“Shepherds of Hope” Capital Campaign at Good Shepherd Parish in Saco Passes 75% of Goal

BIDDEFORD---A major capital campaign at Good Shepherd Parish to enhance facilities and ensure a viable home for area Catholics has raised over $1.5 million towards the campaign's goal of $2 million.

The parish is comprised of five worship sites (Most Holy Trinity Church,Saco; St. Joseph Church, Biddeford; St. Margaret Church, Old Orchard Beach; St. Philip Church, Lyman; St. Brendan Chapel, Biddeford Pool) and St. James School in Biddeford.

"It was clear that capital improvements were needed for all of our properties. This is the first capital campaign we've conducted since the founding of the parish in 2008 and, furthermore, no church that comprises Good Shepherd had conducted one for a number of years prior to that, making this campaign crucial," said David Gadbois, business coordinator at Good Shepherd. "All the proceeds will be used to complete necessary projects that were determined through consultation with parish committees and parishioners."

The projects were separated into tiers based upon priority when funds become available. Among the highest priority projects were the restoration and repair of stained-glass windows and sills at St. Joseph Church; the replacement of church windows, siding, and trim at St. Margaret Church; the regrade, basin installation, and resurfacing of the parking lot at Most Holy Trinity Church; the resurfacing and striping of the parking lot at St. Philip Church; and school yard improvements, fence and gate replacement, and upgraded security systems at St. James School. In addition, other projects include slate roof repairs and the repointing/resealing of exterior brick at St. Joseph Church, repainting the siding and window replacement at St. Philip Church, rectory foundation brickwork and the addition of a garage at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco, roof repair at St. James School in Biddeford, and the establishment of parish maintenance reserve fund with a portion designated for each parish property

"The 'Shepherds of Hope' projects are mostly extraordinary capital improvements that all parishes need to address from time to time to extend the life of their buildings and grounds," said Gadbois. "At the successful conclusion of our campaign, we will work over multiple years to complete all the work needed to be done."

Money raised over the goal will be used to improve the boiler room and upgrade the electrical system at St. Joseph Church; replace the roof, siding, and windows at the hall of St. Margaret Church; replace the rectory siding at Most Holy Trinity Church; and improve the hall at St. James School in Biddeford.

"The 'Shepherds of Hope' campaign is one of the most important initiatives in our parish history," said Gadbois. "This is our time to do for our parish what our ancestors did for us."

Recurring or one-time donations can be made to support the campaign. For more information, call Good Shepherd Parish at (207) 282-3321 or visit the campaign's website.