For over 150 years, St. Francis Borgia has been a steadfast place of worship, service, and evangelization, bringing the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Washington and beyond. St. Francis Borgia’s campus, with roots dating back to 1834, embodies a rich history that fosters pride and a sense of belonging in the community, serving as a spiritual and cultural landmark.
While incredibly blessed to care for five irreplaceable buildings constructed in the 1800s, along with an additional building from 1935, the maintenance, upkeep, and repairs required to preserve them can place significant demands on a parish.
The Case
These updates reflect a commitment to caring for parish facilities responsibly and providing an environment where the community can worship, learn, and grow.
Downtown School Maintenance
Important upgrades are needed to the grade and middle schools (Sealing, new windows, and roof repair) to ensure reliable, accessible spaces that support learning and formation, while addressing essential building maintenance needs. Also, since school enrollment has increased, there is a need to create additional classrooms. Existing space will be redesigned and repurposed to accommodate the growing school.
Improving Worship and Sacred Spaces
Renovation of the church (sanctuary, flooring, and paint) and support for the perpetual care of cemetery services emphasize the importance of maintaining sacred spaces.
The Impact
This extensive work would be costly and require a capital campaign. With a $5 million goal, St. Francis Borgia Catholic Parish needed guidance and expertise and partnered with Lynch Development Associates. Beginning with a comprehensive feasibility and planning study, this partnership developed and launched the Living Water, Living Faith Campaign – an initiative dedicated to preserving and enhancing these historic buildings through a commitment to faith, responsible stewardship, and the legacy we leave for future generations. LDA helped develop materials, communications, plan, and execute events while bringing the community together for a common mission.
The result was a remarkable display of generosity that resulted in numerous volunteers and over
$6.1 million pledged for the future of this parish community!