Particularly as we embark on Into the Deep and work toward the strategic realignment of our resources, a centralized office is essential for our pastorate. The need for a centralized office arises from several key motivations that will significantly benefit parishioners in Lodi, Dane, Waunakee, and Westport.

• Streamlining Administrative Tasks

  One of the primary advantages of centralizing our administrative functions is the significant improvement in operational efficiency. The establishment of a centralized parish office has already demonstrated remarkable improvements in operational efficiency. By consolidating functions such as financial management, event scheduling, and record-keeping, we have eliminated redundancies and standardized practices.

  This streamlined approach not only reduces the administrative load but also allows our priests and parish staff to focus more on our core mission—namely, to go make disciples. With administrative burdens lessened, priests can devote more of their energies to priorities such as school involvement, pastoral care, and overall availability. 

• Enhancing the Quality of Ministries
  Another substantial motive for establishing a centralized office is the enhancement of the quality of ministries, apostolates, and formation opportunities available to our parishioners. A unified parish staff can collaboratively develop and manage programs that benefit all four churches under our pastorate. These programs can include family-based formation, teen youth groups, young adult gatherings, and adult discipleship opportunities, as well as various Bible studies.

  The pooling of talents and resources from a larger, cohesive team has already led to the creation of more robust offerings throughout the pastorate. In addition, this has allowed for the coordination of pastorate-wide events that have brought together parishioners from all four churches, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

• Improving Communication and Collaboration
  With four churches, two schools, and multiple organizations within our pastorate, effective communication can sometimes become fragmented. A centralized office serves as a crucial hub for information sharing, ensuring that we are aligned in our mission and activities. This centralization helps to break down silos that can exist among the different entities and fosters a culture of collaboration. As parishioners see their churches working together more seamlessly, it cultivates a greater sense of community and belonging, reinforcing the mission of our pastorate.

• Fostering a Unified Vision
  A centralized office also plays a vital role in fostering a unified vision for our pastorate. By aligning our goals and strategies, we can ensure that all efforts are directed toward a common purpose. This unified vision is essential for creating a strong identity for our pastorate and helps to clarify the mission for all involved. When everyone understands the overarching goals and how their individual contributions fit into that framework, it can lead to increased motivation and engagement from both staff and parishioners.

• Balancing Centralization with Local Engagement
  While the establishment of a centralized pastorate office brings many benefits, it is equally important to maintain a strong, ongoing presence at each of our individual churches. Despite the centralization, we are fully committed to ensuring that the unique needs of each church are nurtured. By maintaining a strong, ongoing presence at each church, we can strike a balance between the efficiencies gained through centralization and the need for local engagement.

The renovation is still necessary for several reasons.

While the transition has been made to congregate staff, the space still requires significant adjustments to fully adapt from its old life as a rectory to its new function as a modern office. With limited room available, it is currently not possible for all the parish staff to work within the same building, which is essential for fostering a cohesive team dynamic. The renovation will focus on the layout, which will bring all the pastorate’s staff under one roof. Optimizing the layout will allow for better interaction, brainstorming, and collective problem-solving, all of which are crucial as we continue Into the Deep and the merger process. 

In addition to layout improvements, accessibility is a key factor that the renovation aims to address. Ensuring that the space is accessible to all staff and parishioners, including those with disabilities, is not only a matter of compliance but also a commitment to inclusivity. This will help create an environment where everyone feels welcome and able to participate fully in the life of our parish.

Another critical aspect of the renovation are several outstanding maintenance issues that need attention. These include foundation concerns that could compromise the structural integrity of the building, as well as damaged siding and aging windows. Outdated bathrooms also need to be modernized to meet contemporary standards and expectations. Addressing these issues will not only improve the functionality of the space but also enhance its appeal and ensure the long-term viability of the building. 

CG Schmidt conducted a thorough inspection of all pastorate facilities and prepared comprehensive maintenance reports. This assessment has been invaluable in understanding the current condition and future needs of our facilities.

Funds from this campaign will not be allocated for the repairs identified in the maintenance reports. According to the CG Schmidt report, our facilities are generally in good shape, which is reassuring. This positive assessment allows us to focus on addressing key repairs using our existing operating budget and savings. This approach ensures that we can manage our resources effectively while maintaining the integrity and functionality of our facilities.

To ensure that we continue to make informed decisions about our facilities, a dedicated building and grounds committee from the pastorate will examine the CG Schmidt report in detail. This committee will make recommendations to the Finance and Pastoral Councils about future repairs and prioritize them based on urgency. By involving a specialized committee, we hope to ensure that our approach to maintenance is thorough, strategic, and aligned with the long-term mission of our parish.

Yes, some funds were indeed raised for the repainting of the old St. John the Baptist Church, reflecting our parish’s commitment to preserving this important landmark. It is a cherished part of our community, and we understand the desire to see it beautified. However, given our current priorities, the repainting project will remain on hold. 

The special process required for the repainting is quite costly, with estimates exceeding $700,000. To date, a fraction of that has been raised. Those resources will remain in a restricted fund designated for the old church building. Once our immediate priorities are addressed, we hope to revisit the idea of repainting the old church and ensure it receives the attention it deserves.

Completed Steps:

• Needs Assessment (October 2023): The process began with a thorough reassessment of the necessity for a new centralized office space. This was prompted by changing needs and a desire to optimize resources effectively. Initially, the option of proceeding with the previously planned Phase II of the 2008 construction project was considered. However, this plan was ultimately deemed too expensive to pursue.

• Partnership with Iconica (May 2024): Iconica, a reputable design-to-build architecture firm based in Madison, was engaged to explore alternative solutions. The focus shifted to repurposing the old rectory building at St. John the Baptist. Iconica developed preliminary floor plans and a high-level budget, which were presented to the parish’s finance council. This proposal was met with unanimous approval, signaling a strong consensus to move forward with the project.

• Approval and Fundraising Initiatives (October 2024): After securing the necessary permissions from Bishop Hying and the diocesan building commission, the project was officially greenlit. The next immediate step involved initiating a fundraising campaign to gather the necessary financial resources for the project.

Desired Timeline and Future Steps:

• Quiet Phase of Fundraising (By Mid-December 2024): The initial phase of fundraising, known as the quiet phase, aims to secure significant contributions from key stakeholders and donors. This phase is crucial for building momentum and establishing a strong financial foundation.

• Community Engagement (End of December 2024): A comprehensive mailer will be distributed to all parishioners, inviting them to participate and contribute to this important project. This step is designed to foster community involvement and support.

• Completion of Fundraising (End of February 2025): The goal is to have all fundraising efforts finalized by February 2025. Achieving this milestone will ensure that the project remains on schedule and can proceed without financial hindrances.

• Construction Phase (Late Spring/Early Summer 2025): With funds in place, construction is set to begin in late spring or early summer of 2025. This phase will involve transforming the old rectory building into a functional and modern office space.

• Projected Move-In Date (Late Summer/Early Fall 2025): The anticipated completion of construction and subsequent move-in is targeted for late summer or early fall of 2025. This timeline allows for any potential delays and ensures a smooth transition into the new space.

The building project involves a collaborative effort. Parish trustees, members of the parish council, finance council, building and grounds committee, pastorate staff and a team of dedicated volunteers have assisted in shaping this effort.  Guidance from the Diocesan Building Commission continues to assist us, assuring our project remains consistent with the overarching goals of the Into the Deep realignment.