Capital Campaign

Spreading Roots, Growing Saints

The future of St. Louis Catholic High School

Standing on the shoulders of giants, since 1970, St. Louis Catholic Saints have accomplished tremendous feats. Over 8,000 alumni have left their mark on the area, region, and nation. However, we are now at a pivotal point in our history. Following the devastation of Hurricane Laura in 2020, the decision to move the campus was made to ensure the school’s growth and commitment to St. Louis Catholic’s mission. The Spreading Roots, Growing Saints Capital Campaign supports this vision for the future of St. Louis Catholic: a transformative, state-of-the-art campus that will continue to

Honor and Praise God in All Ways.

Respecting Our Roots

The relocation of the campus was a strategic choice aimed at cementing the enduring prosperity of St. Louis Catholic.

This move guarantees a cohesive high school journey, all within the confines of a unified campus. Simultaneously, the administration remains dedicated to upholding the time-honored customs that have firmly established us as a cornerstone within the community of Lake Charles.

Measuring the Impact

The value of the new campus of St. Louis Catholic is not measured primarily by its cost or additional square footage, but instead how the campus will improve the lives of the students, families, and community for future generations.

What does the construction project include?

Current Phase

Academic Facilities
The heart of this phase is a state-of-the-art main academic building, designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and an exceptional learning environment for both students and educators. With larger, more flexible classrooms, the new building will support modern teaching methods and provide adaptable learning spaces. Its college-like atmosphere will better prepare students for higher education. In addition, a dedicated science building will enhance our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, equipping students for careers in emerging fields.

Athletic Facilities
A cutting-edge gymnasium will provide our student-athletes with a true home court for the first time, creating a dedicated space for school pride and athletic excellence. A new soccer field and athletic fieldhouse will further enhance both competitive sports and physical education programs, supporting student health and wellness.

Infrastructure & Support Spaces
The central plant will serve a dual purpose: it will house the campus’s critical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems while also offering hands-on vocational education spaces for students interested in trades and technical careers.

The new campus is expected to be completed by approximately January 2027. The groundbreaking was held on January 12, 2025.

Future Phases

Visual & Media Arts Building
A dedicated visual and media arts facility will provide creative spaces where students can explore artistic expression through traditional and digital media.

Chapel
A beautiful 800-seat chapel will allow the entire school community to gather for Mass, prayer services, and spiritual celebrations.

Athletics Expansion
Future athletic enhancements will include a football/track & field stadium, complete with concessions, as well as dedicated baseball and softball stadiums and tennis facilities, creating a comprehensive athletic complex that supports student-athletes across a wide range of sports.

Campaign Goals

Initial Phase

St. Louis Catholic is thrilled to be the recipient of $32.2 milion in FEMA allocation following the destruction of Hurricane Laura. This award encompasses the construction of a state-of-the-art academic building, an athletic field house, two practice fields, a central plant, and essential school infrastructure.

Why Invest

Luke 12:48 “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.” St. Louis Catholic is far more than a school, it is a community linked by the tradition that Honors and Praises God…In All Ways. Ensuring that future students have facilities which enhance the school’s mission, through rigorous academics, competitive athletic programs, thriving art opportunities, all immersed in spiritual formation, is our responsibility.

There are many options to help meet your needs while supporting St. Louis Catholic in a meaningful way. Selecting the best gift plan depends on your personal financial situation and goals. You may want to consider stretching pledges over a three-year period to maximize the total amount of support. This commitment can be fulfilled through monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual installments.

Pledges

Pledges are commitments made in good faith. Because tax laws change and each situation is unique, donors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisor to determine which method of contributing is most beneficial.

Cash or Check

Gifts made by cash or check are the most common and will allow St. Louis Catholic to address its immediate needs. Checks should be made payable to St. Louis Catholic High School.

Gifts of Securities

Gifts of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds are encouraged when supporters have the desire to make a charitable gift and avoid capital gains tax. Please reach out to Rob Acord in the Advancement Department for delivery details to share with your brokerage provider to complete your gift to the Spreading Roots, Growing Saints Capital Campaign.

Direct Qualified Charitable Distribution from a Retirement Account

Benefactors can make charitable gifts using funds from tax-deferred individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Donors may use this strategy to satisfy part, or all, of their required minimum distribution and lower overall tax liability to benefit St. Louis Catholic.

Real Estate

Gifts of property entitle a donor to an income tax deduction equal to the full market value with no tax on capital gains. Please contact the Advancement Office to discuss opportunities.

Planned Gifts

Planned gifts provide opportunities to make a meaningful commitment to the campaign now as part of your financial and estate planning. Such gifts can allow donors to accomplish charitable giving goals and take advantage of tax laws. Opportunities may include:

Bequests from a will or a living trust
Real estate
Designating St. Louis Catholic as a beneficiary (for example, brokerage transfer on death agreement, retirement account beneficiaries, or life insurance beneficiaries)
Various trust options (for example, a charitable lead trust).

Corporate Matching Gifts

A matching gift program provided through an employer or board membership may allow a donor to increase the size of their donation. Many companies match charitable gifts of employees, retirees, or board members. St. Louis Catholic High School is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

This information is not intended as legal advice. You are advised to consult your own qualified professional advisor for specific recommendations.

Pledge Discernment

“O my God, teach me to be generous to serve you as you deserve to be served to give without counting the cost to fight without fear of being wounded to work without seeking rest and to spend myself without expecting any reward but the knowledge that I am doing your holy will.”

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Campaign Leadership

St. Louis Catholic High School Leadership

General Chair

Owner Parishes

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the transition to our new campus a reality. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in this journey, and we truly appreciate your commitment to St. Louis Catholic High School. Thank you for helping us embark on this exciting new chapter.

Honor and Praise God in All Ways.

Construction Leadership

FAQs

Where can I get information on the bidding process?

The construction bid for the new campus on Corbina Road and the demolition bid for the Bank Street property released simultaneously on Thursday, October 10 on the Central Bidding website: https://centralbidding.com/. All inquiries regarding the bidding process should be directed to Champeaux, Evans & Hotard at 337-439-8871.

Who pays for the demolition of the structures on the Bank Street property that have been declared a total loss or non-repairable by FEMA?

As per FEMA grant regulations, the entity who owns the property at the time of the declared disaster is eligible to demolish all buildings that FEMA has determined to be “total loss/not eligible for repair” and are obligated for replacement. In contrast, the new owner would not be eligible to be reimbursed for demolition.

What happens with the Bank Street property?

St. Nicholas Center for Children is buying the Bank Street property in a three-phased approach. To learn more about the phases and their progress, visit their website at www.stnickcenter.org/catchthespirit/. The Board of Pastors expressed that the sale of the Bank Street property to the St. Nicholas Center for Children fulfills Bishop Provost’s desire that the property be used for a good and honorable purpose that upholds the values of Catholic Education, while at the same time ensuring that Saint Louis moves to its new campus on Corbina Road.

How will St. Louis Catholic be improved after this campaign?

The capacity to host all athletic activities on a single campus, a first in the school’s long and illustrious history, as so many schools in the region.
Serving the entire Diocese of Lake Charles, the completion of the new campus will allow us to increase enrollment, resulting in a greater impact on the area.
We will be able to provide greater financial aid to serve more Southwest Louisiana families.
To ensure that this campus remains viable for generations yet to come, the maintenance and sustainability of the structures are vital. Funds will be earmarked for facility insurance and maintenance.