Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

Saint Mary’s Mission School exists

for the growth of Red Lake Indian children

through a God centered, culture enhancing, quality education

in a nurturing Catholic environment.

2004

A P r a y e r

for the Success

of the Capital Campaign

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Great Spirit, God of all faithfulness

You have gifted us with life

and faith and compassion.

Remind us to do good works,

and help us to know that helping

others is your love in action.

Great Spirit, God of all holiness

You have given us vision and hope

as we acknowledge with one mind

our oneness in the sacred Cycle of Life.

Help us to see the holiness

in one another and to

openly accept your healing power.

Great Spirit, God of all graciousness

We commend to your care

and direction this special campaign.

Bind us together with a cheerful,

generous spirit of sacrifice,

and intelligent stewardship

of our treasures and talents.

Remind us of your ultimate sacrifice as

we journey in the midst of one another.

Great Spirit, God of all loving

You have given us a share and duty

in the building up of your kingdom

here at Red Lake, Minnesota.

Help others to recognize and know

the gifts and talents and

rich tradition of our ways.

Remind us always that you

are the bearer of all gifts.

Great Spirit, God of all gratefulness

We are most grateful for your priceless gift

of Time. Help us to know that this resource

is the most precious of all. With your grace,

help us to infuse our lives with meaning

and to give of our time in ways

that serve only you.

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

St. Katherine Drexel

Be with us throughout this campaign

Leading us always to the source of all good.

Allow our legacy to be our gift to you.

Miigwetch! (Thank you!) Amen.

Purpose of the Capital Campaign

The purpose of a capital campaign for St. Mary’s Mission School is to improve the lives of our students and families by improving the quality of the education we offer. The goal of St. Mary’s Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow Campaign is to raise 1.8 million for an endowment and school facility improvements.

Half of capital campaign contributions would be used to upgrade the original 1929 structure to meet health and safety codes, add several classrooms (including a kindergarten), a teacher’s study room, nurses room, adequate office space and a secure front entrance. It is our dream for the future to add a gymnasium and convert the present gym into a lunch room and parish dining area when we receive the funding to do so.

The other 50% would be used to establish a permanent endowment that will improve teacher’s salaries, tuition assistance for low-income families and maintain the upgraded facilities. The campaign goal is 1.8 million.

Good Behavior and Classwork Awards Day

Alumni who come back to visit St. Mary’s, whether day students or boarding school residents, speak of their school days as a time of pride, empowerment, challenge and opportunity.

Personal Testimonials

           “An example of how much St. Mary’s is a part of life at Red Lake is how revered the tradition of the school’s annual Christmas play has become. Every student takes part in the play. Each year new mothers in the community vie for the honor of their baby portraying the Christ Child.”

           “In my own family, I experienced a transformation of my grand nephew, whom I have spoken about many times – it is no secret that he was an exasperating child without sensible motivation. St. Mary’s Mission School turned this boy around with the help of the staff, sisters, priests and most assuredly the Lord.”

             “My thoughts take me back to watching our nuns interact with students. The activities included soft ball, football and sliding. My 5^th grade teacher would tuck a football under her arm and run in her traditional habit, through our defense, daring us to tackle her.”

           “I admire all teachers, in the past decades who have worked so diligently for our tribe to give our children a firm foundation for life.”

     “As a child, I often sat and listened to stories of elders that attended St. Mary’s Boarding School and their antics. These men (boys) and women (girls) learned tough love that enabled them to learn life skills while still having as normal a childhood as possible.”

When I came to St. Mary Mission School, Red Lake, Minnesota, I knew nothing about the place except that it was on an Indian Reservation and they were looking for a principal for the school. I have been here for one semester and hope to stay for as many years as possible.

The needs here are multiple, but the people involved with maintaining the school have done more than should be expected just to keep it open. We started the school year on faith that there would be funds to pay the bills. Creative grant writing and frugality have kept us going.

