One of the most significant and necessary components of the capital campaign is the replacement of a substantial portion of the HVAC system in Holy Trinity Catholic School. The current system, which is original to part of the building, is not only inefficient and outdated but also poses daily challenges for teachers and students. The equipment has reached the end of its useful life and can no longer be repaired in a cost-effective or reliable manner.
Because of the age and condition of the system, this is not simply a matter of swapping out old units for new ones. It will require a full re-engineering of the system, including new conduits and venting, updated controls and equipment, and the installation of Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) units—technology not present in the original system. The existing ductwork and wiring will be removed, and new components will be carefully integrated to ensure safe, consistent, and energy-efficient airflow throughout the school. Notably, the current HVAC system is so loud that teachers must use microphones to be heard while teaching, and the constant background noise distracts students during quiet work times. This project would dramatically improve both comfort and the learning environment across all classrooms.
To clarify an important point: the Gym and Parish Center HVAC updates funded through the 2021 Harvest Fund-a-Need campaign addressed only a limited portion of the system—specifically, the replacement of three air conditioning units in the Gym/Parish Center. The current capital campaign proposal focuses on the full-scale replacement of the school’s classroom HVAC systems, which were not covered in the previous project.
Three different mechanical contractors—Design Mechanical, BCI Mechanical, and TempCon—were invited to bid on the project, and Design Mechanical was selected as the most cost-effective and qualified vendor. With this investment, we will ensure that Holy Trinity students and staff have a comfortable, healthy, and distraction-free environment for learning and teaching for years to come.
Another key component of the capital campaign is a thoughtful and meaningful update to our church sanctuary. While the space has served us well for nearly three decades, it is time to address both its physical aging and its liturgical functionality. This project includes new, permanent sanctuary furnishings—such as a custom altar, ambo, and baptismal font with plumbing—that reflect the dignity and beauty of our worship. Additional updates include extending the flooring from the choir loft to the sanctuary to provide a safer transition, new flooring throughout the sanctuary, and architectural enhancements on the sanctuary wall. These enhancements would feature mosaic artwork depicting the Holy Trinity and wooden accents that echo the elegant details of the windows between the narthex and the church and above the church’s exterior entrance. A larger, raised tabernacle will be installed to better emphasize the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith.
These updates aim to foster a more sacred and cohesive worship environment while preserving the architectural warmth our community treasures. The proposed plan introduces subtle sanctuary rails—not communion rails—to help define the sanctuary space and guide reverence. The layout will be improved for better processions and accessibility, and visual refinements will draw the eye more intentionally toward the tabernacle. Updated seating and furniture will have a smaller footprint, creating more space and flexibility within the sanctuary to accommodate Eucharistic ministers and additional clergy during special celebrations. Special care has been taken to retain familiar elements while enhancing the sanctuary’s ability to serve the liturgy more fully.
These plans were developed in collaboration with experienced church architects and shaped by input from a group of engaged parishioners. By investing in our sanctuary now, we preserve its beauty and purpose as a place of prayer, worship, and reverence for generations to come.
An important element of the capital campaign is a much-needed upgrade to the church sound system. Our current system has long struggled with issues such as echoing, reverb, and uneven sound distribution—especially noticeable through the clergy microphones—making it difficult for parishioners to clearly hear and fully engage in the liturgy. The proposed improvements would significantly enhance the clarity and quality of sound in the sanctuary, ensuring that spoken word and music are delivered with warmth and precision throughout the worship space.
In 2020, funds raised during the Harvest Gala were used to purchase a professional-grade sound mixing board, which was a strong first step. However, without compatible equipment in the rest of the system, we’ve been unable to take full advantage of its capabilities. This campaign would make that possible by replacing the sanctuary’s outdated speakers, processors, and amplifiers, allowing the new mixing board to function as intended. The upgrade will also include extending sound into the Bride’s Room/New Mothers’ Room, enabling mothers with infants or young children to hear and participate in the Mass when they need to step away.
The new sound system will offer long-term benefits in reliability and performance, eliminating common distractions and ensuring that every parishioner can hear clearly—regardless of where they sit. With this investment, we’re not just updating technology; we’re enhancing the worship experience and deepening the sense of connection within our community.
A final, but core element of the capital campaign is the improvement of sanctuary lighting, aimed at enhancing both functionality and the sacred atmosphere of our worship space. The current lighting system is outdated and limited, creating uneven illumination and making it difficult to appropriately light the sanctuary for different liturgical seasons, special events, and daily use. Many of the existing fixtures are incompatible with more reliable and environmentally friendly LED bulbs, limiting efficiency and flexibility. In several areas, the lighting casts shadows or fails to highlight key focal points, diminishing the beauty and warmth of the space.
The proposed updates will include new energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the sanctuary and choir loft. These fixtures will be strategically placed and zoned to offer both general illumination and accent lighting, allowing for greater flexibility and control. For example, lighting can be adjusted to highlight the altar, ambo, or tabernacle depending on the needs of the liturgy. In addition to enhancing visibility and ambiance, the new system will reduce energy consumption and long-term maintenance costs.
These improvements are designed with both reverence and practicality in mind. By investing in smarter lighting now, we ensure that our sanctuary remains a vibrant and inviting space—one that reflects the sacredness of our worship and helps guide the hearts and minds of all who gather in prayer.