Dear Friends and Supporters of the Rebuilding Our Church Campaign,

Here’s an update on what’s been happening in our archdiocese and with the campaign. You can find past updates here: https://rebuildingourchurch.ca/blog/2021/02/27/campaign-news-and-updates

Truth and Reconciliation and the Papal Visit

As you may know, Pope Francis is planning to visit Canada July 24-29–in the Edmonton area, the Quebec City area and Iqaluit. At that time, he is expected to offer an apology to Indigenous Peoples for the suffering they experienced at Catholic-run Residential Schools.
Here are the details of his plan:
 https://www.papalvisit.ca/catholic-bishops-welcome-announcement-of-program-for-papal-visit-to-canada/

Archbishop Don’s Truth & Reconciliation Committee and archdiocesan staff are working to help as many survivors of the four Catholic-run Residential Schools in our archdiocese as possible to experience the Pope’s apology, either in person or via livestream at one of various locations. They are also doing the pre-work for the survivor-led initiatives that will be funded by the archdiocese’s $2M commitment to truth and reconciliation.
To keep up to date on what’s happening, you can sign up for the Archdiocesan Weekly Report here: https://archregina.flocknote.com/ArchdioceseofRe2 , or keep in touch via the Arch website: https://archregina.sk.ca/ 

Archdiocese Development Office Update

We are beyond grateful for all the good work Donor Services Coordinator Maria Martinez offered to the campaign, and we wish her well in her new workplace. We also appreciated the stellar campaign support of Lisa Smith of DCG Philanthropic Services until the end of 2021.
Now the Arch Development Office has welcomed a new director, James Lipoth: https://archregina.sk.ca/news/2022/04/12/archdiocese-regina-welcomes-new-director-development. James, along with two more department members who will be joining next month, will be helping with the campaign in addition to the Archbishop’s Appeal and donor relationship-building. Former Interim Development Director George Kress has now joined our Campaign Cabinet Committee, so his wisdom and experience will continue to serve this effort.

Cathedral Renewal Update

When this campaign began, our plan was to begin renewal work on the cathedral once the fundraising portion of the work was complete. In consultation with leadership groups in the archdiocese, the new plan as of this year is to begin the highest-priority work with the cathedral’s net share of funds received and pledged, while also continuing donor conversations.
The Project Steering Committee established by Archbishop Don is working with Teresa Drew Project Management, SEPW Design Consultants and a working group of technical volunteers to plan the required work. Find out more about the committees here: https://rebuildingourchurch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rebuilding-Our-Church-Project-Team.pdf
The project has been organized into work packages, which can be completed in phases as funds are available. The highest-priority packages have now been identified; the detailed design and budgeting work is underway, and is expected to be completed by late fall of this year. The plan is for construction contracts to be awarded in the New Year, with construction commencing after that, weather permitting.

Pastoral Centre Update

As of June 1, archdiocesan staff have vacated their previous rented building, and 13 staff members are in temporary space for the next few months while others are working from home or elsewhere.
Rental space that will fit all staff members is now being secured, starting in September and for at least 3 years.
In consultation with leadership groups and in response to donor feedback, we are evaluating alternatives to the original plan of building new on the cathedral grounds. In the meantime, the goal remains to find a permanent home for the Pastoral Centre, as close to the cathedral as is workable. The Pastoral Centre’s net share of donations and pledges to date have been set aside to help make this permanent home a reality.

Our cabinet committee continues to meet regularly to plan next steps for the campaign. Feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments at: [email protected]

Blessings on your summer,
 Your Campaign team

Archbishop Don Bolen, Lisa Polk, Michelle Sanche, John Dipple, Mo Bundon, Samy McCarthy, Ron Kruzeniski, Garth Herbert, George Kress and James Lipoth