The school building is stable, but not adequate to take care of the educational needs of the students. There is no place to set up computers for the students to use, and doors and windows need replacing.

The staff is the most dedicated of any with whom I have interacted. But all activity from copying to coffee happens in the office, since there is no other place for the teachers to gather. We need more people on staff, and most of all a stable financial base.

If you were here to see these wonderful children, the hope of their tribe, country, and church, I know you would agree that this is a most worthy cause.

God bless you for helping us.

S. Sharon Sheridan, OSF, Principal

Phase One Facility Improvements

      Upgrade the 1929 structure (Drexel Hall) to meet health and safety codes (lighting, electrical, plumbing) and convert Drexel Hall into parish offices and Religious Education classrooms with a simple front entrance

      Build a secure north front entrance to the school that is inviting and resourceful

     Add on 4 classrooms (including kindergarten), a library and computer lab

     Convert the present offices plus one classroom into adequate office space, teacher’s study and nurse’s room                  

              Estimated Costs for phase one – construction

              Drexel Hall remodeling                                                                          $73,000

              Office remodeling and classroom additions                                          $827,000

           Total Costs                                                                                 $900,000

Future Phase Two Facility Improvements:

When we receive the funding, we will build a new gym and convert the present gym into a lunchroom for the children, which can also be used as a parish dining facility

Endowment

It is of utmost importance that the teacher’s receive salaries and benefits equal to that of the surrounding schools so as to keep highly qualified, experienced teachers at the Mission School. One of the major concerns we face is keeping the teachers we train. Currently, St. Mary’s staff salaries average only 63% of their Public School counterparts.

Establishing a $900,000 permanent endowment will provide approximately $45,000 a year to raise teacher’s salaries and help maintain St. Mary’s School facilities.

           Endowment                                                                                $900,000

The public often comments that Native Americans have lots of money because of casino revenues, which is not the case at all. Many of our people struggle to survive. It’s a fallacy that the Native People receive a check from the government each month.

“Give and it shall be given you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will they pour into the fold of your garment. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

St. Mary’s Mission in Red Lake, Minnesota seeks to address significant educational needs that stretch far in to the future.

As such, the campaign accepts gifts in a variety of forms.

Cash Pledges: Pledges over time allow donors to consider more substantial commitments than are possible with one time cash gifts. Donors who pledge may determine pledge remittance schedules to meet their own charitable or tax needs. Pledges are not legally binding.

Donor Category

Founder, $100,000 +                                 Sponsor, $1,000

Benefactor, $50,000                                Friend, less than $1,000

Builder, $10,000

Gift Plans (over 5 years)

Total                10% Initial         Remainder        Annually            Quarterly           Monthly

Gift                   Payment_____________________________________________________________________________

$50,000            $5,000              $45,000             $9,000              $2,250              $750

$25,000            $2,500              $22,500             $4,500              $1,125              $375

$20,000            $2,000              $18,000             $3,600              $ 900                $300

$15,000            $1,500              $13,500             $2,700              $ 675                $225

$10,000            $1,000              $ 9,000             $1,800              $ 450                $ 150

$ 5,000             $ 500                $ 4,500              $ 900                $ 225                $ 75

$1,000             $100                 $ 900              $180                 $ 45                  $15

Securities: Stock is considered cash by the St. Mary’s Mission Capital Campaign. By law, the value of a gift of securities is determined at the time St. Mary’s Mission takes possession of the security. A donor can reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes through a gift of appreciated securities. Those wishing to give stock should indicate this to a campaign representative so that the appropriate documentation may be completed.

Gifts of Property/ Gifts in Kind: A gift of property or a gift in kind (livestock, grain, real estate) which is easily liquidated can be a significant way to make a gift to the Campaign and likewise reduce capital gains tax.

Matching Gifts: You may be able to increase your gift to the campaign if your employer offers a matching gift program. Please contact your employer’s personnel or employee resource department about this opportunity.

All gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult with you tax attorney or financial advisor regarding your individual tax situation.