Our Lady of Light Family of Parishes (St. Francis of Assisi Church, Church of the Incarnation, and Incarnation School) are very blessed by our campus locations, countless resources, and united vision to make Heaven present here and now. With the family continuing to see an annual growth rate of around 8% over the past three years at Sunday Mass, as well as substantial growth in our youth programming and an overall growth in discipleship within the community, we are living in a moment where our community is ready to build anew, allowing us to meet today's needs and plan for a bright future simultaneously. God continues to provide us with many blessings, and these blessings have positioned our community to have an unbelievable opportunity for growth and development, preparing us to more fully serve the communities that surround our two campuses.
Please review the details of the feasibility study thus far before submitting the survey.
Please note: Paper surveys can be picked up at either Parish Office. Surveys must be returned by the end of March.
Please note: Paper surveys can be picked up at either Parish Office. Surveys must be returned by the end of March.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in ChristAs we take this next step into feasibility input, I want to invite you to continue to help us shape the future of our family of parishes. We already see that our continuous growth has pushed our current setup of office, meeting and even worship space to its limits. Your input will help us grow in serving each other’s spiritual, formative and communal needs...
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Feasibility Process
This study, facilitated by the Institute of School and Parish Development (ISPD), a national Catholic development consulting firm headquartered in New Orleans, LA, was initiated by the Our Lady of Light Family of Parishes in September 2024 with the formation of a Feasibility Task Force composed of parish and school leaders. Working with ISPD and the Family Leadership Team (FLT), the Task Force has been entrusted with the responsibility of determining if the proposed projects will have sufficient financial and attitudinal support. The work of the Task Force consists of conducting the necessary steps in this Exploration – Discovery – Feasibility Study process. These include:
Based upon the findings from this study and the data provided, ISPD will recommend to parish and school leaders whether or not to move forward on a capital campaign to fund the approved components.
- Conducting numerous Input/Listening Sessions with parishioners, parents, councils and staff
- Creating the Case/Position Statement with Q&A component that will help describe and define the proposed plan for OLL constituents
- Conducting a parish-wide and school-wide survey in March 2025
- Identifying parish and school leaders to be interviewed and further surveyed
- Conducting approximately 60 confidential, one-on-one interviews with OLL leaders
- Presenting the results of this Feasibility Study to parish and school leaders in April 2025
Based upon the findings from this study and the data provided, ISPD will recommend to parish and school leaders whether or not to move forward on a capital campaign to fund the approved components.
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Your Involvement is CriticalThis is a monumental moment for the Our Lady of Light Family of Parishes. The consensus of the input that we have received thus far points to growing support for some combination of the major components in this study. We need to continue this discovery phase with your engagement!
Please consider the number of ways you can be part of this discovery phase of the study:
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The Projects
For the Feasibility Study, we are looking at two categories of potential projects: architectural projects and additional capital projects. We have separated potential projects into these two categories, as they each have different focuses. The architectural projects are focused on increasing seating capacity and beautifying the worship spaces we have on each campus. The additional capital projects address other needs and areas of growth for the entire OLL family to help us better create missionary disciples and help others walk with Jesus in their everyday lives.
Please Note: The Incarnation Church Campus Renovation Project which began prior to Beacons of Light continues to move forward. The project funding is already in place, and the Archdiocese approves of the needed repairs and upgrades. The project is outside the scope of this Feasibility Study.
Please Note: The Incarnation Church Campus Renovation Project which began prior to Beacons of Light continues to move forward. The project funding is already in place, and the Archdiocese approves of the needed repairs and upgrades. The project is outside the scope of this Feasibility Study.
Potential Architectural Projects
architectural project #1
- This project will increase seating to the existing St. Francis of Assisi Church to meet family needs.
- With this project the Incarnation Church continues to be used for all school Masses and on Sundays as well.
- Goal: Allow us to increase our worship space capacity for our growing family of parishes.
- Multi-million dollar project
architectural project #2
- With this project we would construct a brand-new church building from the ground up on the St. Francis of Assisi Campus and repurpose the present St. Francis Church to meet other space needs for the OLL Family.
- With this project, the Incarnation Church continues to be used for all school Masses and on Sundays as well.
- Goal: Allows for OLL to build a worship space that fits the present and potential future needs of a growing and vibrant parish.
