Sacred Heart - St. Joseph
Catholic Parish

May 2026
We’re happy to share exciting updates: Scottish Stained Glass (www.scottishstainedglass.com) has been selected for the Sacred Heart Church stained-glass project. The committee has also chosen Lightworks (www.lightworkskc.com) to provide lighting consultation for the lighting upgrade. Lightworks is the same team that helped guide the St. Joseph renovation. Finally, we selected Schmidtlein Electric (www.schmidtleinelectric.com) as the electrical contractor for the project. We invite you to visit their websites and review their past work. You can see why the committee felt each of these was a wonderful fit for our stained-glass window and lighting upgrade project.

While we don’t have a final design or total cost to share just yet, the project is moving forward. As soon as cost details and design examples are available, we will share them. We thank you for your patience and continued support as we work on this exciting parish project.

Updated Financial Report

• 876 pledges mailed to all registered parishioners

• 192 pledges received to date (22% of those mailed)

• $189,331 pledge dollars received

• $207,486 misc. donations/memorials

• $396,817 total funds currently in the bank

• $1.5 million campaign goal

The Symbolism of Color and Light in Stained Glass

Stained-glass windows are not only beautiful; they also convey deep spiritual meaning. Throughout Christian history, color and light have been used to express essential truths of the faith.

• Blue often symbolizes heaven or paradise

• Red represents the blood of Christ

• White reflects purity and innocence

• Black can signify sin or death

• Violet symbolizes royalty

• Green represents growth and new life

• Gray or silver can suggest wisdom or knowledge

• Purple and rainbow-colored glass depict the glory of God

An equally important element of stained glass is the way light passes through it. Light shining through the windows is often understood as a symbol of God’s divine presence—representing hope, truth, love, and life. Christ himself is called the “Light of the World,” and stained glass allows that light to illuminate our sacred space visibly and prayerfully. (Source: smithstainedglass.com)

Project Vision

To install new stained-glass windows (glass, not zero-efficiency plastic) that inspire reverence and create a calm, prayerful environment—deepening our sense of faith and identity each time we enter the church, and to upgrade lighting and fixtures that bring light down closer to the congregation, complement the architectural style of the building, and create a greater sense of openness and light within the church.

Finally

If you’ve lost or misplaced your pledge card, please don’t worry – we have extra pledge cards and mailing envelopes available at the entrances of the church. To save a stamp, simply fill out your pledge card, place it in the confidential envelope, and put it in the collection basket. Thank you again for being part of this project and for all you do to support Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish.

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March 2026

Financial Report:

876 pledge cards mailed
177 cards received to date

$1.5 M campaign goal
$412,827 pledged to date

$184,773 pledged, received to date
$195,706 non-pledged/memorials
$608,533 total current and future project funds

Despite only starting the pledge campaign in mid-December, the window and lighting committee is encouraged by the donations received to date. However, we cannot stress enough how important it is that parishioners return their pledge cards as soon as possible to ensure the project’s financial viability.

Unfortunately, when the church was originally constructed in 1965, the necessary funds were not available to complete certain areas of the building. (Notably, all other amenities, including air conditioning, were the first to be completed.) However, the stained glass windows were never finished. The original building committee, exhibiting exceptional thriftiness (a characteristic of the German people), opted for a practical temporary solution by installing plastic windows, intending to install stained-glass windows as funds became available.

It is common for projects to be abandoned and eventually forgotten. However, can you imagine living in a house with windows having 1/4” plastic instead of glass for 60-plus years? Also, if we do not upgrade our plastic windows, and have a hail or high-wind storm, our insurance company would only reimburse us for “like” plastic replacement windows. Since the windows are more than 60 years old, it would be nearly impossible to find the same plastic for replacement. That’s one reason we are trying to be proactive through this capital campaign.

In addition to the windows, the church’s lighting system requires an upgrade. Lighting options have evolved since the original installation. We can now optimize our lighting, reduce eye strain, and enhance energy efficiency. LED lighting is now available, and fixtures can be strategically positioned to provide more direct illumination.

This project requires parishioner support. With that said, we kindly request your consideration of how you can contribute to the project. In addition to your financial support through your pledge, memorials are an excellent means of giving. Other avenues include special occasions such as births, birthdays, and anniversaries. RMDs from your IRA are also a viable donation option if you are over 73.

Together, let us fulfill our ancestors ’vision and finally complete the church building.

If you have already returned your pledge card, Thank You!

