HILTON HEAD — St Francis by the Sea Church is launching a $3 million fund-raising campaign for Phase II of its building expansion program named “Sharing Our Blessings, Building Our Future.” The facilities are located off Beach City Road.
Phase I of the campaign raised over $2.7 million and was completed in June 2007.
Father Michael J. Oenbrink, pastor, announced at all Masses recently that a fine arts building and a multi-purpose facility will be added to the campus, according to a press release sent out by the church.
Construction has begun on the 3,224-square-foot fine arts building which will provide a separate space for St. Francis School’s music and art programs. It is scheduled to be completed in the fall.
The 14,000-square-foot multi-purpose building is estimated to be completed in 2009. It will provide students and parish youths with an exercise facility, a home gym for school athletic teams and activity space for church members. A large stage area will accommodate performing arts events, and the parish will be able to utilize the facility for social gatherings.
Parish growth necessitated the expansion, which began with construction of the St. Francis by the Sea Church building in 1986. The church serves over 2,000 families and supports over 100 parish and community organizations.
A model of the proposed buildings is on display in the narthex at St. Francis.