Testimonials

Share a bit about your history at SLDM, relationship to the school and ministries you're involved in. 

My wife and I have been blessed to be parishioners at St. Louis de Montfort since 1982. Our family, includig four children, grew here, and we have witnessed tremendous growth over more than 40 years. I served as secretary when the school first opened, beginning with just 150 students, and remained there for 10 years. I now help coordinate the adoration chapel and have been a weekly adorer since it opened. My wife and I were members of the School Capital Campaign beginning in 1996, and she became the school’s first secretary in 2000. She has also served as the Perpetual Adoration coordinator for the past 12 years. I have served the parish as a lector and usher and currently serve as an usher. I am also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Louis de Montfort Respect Life Committee. 

Why are you supporting this capital campaign? 

Many of those who built what we have today are no longer here, yet we continue to receive the blessings of their faith and sacrifice. Supporting this campaign is my way of paying that forward in gratitude. We support the campaign because of the real physical needs of our growing parish and the continued growth of the city of Fishers, especially the need for a new church and adoration chapel. We believe these spaces will also strengthen the spiritual life of our parish through a beautiful church that draws us closer to God and an adoration chapel that is more accessible to more people. 

Which project (new church or adoration chapel) are you most excited about and why? 

We are excited about both projects! The new church will be larger and available to more people. As our parish continues to grow, bigger spaces will allow more people to worship together and will help fill more hours in the adoration chapel. We are also drawn to the beauty of the new church, which will give glory and honor to God and draw hearts more deeply into prayer. 

How has the growth impacted your experience at SLDM?

The growth of our parish has been a wonderful blessing, and it has deepened my faith to see that God is still calling and that people are responding to that call. At the same time, this growth has impacted our ability to gather. Many Sundays we experience standing room only at the 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masses, and at times the adoration chapel is completely full with no seating available. Parish events such as the annual seminarian dinner and fish fry have also seen limited seating. Responding by building a larger and more sacred church is not just a practical need. It is an act of faith that will carry our parish forward and help lead souls toward heaven. 

What does leaving a legacy mean to you? 

The growth of our parish has been a true blessing, and it has deepened my faith to see that God is still calling and that people are responding. Responding to that call by building a larger and more sacred church is an act of faith that carries our parish into the future. Supporting this campaign is also about legacy. It ensures that God’s work will continue to flourish and grow at St. Louis de Montfort, and that the spiritual and physical needs of future generations are met. 

What benefits do you see to unifying the campus? 

A unified campus will make it easier to navigate the parish and find where we need to go. It will also make parish life more convenient by simplifying logistics for events like coffee and donuts and helping more people feel comfortable saying yes to attending and gathering together. 

What does sacred beauty mean to you? 

Sacred beauty points us to God by giving Him glory and honor and by surrounding us with spiritual images that draw our hearts and attention to heavenly truths before Mass and throughout the celebration of the Mass. 

What would you say to someone who is on the fence on whether they should support this campaign? 

What we have today was built through the faith and sacrifice of those who came before us, and it has become a strong and vibrant community that we hope will continue to grow. For anyone who may be unsure about supporting the campaign, I would encourage prayer first, including the Campaign Prayer, and time spent in the adoration chapel asking Jesus for guidance. A conversation with Father Haan or Director Joe Durle can also be a helpful part of that discernment. 

Share a bit about your history at SLDM, relationship to the school and ministries you're involved in. 

We joined SLDM in June, 2006, and our children entered 2nd grade and 5th grade that Fall. We have been involved with various activities at the school including lunch room duty, school library, helped out in the classroom, and helped in the nurse's office. We have also been involved in parish activities such as Mardi de Montfort, Fall Festival, Food Pantry, CHRP, Bible Studies, Eucharistic Ministry, 8th Grade field trip chaperones, and CYO sports. 

Why are you supporting this capital campaign? 