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February 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
   What’s the latest update on the project?
The stained-glass company selected for the project informed us that the large window over the baptistry will be significantly heavier than the current plastic window. This is because the new design includes two panes of glass: the stained glass itself and a protective outer layer.
Because of the added weight, the committee has been advised to have this part of the structure reviewed by a structural engineer to ensure the foundation can safely support it. If needed, additional reinforcement will be added.
The stained-glass company will also be starting work on window design concepts soon. We hope to have those designs finalized within the next couple of months and look forward to sharing them with the parish once they’re ready.
   Can I donate a window in honor of my family or in memory of a loved one?
While donations are welcome and deeply appreciated, individual windows will not be recognized by donor name. Here’s why:
• The window layout (a mix of large, small, and divided windows) doesn’t allow for individual windows to be clearly identified or labeled.
• The overall design will be intentionally simple, reflecting both the mid-century style of the church and the vision of the original building committee.
• We also want to be mindful that parishioners give according to their means. Someone giving what they can may be contributing as sacrificially as someone able to provide a larger amount.
   What’s happening with the lighting upgrade?
We’ve asked our lighting consultant to begin reviewing the current lighting in the church and to provide recommendations to the Window and Lighting Committee.
   How can I help move this project forward?
To continue this project, we ask every parishioner to prayerfully consider their financial support and submit their pledge card. Right now, we are in the research and planning phase. To move ahead, we need to be confident that the necessary funding is in place. There’s no better time to move forward and take advantage of the long-term energy savings this project will provide.

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December 2025
   Here is the Pledge Card supporting the Sacred Heart Stained-Glass Window and Lighting Upgrade Project. Parishioners voted in favor of this campaign earlier this year when they completed and submitted the parish feasibility study. Archbishop McKnight approved the project after reviewing the study and cost estimates.
   There are several ways to contribute to the project.
• Pledges over a specific period of time (one, two, or three years).
• Memorials for deceased family/parish members.
• Donate online through ParishSOFT (formerly Faith Direct), or by using the special envelope in your monthly packet labelled "Stained Glass Window and Lighting Upgrade Project".
Important: The last date for donations to be credited to your 2025 tithe is December 28, 2025.
• Another way to donate is through a Qualified Charitable Contribution (QCD) from your IRA.
   The committee has several ideas to help fund the project. Some ideas include: using Evergy Rebates resulting from lighting upgrades; Sacred Heart and St. Joseph Altar Society donations; and other fundraising activities. 
   It is essential to note that work on the project cannot commence until 50 percent of the total pledges have been received. While the Archbishop has approved our project for up to $1.5 million, the committee will work with contractors to stay below that budget and to be a good steward of all funds raised.
   Note: Finance Council has approved $150,000, primarily from the “Spirit of the Heart” campaign, to be transferred to support the window and lighting project. Many of you will recall this campaign, held some time ago, with the intention of building a parish center and gymnasium on Sacred Heart property. With this transfer of funds, the Spirit of the Heart account is closed.
   We sincerely thank you for your continued financial support, and ask that you once again prayerfully consider your pledge contribution(s), which are essential to the completion of this project.
   The committee has interviewed and selected a Lighting Consultant, an Electrical Contractor, and a Stained-Glass Window Company. Project updates will be printed in the bulletin, on our Facebook page, and on our website. As the design process proceeds, we will also be providing samples and displays to keep you up-to-date on the project.
   We want to thank you for your continued financial support. Your generosity and commitment to your faith mean so much to our parish family.

October 2025   
   The committee met with the archdiocese's architect last month to determine if we had the necessary information to obtain approval from the Archbishop to proceed with the project. He felt we did. We then submitted our request for authorization to proceed with a capital campaign based on the information we provided. We recently received this approval from the Archbishop.   
   Our capital campaign goal is to raise $1.5 million. This amount was determined after gathering price estimates from a representative of a stained-glass window company and an electrical contractor. That amount also includes an estimate for an electrical consultant.
   RFQ (Request for Qualification) letters were sent to five stained glass window contractors, three lighting consultants, and four electrical contractors. Our deadline for their response is October 3. Once we receive all responses, we can begin the selection process. The capital campaign will then kick off after the contractors are selected.
   Note: To date, we have received nearly $14,000 in memorials and donations. We are off to a great start without formally asking for financial support for the project. 
   Thank you again for your prayers.

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May 17-18 and 24-25, you will find a special bulletin insert with pages from the Sacred Heart 50th Anniversary booklet, prepared for parishioners in 1969.

