Dear Friends and Supporters of the Rebuilding Our Church Campaign,
Here’s an update on what’s been happening with the campaign and in our archdiocese.
Cathedral Renewal Update
Our cathedral renewal plan has evolved, and the cathedral’s share of the campaign funds received so far (approximately $3.7M) is being used for the planning and design for phased work packages, beginning with those of highest priority. While the planning and work are underway, quiet phase conversations with potential donors about specific components of the work packages will be ongoing.
Archbishop Don’s Project Steering Committee is working diligently so that construction work on the first two work packages (barrier-free access and south stair replacement) can begin in the 2023 construction season.
To learn more about the cathedral and work phases, see the following documents:
–Rebuilding Our Church Project Work Phase 1
–Rebuilding Our Church Project Work Phase 2
Pastoral Centre Update
As of last month, Pastoral Centre staff have moved to a rented location on Scarth St. Now that they are in a stable place for the time being, there is the opportunity to reassess and discern the best permanent plan for the Pastoral Centre location.
For more information about the history and decision-making process, see the following document:
Truth and Reconciliation and the Papal Visit
Our archdiocesan team transported and accompanied Indigenous survivors via bus to Pope Francis’s stops at Maskwacis, Edmonton and Lac Ste. Anne in Alberta.
-Here’s Archbishop Don’s evaluation of the Pope’s visit: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/08/02/pope-francis-canada-indigenous-archbishop-bolen-243460
-Learn more about how our archdiocese marked National Day of Truth and Reconciliation here: https://archregina.sk.ca/newsstory/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation-being-honest-about-past/
Archdiocese Development Office Update
Director James Lipoth has been joined by Donor Services Coordinators Jose Argerami and Brianne Cascanette. Their first order of business has been to get the 2022 Archbishop’s Appeal ready for September and manage the processes through the fall. They have also been getting up to speed on the Rebuilding Our Church Campaign, in preparation for moving forward with Campaign work in connection with our Campaign Cabinet Committee.
Gratitude
As a committee we’d like to thank you for your faithfulness, your generosity and your patience. This campaign has had many twists and turns, and we are trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us through the surprises that await. We are excited that the cathedral will receive some of the care it needs in 2023, and that the Pastoral Centre staff have space from which to serve.
May the Lord bless you and all your family and friends as we await the light of Christmas.
Your Campaign team
Archbishop Don Bolen, Lisa Polk, Michelle Sanche, John Dipple, Mo Bundon, Samy McCarthy, Ron Kruzeniski, Garth Herbert and James Lipoth
P.S. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments: [email protected]
P.P.S. You can find past updates here: https://rebuildingourchurch.ca/blog/2021/02/27/campaign-news-and-updates