A Historic Day
June 8, 2022
With great joy and gratitude to the Lord, we are thrilled to share that we have acquired land for our new home on our patronal feast day, June 8, 2022, the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom. On this historic day, the Diocese of Lafayette and UL Lafayette entered into a Strategic Growth Initiative in which the Diocese of Lafayette acquired ownership of 1.411 acres on campus, at the corner of St. Mary Boulevard and Girard Park Circle. We heartily rejoice with everyone who supported our quest for land over the past several years - Alleluia!
Building Project Budget & Overall Fundraising Goal
Church & Catholic Student Center Project Budget
$25,500,000
Includes Sitework, Building Construction, Professional Services Fees, Permitting & Inspections, Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Contingency.
Estimated Project Schedule
How We Use Our Current Spaces
Catholic
Student Center
The Catholic Student Center is a spiritual home away from home for students. It will deliver spatial components that reflect the many pathways that lead young people into a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ, including the Sacraments, Community, Evangelization, Discipleship, and Formation.
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Bible study and small group rooms for spiritual formation
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Classrooms for intellectual formation and leadership development
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Indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces
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Redesigned Jeanmard Hall, suitable for speakers and conferences
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Atrium, café, and expanded kitchen and dining area
Church
Sanctuary
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the heart of our ministry. The new Our Lady of Wisdom Church will honor the humble yet beautiful character of the existing chapel.
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Seating for approximately 600 (currently 450)
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Traditional layout with a long center aisle
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Choir loft and rehearsal area
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Quieting room
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Confessionals
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Eucharistic Adoration Chapel
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Bell tower
Ways To Give
Check | Bank Draft
Checks are payable to Our Lady of Wisdom Capital Campaign
Box 43599 Lafayette, LA 70504.
Appreciated stock, bonds, or mutual funds
Securities will be transferred to Wisdom and sold, with proceeds dedicated to our new home. You will benefit from an income tax deduction and avoid capital gains tax.
Will or Trust. Bequest a testamentary gift in your will or trust.
The proper language for your attorney is:
Our Lady of Wisdom Church & Catholic Student Center
501 E. Saint Mary Blvd. Lafayette, LA 70503
401K or IRA
If you are age 70.5 and older, you can gift your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), in consultation with your tax advisor, to effectively lower your taxable income.
Capital Reserve Fund
$2,500,000
The Capital Reserve Fund will be established as an additional fundraising priority. It serves as a safety net for operational expenses and one-time start-up operational expenses during the transition to the new facility. This fund is not required to complete the project.
Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, D.D.
Bishop of Lafayette
LEADERS
Rev. Patrick S. Broussard
Pastor & Chaplain
Gus & Sheila Zepernick
General Chairs
Mary
Hernandez
Executive Director of Advancement
2016 Campaign Launch Video
Wisdom for Every
Generation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Help us to build a house of Wisdom on the UL campus.
Make this dwelling place a beacon of light to overcome the darkness
and a home where students come to know You and love You.
Father, we trust in Your goodness,
Especially as it is shown to us through the generosity of Your people.
Reward Your servants for their sacrifice and dedication to You.
Prompt us to follow Your Son’s example of heroic charity,
So that this house of Wisdom can be a wellspring of hope for every generation.
Through the intercession of Mary, Seat of Wisdom,
we make this prayer through Christ, our Lord.
Amen
Dr. Ray & Barbara Authement
In Loving Memory
The Capital Campaign is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Ray Authement, faithful parishioner and supporter of Our Lady of Wisdom and President of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette from 1973 - 2008.