Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ~ Philippians 2:2

Project Overview: Proposed Rectory Spirit of Life Catholic Church ~ Mandan, North Dakota

June 2016

In June 2015, our parish priests vacated their rectory so that it could be converted into a convent for four Carmelite sisters who are graciously serving our parish. For nearly a year, Fr. Kadrmas has had temporary quarters at Christ the King rectory and Msgr. Gion is living in one of the parish’s trailer homes. This July, Spirit of Life will welcome a third priest, who will also be quartered in a trailer house. Last summer, knowing a permanent rectory for our priests would be needed, a sub-committee comprised of members of the Parish Council and Finance Council began work on design of a new rectory. In late fall 2015, this working group compiled its analysis and presented its findings to the Finance Council for initial feedback. Now that Msgr. Gion has returned from service in Kosovo, planning for the project has resumed. The next step is to present the plan to parishioners for consideration. Before launching a fund drive for this big-ticket item, it’s important to get a ‘read’ on parishioners’ sentiments. In addition to publishing this informative document, volunteers will be visiting with as many parishioners as possible to answer questions and invite you to complete a confidential survey. When a volunteer calls, please accept the offer to visit. In this way, parishioners will have an opportunity to be well informed and share their thoughts. Sincerely yours in Christ,

Patrick Lengenfelder, Trustee/Chair Bob Biwer, Chair Msgr. Chad Gion Spirit of Life Finance Council Spirit of Life Parish Council Pastor

Msgr. Gion in front of his current living quarters.

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Proposed Rectory for Spirit of Life Catholic Church

Questions and Answers

What prompted the need for a new rectory? Every day, nearly 200 people come through the doors of Spirit of Life seeking spiritual and/or material help. With one of the largest food pantries in the state, the parish distributed over 300,000 pounds of food last year. In addition, hundreds of parish volunteers helped serve hot meals and ministered in various ways to 9,600 adults and 9,300 children. As a Catholic community, we have taken to heart Jesus’ words “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters…” (Mt 25:40). With so much demand upon the parish, it became clear that having Sisters on staff would be a tremendous blessing. Four Carmelites were willing to come, but they would need a place to live. To expedite their arrival, the parish renovated the existing rectory last summer at cost of $40,000 to make it suitable as a convent. That project has been paid in full. Our priests have been living in temporary quarters ever since. Where would the rectory be located? After considering options, the current plan calls for constructing a rectory in the existing rosary walk area and relocating the rosary walk farther south. What’s included in the plan? A rectory is more like a small 4-plex than a single-family home. The plan reflects Diocesan guidelines calling for private space for each priest. Each will have their own bedroom, bath, and small sitting area. In addition, there are shared common areas such as living room, chapel, den, study, kitchen and dining. Plans call for an attached 3-stall garage. The lower level is configured for overnight hosting of groups of priests (such as monthly priests’ fraternity groups), seminarians, or priests’ parents who have travelled from out of town. What is the estimated cost? Hopfauf Custom Builders has drawn up plans. With furniture, fixtures, and equipment, plus a ‘contingency’ for unexpected costs, the project is estimated at $807,000.

Over 300,000 pounds of food were distributed through our food pantry last year. This is just one of the many outreach activities sponsored by the parish.

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The lower level on the South side lets in natural sunlight.

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Are there Diocesan guidelines for parishes engaged in a project like this? Yes. The Diocesan Building Commission consists of a group of experienced contractors who review all major parish projects within the Diocese. They are a helpful resource and provide an important oversight function. To ensure fiscal prudence, the Diocesan Finance Council is another part of a system of checks and balances within the Catholic Church. They review and must approve the financial plan. Typically, parishes must have 100% of the cost of the project pledged and 50% cash-in-hand before the Diocese gives final permission to proceed. Given the urgency to “bring our priests home,” the Diocese has waived the second requirement. As needed, the Diocese will allow us to borrow at favorable rates from the Expansion Fund. To complete the work in short order, a loan is typically needed, as many parishioners pledge over a period of years. Does the parish have any savings to devote to the project? Is there any funding available from the Diocese of Bismarck? The building fund currently has $10,000. In addition, the parish has $90,000 in savings that serves as operating reserves. The diocese does not make grants, only loans. What about foundation grants? There may be foundations favorable to Catholic causes that we can approach for modest grants. Typically, grant revenue is a small portion of total dollars raised.

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The Next Step in Planning: Parish Consultation & Survey

Before launching a campaign, it’s important to get a ‘read’ on parishioners’ sentiments. Over the next two months, parish leadership and scores of volunteers will make best efforts to survey hundreds of parishioners. They will visit, answer questions, and invite you to complete a confidential survey in private. Through this consultative process, we aim to determine (a) whether parishioners feel the project is moving in the right direction, and (b) the likelihood that a capital campaign would raise the needed funds. When a volunteer calls, please accept the offer to visit. In this way, parishioners will have an opportunity to be well informed and share their thoughts on the proposed project. When would the project break ground? If the parish consultation and survey yield a positive response, we would proceed in late July with a capital campaign and at the same time authorize the contractor to begin work on or about July 25. That would allow them to get the building framed up before winter sets in. If the parish launches a campaign in July, how much are we expected to give? That is a private decision between you, your family, and God. At the same time, reaching a goal of $800,000 requires a clear plan as illustrated in the table below. The first column indicates the number of gifts required at each giving level. For example, we would need 20 gifts/pledges at the $5,000 level (e.g., a pledge of $1,000 per year x 5 years, or 60 monthly payments of $83.33).

Gifts Required to Raise $800,000

Gifts Needed Gift Amount Value Running Total

1 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000

2 $50,000 $100,000 $175,000

4 $25,000 $100,000 $275,000

12 $10,000 $120,000 $395,000

20 $5,000 $100,000 $495,000

40 $2,500 $100,000 $595,000

70 $1,500 $105,000 $700,000

Many Other Gifts $100,000 $800,000

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Project Overview: Proposed Rectory Spirit of Life Catholic Church

801 South 1st St SE, Mandan ND | 701-663-1660 www.myspiritoflife.com

Inside: Floor Plans, Drawings, More!

Msgr. Chad Gion, Pastor Fr. Christopher Kadrmas, Associate Pastor

Finance Council

Msgr. Chad Gion Fr. Christopher Kadrmas

Lynn Geary

Caroline Kozojed Patrick Lengenfelder, Chair

Steve Moore

Karen Rohr David Volk

Parish Council

Msgr. Chad Gion Bob Biwer, Chair

Ryan Caya Kevin Martian Steve Moore

Nathan Swenson Pam Treib

Spirit of Life Catholic Church 801 South 1st St SE Mandan ND 58554 Address Service Requested Inside: Rectory Floor Plans, Drawings, More!

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Mandan ND

Permit No. 299