Our Goals
The Faithful Stewards mini-campaign will address Conception Abbey and Conception Seminary College’s urgent facility needs that are planned for the next two years. Initial priorities include:
– Replace the HVAC system in the Basilica, including a new concrete pad - $1,163,000
– Replace the outer glass windows that protect the stained-glass windows in the Basilica - $312,000
– Replace key components of the HVAC system in St. Maur Hall - $225,000
TOTAL CAMPAIGN GOAL: $1.7 million
Preserving the Basilica | $1,475,000
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Conception Abbey has served our monks, community, and pilgrims from around the world for more than 125 years. In 1999, we embarked on a complete renovation to update the sacred space. Now, a quarter-century later, the systems installed to preserve our Basilica - such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), fans, and operating software - need updates or complete replacements. The aging HVAC system and the protective covers for our stained-glass windows compromise climate control, resulting in condensation and humidity levels that put our historic murals, artwork, and pipe organ at risk for damage.
These updates will preserve the beauty and purpose of this most sacred space, enabling us to continue our lives of prayer and service to the Church, welcoming thousands of guests and retreatants to our Basilica so that they, too, may encounter Christ at Conception.
Ensuring a safe learning environment for seminarians | $225,000
St. Maur Hall has served us in our work of education and seminary formation for 123 years. In the early 2000s, we renovated the entire building to improve classroom space and functionality for our growing student body. The HVAC systems installed at that time are reaching their 15 -20 year expected lifespan and are having a difficult time maintaining the building’s temperature and moisture levels.
This past summer, we realized that the system was struggling to properly remove moisture from the building, causing a heightened risk for mold growth. We need to replace the HVAC system to prevent further moisture problems and preserve the integrity of the building and overall air quality. St. Maur Hall is our main seminary academic building, which houses our classrooms, faculty and staff offices, and conference rooms. Updating the HVAC system will ensure the building’s service for priestly formation for decades to come.
