, functional reliability (with the kneelers), and flexibility for those requiring more accessibility. Improving the pews aligns with the campaign's overall mission to improve SMM's ability to serve its growing community for many years.
Q: Is a Narthex the best use for the Upper Raynor Center?
A: Creating community-building space aligns with SMM's mission. The Narthex will be a place where people gather, access materials (e.g., bulletins and announcements), and prepare mentally and spiritually for Masses and other services. In general, it will be a hub for preparation, transitions, and fellowship.
Q: Why do we need to address the mural? Is it in bad shape?
A: The 1952 Tonelli mural of the prophets has never been restored. Murals, like other parts of an older sanctuary, experience wear and tear. In this case, because the mural is so old and has never been restored, we believe it needs restoration. The only way to know is to hire professional conservators who conduct a thorough assessment. Based on that assessment, those same conservators would be hired (or not, depending on their findings) for the restoration.
School
Q: Do we need additional security from Dodge Street and the creek?
A: We are always assessing security needs at St. Margaret Mary since it is in the heart of Midtown Omaha.
Q: Are current teacher salaries competitive in the area, and how can we improve SMM's ability to attract and retain top educators?
A: Yes. Our Finance Council meets regularly to ensure teacher salaries and other benefits are competitive.
West Campus
Q: What will the West Campus be used for?
A: The West Campus will create much-needed office and meeting spaces that cater to both administrative demands and community engagement. It will also provide inviting workspaces for visiting priests and others.
Q: Have we considered selling the west campus?
A: Technically, it isn’t SMM’s land to sell, and selling it could lead to construction/use that isn’t in SMM’s best interest. Furthermore, part of SMM’s 2023 Master Planning exercise and 2024 Capital Campaign Planning Study determined that the parish will need more functional space long-term. The West Campus will help us meet those needs.
Q: Is office space/meeting rooms the best use of this space?
A: Office and meeting spaces will meet some of the demands. Other spaces will serve community-building needs, as well as storage and more.