- Please note: The original idea for this option came during the Strategic Planning process when we were told to prepare for potentially only one priest. The members of the planning area teams brought up this option as a way to handle this potential issue since we did not have a worship space that would accommodate all parishioners at that time. It has remained an option as we still have no guarantee for the number of Priests for the Our Lady of Light Family for the future, while remaining hopeful the latest update from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati comes to fruition.
- Multi-million dollar project
architectural project #3
- Construct new narthex (gathering space) for Incarnation Church that separates entry from worship space.
- Includes new Bridal Suite with updated ADA bathrooms
- Baptismal Font in Gathering Space
- Space to hold Children’s Liturgy, OCIA Dismissal, Viewing for a Funeral, etc.
- Goal: Allows us to create a much more inviting worship space, improve hospitality efforts, and bring additional upgrades for what we can offer on the Incarnation Campus.
- Multi-million dollar project
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Potential Capital Projects
Community Gathering Space for public
- This project would create a space for us to invite the general public to come to one of our campuses for their own meetings or for a place for fellowship instead of a local coffee shop or restaurant.
- It would give us the opportunity to welcome those who may not regularly come to visit the Our Lady of Light campus and share with them why OLL could positively impact, if not change, their life in the best way possible.
- Campus TBD | Project Cost TBD
early childhood center
- The only area Incarnation School can expand at this time is in our Early Childhood Program
- Addition of a Preschool 3’s program and potential expansion in the Preschool 4’s or Early 5’s programs
- Creation of the first ever on-site daycare dedicated to Incarnation School and Our Lady of Light Staff as a priority
- Incarnation School continues to lose great young teachers who cannot continue to teach because of childcare costs.
- Incarnation Campus | Project Cost TBD
leadership, outreach and discipleship institute
- This is the only non-building project
- This directly comes from discussions prior to our Strategic Planning Process when it was stated we wanted to be an example and model for other families in the Archdiocese and other local churches.
- This program would mean the creation of a true institute that helps do the following:
- Build the next generation of leaders
- Both for the OLL Family and outside the family
- Development of a Missionary Program where we would have 2-4 missionaries in residence each year to serve or community and learn how to lead within the church
- Create Outreach training opportunities
- How we train the OLL family and others to be ready to walk with others in their times of need and to work with the vulnerable around us.
- Example: Street Ministry Team that was discussed in the Incarnation Church Strategic Plan done before the Beacons of Light process began.
- How we train the OLL family and others to be ready to walk with others in their times of need and to work with the vulnerable around us.
- Create Missionary Disciples and give them the tools to create other Missionary Disciples
- This would include offerings for specialized training or certifications that would help in discipleship-making.
- Spiritual Direction, Called and Gifted, etc.
- This would include offerings for specialized training or certifications that would help in discipleship-making.
- The majority of this cost would be for the creation of the team, Missionary program development, certification costs, etc.
- Build the next generation of leaders
- Project Cost TBD
oll family activity center
- The number one complaint within the OLL family presently is meeting and event space.
- This would create a large space with many different meeting room options.
- The goal would be to have a large space that would be larger than anything we presently have in the family
- Potential of movable walls to accommodate more small meeting space that can become a large space when needed.
- Campus TBD | Project Cost TBD
new parish offices
- Presently, we have staff working in three different buildings on two different campuses. The goal is to get everyone into one building on one campus.
- This would also include meeting space to only be used by staff during the day, but could be available for parishioners in the evening and weekends.
- Campus TBD | Project Cost TBD
outdoor meeting space
- This would be an expansion to the present shelter on the St. Francis of Assisi campus
- It would increase the seating capacity to 300+, and would add outdoor restrooms, additional storage, and other possible needs.
- St. Francis of Assisi Campus | Project Cost TBD
rectory upgrades
- The goal is to get all OLL priests living in one Rectory
- At this time, the St. Francis of Assisi Rectory cannot house two priests comfortably, and definitely cannot house three.
- The Incarnation Rectory can only house two priests at this time, as the other spaces have been converted to Office Space.
- We presently have two priests living in this Rectory with Fr. Joseph and our visiting priest for the Archdiocese, Fr. Charles, who is serving the Deaf community in the Archdiocese.
- St. Francis of Assisi Campus | Project Cost TBD
Youth Center
- Our youth programming is a our fastest growing ministry at Our Lady of Light.
- This would give a dedicated space for our youth the would mean:
- Less flipping of rooms for different ministries
- Spaces designed to meet youth needs
- Space to grow with the ministry
- Presently, the High School program has seen a growth from 10 per Sunday three years ago to 35 per Sunday last year to 75 per Sunday this year.
