Frequently Asked Questions (updated March, 2025)

A. Cathedral Renewal

A1) Why does the cathedral matter? Holy Rosary Cathedral serves as the Mother Church of the archdiocese, and is used for a variety of purposes, from ordinations, funerals and weddings, to Chrism Masses, school opening Masses, the Archbishop’s Levee, and other gatherings and events. Holy Rosary Cathedral is central to the Cathedral Area, and is an extraordinary landmark in the City of Regina. It was built and maintained by our ancestors, and has now passed to us to care for.

A2) Why does Holy Rosary Cathedral need renewal and why now? After 110+ years, the cathedral’s aging systems are beginning to fail. Renewal can happen more effectively by using a master plan for how all the moving parts will fit together, rather than by simply reacting to emergencies as they occur.

B. About the Rebuilding Our Church Capital Campaign

B1) What is the difference between the Archbishop’s Appeal  and the Rebuilding Our Church Campaign? The Archbishop’s Appeal raises funds annually for pastoral ministries and programs throughout the archdiocese. The Rebuilding Our Church Campaign is a one-time opportunity to meet the critical needs of the cathedral (and pastoral centre) for this century.

B2) Why are 5-year pledges being encouraged instead of one-time donations? Donations can be made in any form that is preferred by donors. 5-year pledges are often easier to manage than lump sums. They enable people to give a larger gift than they might otherwise consider, and this campaign will need that in order to succeed. Some donors may choose to pledge for a shorter time, and hope to continue their pledge for the full 5 years should their financial circumstances allow.

C. Finances

D1) What will happen if not enough money is raised for cathedral restoration and repair? Work on the cathedral is proceeding in phases. Only the work that can be funded in each phase will be completed. As of early 2025, Phase 1 (Accessibility and South Stair Replacement) is complete. There will be 3 more phases to come: Phase 2 (Towers and  North Façade), Phase 3 (Infrastructure and Lower Level), and Phase 4 (Building Envelope).

D2) How will the donations be managed? Donations to the Rebuilding Our Church Campaign will be managed and invested by the Archdiocese of Regina Foundation Inc. in an interest bearing account until they are needed. The interest income will be invested in the projects. The Foundation is a registered charity that has been set up for this purpose.

D. Construction

D1) Who oversees the construction projects? The Archdiocese of Regina Foundation oversees the project via the Project Steering Committee, supported by working groups and a professional project management firm: Teresa Drew Consulting.

D2) How does the cathedral project stay on budget? The Archdiocese of Regina Foundation establishes the budget via the Project Steering Committee, and the budget includes an owner’s contingency for unexpected expenses. The Project Manager and Project Steering Committee monitor to ensure that the project stays on budget. Phase 1 of the project was completed at just slightly under its $2.6M budget.

D3) Who is responsible for evaluating and awarding contracts? The Archdiocese of Regina Foundation via the Project Steering Committee, with support from the Project Manager.

E. Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre

E1) What is happening with the Pastoral Centre? The first part of the Rebuilding Our Church Campaign allocated 11/17 of funds received to the cathedral an 6/17 to the Pastoral Centre. In the meantime, since their rented building was sold by the Regina Catholic School Board, the Pastoral Centre staff moved to office space in a building on Scarth St.

E2) What is happening with Holy Rosary School and the Catholic Education Centre next to the cathedral? Holy Rosary Community School and the former Catholic Education Centre have been found to be unsafe for further use, and are being demolished in 2025. The Archdiocese of Regina has agreed to purchase the land on which they sit, and hopes to build a permanent Pastoral Centre at that location when the time is right. The Pastoral Centre’s net share of campaign donations and pledges to date has been set aside to help make this permanent home a reality, and until then, further fundraising for the Pastoral Centre has been put on hold.

E3) Why do we need a permanent pastoral centre for Archbishop Don and pastoral staff? Their common working space is the hub for Catholic service and ministries in southern Saskatchewan. Every parish and many important spiritual and community projects receive support from this hub: https://rebuildingourchurch.ca/the-catholic-pastoral-centre/