Given the growth of the parish and the community, and the fact that the SLDM campus has only a finite amount of land, building a new church to accommodate the growth and enhance the beauty of the sacred space seems to be a better option than building an addition to the current church or to other buildings on campus. We see this as adding to the legacy that has come before us. Using the existing church for a social hall directly connected to the new church provides greater space for such events and keeps us connected to our past. Creating a larger adoration chapel will enhance the experience for school children and for adults to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. 

Which project (new church or adoration chapel) are you most excited about and why? 

We are most excited about the new church having a classical style, layout, and features that draw the eye toward the altar and tabernacle. Having a choir loft in the back of the church will add to the classic church feel and will allow projection of voices and music during worship. 

How has the growth impacted your experience at SLDM?  

While church masses have been more crowded, including the Narthex, we have noticed that Craig Wiley Hall gets especially crowded during community events such as Lenten fish fries, Seminarian Dinner, and certain school events. 

What does leaving a legacy mean to you? 

It means we care about the church and its future growth. We hope to create a beautiful and larger space for current and future generations to enjoy. 

What benefits do you see to unifying the campus? 

It will create a better blending of worship, school, and community spaces. It should make it easier for parishioners and non-parishioners to find their way around campus. 

What does sacred beauty mean to you? 

Traditional church architecture, including stained glass and sacred artwork, helps bring life to biblical events and fosters a deeper connection to God. 

What would you say to someone who is on the fence on whether they should support this campaign? 

The existing church building would require significant renovation, expansion, and updates to accommodate the space needs we have now, and what more would be needed in another 10-20 years? Proceeding with new construction now, and repurposing the existing church as proposed, seems a better use of resources.

We first came to St. Louis de Montfort when we were looking for a Catholic school for our daughter, about 18 years ago. From the moment we were greeted at the door, we felt at home. Only one of us was a member of the Catholic Church, so the fact that we both felt the same way was very special. Our daughter, Faith, went to SLDM from pre-K thru 8th grade. We were very involved in school, whether with Mardi de Montfort, field day,, elf on a shelf, Confirmation formation, walk-a-thon, field trips, book fair, in school volunteer help, lunch helpers, and much more. Concerning the parish itself, Adoration Adorers, we have been members of Christ Renews His Parish, Eucharistic ministry, Exodus 90, Rescue Project, care for home bound, Thanksgiving basket delivery, RCIA, Fall Festival volunteers, and members of the church choir. Once we became involved, we wanted to be more and more involved. Our community is very special in that way. 

Why are you supporting this capital campaign? 

Saint Louis De Montfort Parish has been the center of our spiritual and social life for many years. We feel so blest and fortunate for what we have received from SLDM, we want to help enable our parish to grow so others may feel the same joy and love that we do. 

Which project (new church or adoration chapel) are you most excited about and why? 

This is a very hard choice for us to make due to the benefit to our parishioners and newcomers that each will provide. Both the new church and the new adoration chapel will allow new parishioners to experience the same spiritual growth that we have. The new church architecture and sacred beauty will draw all of us deeper into our faith. With an expanded adoration chapel, the school children, CHRP groups, and more, can experience Christ’s love together. The expansion of the chapel will allow more room between adorers. 

What does leaving a legacy mean to you? 

It is an incredibly special situation that we have been gifted with. We have the opportunity to leave a permanent mark on Fishers, Indiana for generations to come through the new church and adoration chapel. It is with the hope that our family, for generations, will continue to receive the blessings of Christ through this work.  

What benefits do you see to unifying the campus? 

The new church, and it’s proximity to the newly created parish center, (our current church) will allow for increased community socialization opportunities.  

What does sacred beauty mean to you? 

We are visual beings. Sacred beauty draws one into the Divine. It submerges one into the glory of God’s salvation history toward Heaven. 

What would you say to someone who is on the fence on whether they should support this campaign? 

You have to think of this sacrificial giving. Ask yourself: “Is my hesitation about how this will benefit just me?” 

Now ask yourself: “Should I be doing more to help others experience the same, if not more, gifts than I have received?” This is an opportunity to become a permanent part of SLDM! 

Share a bit about your history at SLDM, relationship to the school and ministries you're involved in.