- The present Freshman Class (2028) saw a 35% retention from 8th grade to Freshman year, which means if it continues, we could see 150 or more students in this program alone by 2028.
- This would also include a new multi-use gym space similar to an Auxiliary Gym we see at other schools
- Campus TBD | Project Cost TBD
school addition
- After this topic was brought up at a majority of our Input Sessions, it has been added to be considered as we build for the future.
- Presently, we are at near capacity in the school and we have a waiting list between 1-10 in each of our grade levels.
- This school addition would be a multi-year process that would mean the addition of space for potentially 225 more students, as we will not add more students to our present 25 per class homerooms.
- The additional 225 students would mean 25 more students in grades Kindergarten to 8th Grade. 9 classes times 25 students, is a total of 225.
- Incarnation Campus | Project Cost TBD
Feasibility Q&A
To address the frequently asked questions that arose during the recent Input/Listening Sessions across our two campuses, our feasibility team has provided a Q&A with your questions answered:
How much will a potential capital campaign cost?
In consulting with contractors that the Our Lady of Light family has worked with before, we have received the following broad estimates for each potential project:
- Architectural Project #1 | ($3-6 million)
- Architectural Project #2 | ($15-20 million)
- Architectural Project #3 | ($4-5 million)
- Community Gathering Space for Public – Campus TBD | ($750,000 - 1 million)
- Creation of Our Lady of Light Early Childhood Center - Incarnation Campus | ($1-1.5 million)
- Leadership, Outreach, and Discipleship Institute – Program | ($600-800K)
- OLL Family Activity Center – Campus TBD | ($2 - $3 million)
- New Parish Offices – St. Francis of Assisi Campus | ($2 - 3 million)
- Outdoor Meeting Space – St. Francis of Assisi Campus | ($750-900K)
- Rectory Upgrades – St. Francis of Assisi Campus | ($200-300K)
- Youth Center – Campus TBD | ($2-3 million)
- School Addition – Incarnation Campus | (Cost unknown at this time)
How will these components improve the parishioners’ experience at OLL Family and students through this Campaign?
There are many different ways these potential projects would improve all parishioners’ experiences within the OLL Family. Each of the worship space upgrades we have discussed in Architectural Projects 1 - 3 will help give us the additional seating needed at the St. Francis of Assisi campus for Masses, beautify both worship spaces, and create a similar welcoming space at the main entrance of each Church building.
Each of the additional Capital Projects helps to create additional meeting space and space for fellowship for all ages, along with the potential of some dedicated space for our youth. The potential projects give options to help support our priests and staff with better living and working spaces that fit the present and future needs of OLL.
In all, the goal of whatever projects that would be included in a future campaign will be focused on improving the worship experience, adding additional meeting and fellowship space, and help to meet the needs of a growing Catholic community.
Each of the additional Capital Projects helps to create additional meeting space and space for fellowship for all ages, along with the potential of some dedicated space for our youth. The potential projects give options to help support our priests and staff with better living and working spaces that fit the present and future needs of OLL.
In all, the goal of whatever projects that would be included in a future campaign will be focused on improving the worship experience, adding additional meeting and fellowship space, and help to meet the needs of a growing Catholic community.
How will this Campaign be organized and who will the leaders be?
If the Feasibility Study indicates that we have the financial support, and if the Archdiocese approves us moving forward, then the Campaign will be organized and implemented with leadership from our pastor, Family Leadership Team, the Task Force, Pastoral Council, Finance Councils, and Campaign Chairs. The Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD) will help facilitate our Campaign process.
How much will we need to have pledged/collected before projects can begin?
Each project within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is handled differently and on a case by case basis. However, we have been told to plan to have at least 50% of needed funds in hand and 100% pledged before projects can begin.
How does this potential Campaign align with the Incarnation Renovation project that began before Beacons?
As has been shared previously, the approved 1A and 1B renovations projects are continuing to move forward. They were approved by the Incarnation Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati at the beginning of Beacons of Light. Phase 2 of the Incarnation Renovation Project has not been approved to move forward yet. Part of Phase 2 approval is based on your feedback in this Feasibility Study, as we need input from the entire Our Lady of Light family before we can proceed.
$6 million of the $10 million that Incarnation had built up in savings will be used to do the following:
$6 million of the $10 million that Incarnation had built up in savings will be used to do the following:
- Designs for Phases 1A, 1B, and 2 are near completion by our Architect company for the project.