May 17th - Part One offers historical information on how decedents of current and past parishioners came together to raise funds to build a new Sacred Heart Church. Along the way, both financial and weather-related challenges were overcome.

May 24th - Part Two gives an in-depth description on the symbolism and design details of the church, all the while contributing to its simplicity. It also tells how parishioners were instrumental in providing the interior furnishings of the church:

    • The wooden religious figures and stations, which were hand-carved in Italy and donated by parishioners’ families
    • The lectern was built by a parishioner
    • The altar and baptistry were built and installed by a local business, and a parishioner’s family member
   In conclusion: It is our hope to finally complete the project our parish family started nearly 60 years ago, and to make Sacred Heart Church an inspiration to all who come to worship and visit here. This is an exciting time for our parish and we thank you in advance for your continued support.

Feasibility Study
Please complete the Sacred Heart Church, Stained Glass Window and Lighting Project Feasibility Study Questionnaire
We have received only a 40% response from registered parishioners. We need the majority of parishioners to respond before proceeding with our project research.
Many have reported that they have not received the forms that we mailed. So, we are providing you with another opportunity to participate.
For us to have a complete survey response, please see the following options:
1) complete the form, save, and email to stjosephtopeka@att.net,
2) print, complete, and drop in the collection basket at either Church, or
3) print, complete, and mail to St. Joseph Rectory, Attn: Teresa, 227 SW Van Buren, Topeka, KS 66603.
Please provide your name and address, as we cannot count anonymous responses. We keep all forms in strict confidence. 

History
   Over the past few months, a committee has been meeting to look at completing a project Sacred Heart Church began nearly 60 years ago. In 1965 plans were drawn and approved for a new mid-century modern Sacred Heart Catholic Church building. Prior to that time, daily and weekly Masses had been held in what is now the Holy Family School basement. When completed (to a point - due to lack of funding) the indebtedness for the church building was nearly $135,000.
   There were a few unfinished major projects that were not completed due to that debt. They included compressors for air conditioning, acoustical materials, painting the basement and stained-glass windows. These projects, and many others (with the exception of windows), have been completed and redone over the years. However, permanent stained-glass windows to replace the “temporary” plastic windows still have not been done.
   There were several reasons stained-glass windows were not done at that time:
• Majority of the church had been completed, with the thought that non-critical projects could be done as funds became available.
• Not wanting to go into additional debt, with the building debt of $135,000.
• June 1966 Tornado - the costliest US tornado at that time - which went through the Sacred Heart and Oakland neighborhoods.
• 1969 parish assessment of $45,000 for the Hayden West gym and annex.
• Increase in salaries alone for the 1971-72 Sacred Heart school year amounting to $35,700.

How would we pay for this project?
The project would be funded through a Capital Campaign which would include:
• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) donation.
• Memorials for deceased family/parish members.
• Individual/family pledges over a specific period of time.
• One-time donations and special event donations.

Benefits
   The installation of stained-glass windows in Sacred Heart Church will:
• Complete a project many of our parents and grandparents began nearly 60 years ago.
• Generate energy savings (single layer of plastic vs. double layers of glass).
• Leave a lasting legacy for the future of our parish.
• Make a gift to future parishioners who have not yet been born and who will someday worship in our beautiful church.
   In addition to stained-glass windows, we wanted to take the opportunity to upgrade our outdated lighting system. The existing system does not provide adequate cost-effective lighting. Energy rebates from Evergy will help defray the cost of new fixtures and energy-efficient LED lighting. These upgrades will greatly improve our interior lighting and save money on our overall energy costs.
   The Window and Lighting Committee will select an Architect, General Contractor, Stained Glass Company and Lighting Design Team to complete the project. Father Tim, with the understanding of the Committee, has requested and received permission of the Archbishop to conduct a feasibility study. This is a required step of the Archdiocese and involves conducting a parish survey to measure the willingness of the parish to support the project with approval and financial resources. The feasibility study will be sent to parishioners at the end of January. More will be forthcoming when we have secured additional permissions. This will be a critical measure of what can be done towards the project.
   Much has been done already in the research and planning of the project. But much remains to be done in the coming year. We hope to be able to share design concepts with you when they become available.

Sacred Heart Stained-Glass Window & Lighting Committee
Father Tim Haberkorn
Maureen Steinbock
Rose Herman
Dave Schmidtlein
Dan Konrade
Teresa Thomas
Earl Flower
Shawn McGarity
Pat Sheehy
Betty Eakes
12/24

Sacred Heart Church
Stained Glass Window and Upgraded Lighting Project