We have been part of the St. Louis de Montfort community for many years, and it has become a true spiritual home for our family. Our daughter attended SLDM and is now at Guerin Catholic, and our son is currently in sixth grade at SLDM. We have both been involved in parish life in different ways, including service on the School Advisory Council and the Long Range Planning Committee, coaching CYO kickball and volleyball, and participating in Christ Renews His Parish. Through the school, ministries, and relationships formed here, we have seen firsthand how SLDM supports families, forms faith, and builds a strong parish community. 

Why are you supporting this capital campaign? 

We are supporting this campaign because St. Louis de Montfort has been at the center of our family’s faith life. It is where our children have grown up, deepened their love for the Eucharist, been formed in faith, and where friendships and community have carried us and others through both joyful moments and difficult times. We have seen how this parish brings people closer to God and to one another, and how it continues to welcome and serve a growing community. Supporting this campaign is our way of giving back and helping ensure that future families have the space and opportunity to encounter Christ here, just as we have. 

Which project (new church or adoration chapel) are you most excited about and why? 

We are very excited about both projects for different reasons. A larger, purposefully designed sacred church will allow our growing parish to worship together with reverence and beauty, and we can already envision a first Mass celebrated in that space. At the same time, the larger adoration chapel will be especially meaningful. The ability for students to step away from their regular schedule at any point during the day, with their classes or individually, to sit quietly with the Lord, whether before a big test or during an ordinary school day, is incredibly powerful. Having a chapel that is open and accessible to a larger number of parishioners, visitors, and anyone in the wider community creates a truly special place for encounter with Jesus at the heart of our parish. 

How has the growth impacted your experience at SLDM?  

Growth is a blessing, but it has also brought challenges. We regularly experience full Masses, not just on Christmas and Easter, but at Sunday liturgies throughout the year, where the church can feel especially crowded. While that reflects a vibrant parish, it can also make it difficult for visitors or new families to feel comfortable or encouraged to return. Parish events also stretch every available space on campus. As Fishers continues to grow, we want to ensure that St. Louis de Montfort has the space to warmly welcome new residents, new Catholics, and those exploring the faith. 

What does leaving a legacy mean to you? 

Leaving a legacy means making a sacrifice now so that our growing parish community has a strong and welcoming spiritual home for generations to come. We have benefited from the generosity of those who built the parish we now enjoy, and this is our opportunity to pay that forward as St. Louis de Montfort continues to welcome new families. We can envision our children one day being married at the altar of the new church or grandchildren being baptized in a beautiful sacred space that clearly reflects what we believe. For us, legacy is not about recognition, but about building something that will endure and support faith, worship, and community for decades to come. 

What benefits do you see to unifying the campus? 

A unified campus will allow our parish and school to function as one community, both practically and spiritually. Today, movement between spaces can feel fragmented, especially for visitors or new families who may not know where to go or how the campus fits together. A more cohesive design will make the parish easier to navigate and more welcoming, removing barriers that can unintentionally discourage participation in parish life and activities.  

What does sacred beauty mean to you? 

Sacred beauty draws us to God by teaching without words and lifting our hearts beyond the ordinary. As Fr. Haan reminds us, beauty evangelizes because it reveals truth and goodness. We want a church that is not just functional, but one that inspires awe, where light, art, and architecture clearly point to the reality of heaven. Sacred beauty is not about luxury, but about reverence. It helps us slow down, recognize that we are on holy ground, and remember who we are and who we worship. 

What would you say to someone who is on the fence on whether they should support this campaign? 

We would encourage them to pray and ask the Lord how He may be inviting them to be part of what is being built here. Every gift, large or small, truly makes a difference. This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar; it is about creating the space where souls will be formed, sacraments will be celebrated, and faith will be nurtured for generations to come.

Share a bit about your history at SLDM, relationship to the school and ministries you're involved in.

Parishioners since we got married in 1986. All 5 kids went through the school and received their sacraments of initiation at the parish.  