- Phase 1A:
- Building Exterior envelope - Roof, Windows, Seal up building
- Building Interior - ADA Modifications, Wall repair and painting, Restrooms
- Building mechanical, electrical, plumbing - HVAC, Audio Visual and Sound, Lighting
- Phase 1B:
- Architectural and Interior - Flooring and Pew Upgrades, lifts, Sanctuary Modifications
- Phase 1A:
How does a potential Campaign impact Sunday Giving? Will any offertory gifts be used for the project?
Any potential Campaign Project should not impact Sunday giving, and no Sunday offertory would be used for the Campaign. All commitments for a Campaign Project would be designated special gifts, with a focus on these gifts not impacting normal weekend offertory.
Will any of the reserves from either parish be used on projects?
Both Incarnation and St. Francis of Assisi parishes are blessed to have healthy savings, but they are meant to be safety nets and to help with long-term planning. No reserves from either parish will be used for a potential campaign.
How many of the considered projects do we hope to do?
We do not have a specific number of projects or specific projects we would like to do at this time. We are presently looking to determine how we can best support the Our Lady of Light Family now, and build to the future. As we continue to grow as a Catholic community, we know we have immediate and potential additional space needs to be able to serve the entire OLL family.
What is the timeframe of the entire process?
Campaign organization could begin as soon as Summer 2025 if we are given the “green light” to proceed. In order to reach out and invite all parish and school families in a personal way, a campaign like this would take a year or more to implement. Until we know which projects will be a part of a potential campaign, a potential beginning to projects is not realistic to estimate.
Who will be asked to give during the campaign? Would there be a goal per household?
If we decide to move into a campaign for the Our Lady of Light Family, all parishioners would be asked to prayerfully discern how they would contribute to the campaign. Every member of the OLL family would be asked to join in prayer for the campaign. There will also be many volunteers needed throughout the process. Lastly, each OLL family member would be asked to consider what size gift they could give as a special campaign gift. There would not be a goal per family, but rather a prayerful request to each family to consider what they could give to support the campaign.
What will happen on our campuses during construction?
Construction will demand creativity and one of our core values of adaptability. For example, when one of our church buildings is under construction we will need to celebrate all sacraments in one space or use other spaces temporarily to meet our parish needs.
How will you keep parishioners, parents, and other stakeholders informed?
The school and parish will keep the community well-informed through our websites, social media platforms, emails, bulletins, letters from the Pastor, community meetings, and Mass announcements.
As a parishioner and/or parent, why should I support these projects?
For over 75 years, these two parishes and schools have brought the people of Centerville, Bellbrook, Washington Township, Sugarcreek Township, and the surrounding areas the sacraments through spiritual formation and academic excellence. However, we are called to strive for continued growth and improvement, and Christ compels us to build upon these abundant gifts.
How does the new priest information we received from the Archdiocese, the new Archbishop, and ongoing Beacons of Light updates impact the planning and decision-making for this project?
We will continue to get new information throughout this process, as well experience new challenges and opportunities as we continue to build towards becoming one canonical parish by July 1, 2027. As with all new information we have received to date, we will continue to do our due diligence to get the most complete and thorough answers to our questions to make the most educated decisions possible.
We will continue to move forward with planning for two priests, with the understanding there is a good chance we could have a third priest arrive in about a year and a half. While a third priest would help alleviate some of our worship space issues, it will not help with our other space needs. As of now we feel moving forward with a plan to support two priests is the best decision we can make, and make necessary adjustments when we are informed a third priest will be arriving for our family.
As for the impact of the new Archbishop Casey’s arrival on our planning, we can say there is no indication that we should factor that into any decision-making at this time. If he decides to make any changes that impact us, we will respond as soon as we are made aware.
We will continue to move forward with planning for two priests, with the understanding there is a good chance we could have a third priest arrive in about a year and a half. While a third priest would help alleviate some of our worship space issues, it will not help with our other space needs. As of now we feel moving forward with a plan to support two priests is the best decision we can make, and make necessary adjustments when we are informed a third priest will be arriving for our family.
As for the impact of the new Archbishop Casey’s arrival on our planning, we can say there is no indication that we should factor that into any decision-making at this time. If he decides to make any changes that impact us, we will respond as soon as we are made aware.
Who should we contact with any questions or comments on the feasibility study or ispd process?
For any questions on anything related to ISPD or the feasibility study, please contact Project Manager Mike Hoendorf.