Our Capital Campaign: Living Stewardship and Continuing Our Parish Legacy

Thanks to the generosity in both prayer and donated funds, the Our Lady of Lourdes repairs — supported by the 2020 Capital Campaign — are now underway. In total, 221 households contributed more than $760,000 — which surpassed the campaign goal of $600,000. Additional funds will be held for any future or unforeseen repairs.

“These repairs are critical to the structure of Our Lady of Lourdes,” says Fr. Ben Kociemba. “With the building nearing 100 years old, we are excited to have this work completed to help maintain one of the most beautiful churches in the St. Cloud Diocese.”

The majority of the work will be done by a contractor from the St. Cloud area who specializes in repairs on churches with the same type of architecture as Our Lady of Lourdes. This was an important consideration in choosing a contractor. Parishioners Greg and Michelle Blaine, who helped lead the campaign as Chairpersons, are thankful to be members at Our Lady of Lourdes and to have played a part in this important project. Fr. Ben appreciates all their work and their trustful, servant leadership.

“The repairs and renovation to our church will provide a viable place of worship for many generations to come,” the couple says.

The repairs include critical fixes to the towers, steeples and roof. There has been a problem with leaks causing water damage to the ceilings and bricks, as well as discolorations. The bells will be upgraded for automation and to be able to play more songs. The main entrance, sacristy, stairwells and parts of the sanctuary floor will also be getting new carpet and tile. The stained glass windows need repair, as they are showing signs of deterioration. The school building’s new boiler project is also in need of completion. Lastly, there are utility issues to address in bringing the building and parking lot up to code. It is hoped that everything will be wrapped up by June.

Fr. Ben has been amazed by people’s generosity. He is so thankful that people are willing to support the upkeep of our parish, which helps serve the Church’s mission to make disciples.

“I just want to give a big thanks to all the parishioners, from the bottom of this heart,” Fr. Ben says. “They are living stewardship. They are stepping forward to take care of what God has given them. Thanks, also, to the Holy Family and St. Mary’s parishioners for their gifts and prayers.”

Our beautiful Campaign Prayer perfectly encompasses Fr. Ben’s and the Blaines’ hopes for this project:

“Almighty God, we faithfully acknowledge your mercy and generosity. Give us the grace to respond to your call for discipleship and evangelization. As humble stewards, we fully invest ourselves in attaining the goal of our Capital Campaign with loving generosity for You and future generations. With the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, grant us all that we need to complete your mission, through Christ our Lord Amen.”

Just as those who came before us and built our area churches wanted a beautiful place to worship, it is our responsibility to treat these buildings with respect. They worked hard to make these buildings possible, and this is our chance to continue that legacy. We look forward to enjoying the beauty of Our Lady of Lourdes for many years to come.

“We are here to serve the mission of making disciples,” Fr. Ben says. “The building is meant to serve the mission.”