Rosie has always been active in our Respect Life Ministry, was a founding PTO board member and participated in parish Bible Study and various Women's Groups, where she met many of her closest friends over the years. 

Jon served as SLDM's Confirmation Coordinator for 20 years and spent 4 years as our parish Director of Operations. 

We have both been committed weekly adorers since 1995, have participated in several small group studies and launched our Brazil Mission Sister Parish ministry in 2001. We also both enjoyed our CRHP, Rescue, and other retreat/formation experiences.

Why are you supporting this capital campaign? 

We understand the existing needs of our current parish community and welcome the chance to be active participants in solving our challenges, while setting our parish on a path for even greater success. 

Which project (new church or adoration chapel) are you most excited about and why? 

Both, because they will bring us to a heightened level of worship and community which aligns nicely with our parish growth and Master Plan. 

How has the growth impacted your experience at SLDM? 

The growth has been nothing but positive in our minds. It has brought a greater sense of energy/community and increased our prayer and ministry involvement. 

What does leaving a legacy mean to you? 

It's an opportunity to "pay it forward". It allows us to celebrate those who have sacrificed so much over the years and provided experiences and faith moments our family has benefited from. 

What benefits do you see to unifying the campus? 

It will undoubtedly bring our parish closer together in community and more efficient in the way we function. 

What does sacred beauty mean to you? 

It draws us into a greater awareness, appreciation and desire to be closer to God, which will nurture our spiritual growth. Beauty invokes reverence and awe for God from the moment we enter any sacred space. 

What would you say to someone who is on the fence on whether they should support this campaign? 

Prayerfully discern (in our Adoration Chapel) if and where God is inviting you to participate in our Mission.  

Any other comments you'd like to share? 

Being actively involved in this campaign has opened our eyes to what's possible if we truly unite our efforts in seeking and being obedient to God's will. 

Share a bit about your history at SLDM, relationship to the school and ministries you're involved in.

We have been members of SLDM since moving to Fishers in the fall of 1989. Jane was involved with the Elect Lady women's group and taught children's religious education for several years. She currently helps coordinate subs for the adoration chapel.  

Dave has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus since 1990. He was a member of CRHP Team 1 and served as a mass lector and high school confirmation teacher for many years.  

We both served on parish council. Upon opening of SLDM Catholic School, our youngest daughter was able to attend the school for three years.  

We continue to participate in an annual bible study with couples from the parish. 

Why are you supporting this capital campaign? 

As long time SLDM parishioners, we have seen the parish grow and prosper over the past 35 years. We are grateful to build a church and chapel that will inspire faith and prayer in future generations. 

Which project (new church or adoration chapel) are you most excited about and why? 

We are very excited about both projects. Building a larger Catholic church with a more traditional sanctuary and sacred art will enhance our worship experience. We believe a larger and more spiritually designed adoration chapel will encourage and accommodate more adorers. 

How has the growth impacted your experience at SLDM? 

The parish has grown significantly over the years, particularly since the opening of the school in 2000. The church can definitely feel crowded at times with people standing in the back and the narthex. We definitely need a new adoration chapel because there are times when a person does not a have a place to sit or kneel. Our parish hall no longer has the capacity to host many of the large parish events. 

What does leaving a legacy mean to you? 

Building a new church and adoration chapel will not only serve our parish today but for generations to come. 

What benefits do you see to unifying the campus? 

Unifying the campus will benefit both parishioners and visitors. Having a parish hall connected to the church will be more convenient for people attending community events after mass. Also, it will enable people with mobility challenges to better access the new church, chapel and parish hall. 

What does sacred beauty mean to you? 

Sacred beauty means having a church with beautiful sacred art, statues, windows, etc. that inspire us in prayer and help strengthen our faith. 

What would you say to someone who is on the fence on whether they should support this campaign? 

It's an opportunity to do something few people in this world get to do...build a new Catholic church and adoration chapel! Everything we have is a gift from God. Supporting this campaign will allow us to glorify God through our giving of Time, Talent and Treasure.