The Office of Worship may help identify relevant renovation projects for parishes and assist with next steps in the process of such initiatives. No renovation of a worship space shall commence or is to proceed beyond the design phase without the written approval of the diocesan Bishop.

The 2012 diocesan Instruction on Capital Projects governs renovation projects for parishes or diocesan covered entities. If a renovation or capital project involves changes to a worship space, then the parish/covered entity must contact the diocesan Bishop prior to undertaking such a project, regardless of the cost of the project. The Pastor/Administrator must also contact the Director of the Office for Worship to discuss the project and to identify all relevant liturgical laws, if any, pertaining to the proposed project.

Please contact the Diocesan Facilities Services Corporation to receive a copy of the Instruction on Capital Projects.

No renovation of a worship space shall commence or is to proceed beyond the design phase without the written approval of the diocesan Bishop.

Renovation Process Outline:

• Discuss capital improvement or worship space renovation needs with parish staff persons and/or an internal parish committee.
• Have the parish staff/committee read and discuss Built of Living Stones.
• Contact the Office for Worship and/or the Diocesan Facilities Services Corporation to discuss proposed projects.
• Write a letter addressed to the Bishop, seeking permission to begin the renovation planning process, fund-raising, or to enter the project design phase.
• After receiving written permission, proceed with the renovation planning process, fund-raising and/or project designs.
• When project designs are completed, contact the Director of the Office for Worship and/or the Diocesan Facilities Services Corporation for input on the completed designs.
• Contact the diocesan Bishop, requesting written permission to proceed with the construction phase of the project.
• When the construction phase is nearing completion or is completed, contact the diocesan Bishop and the Office for Worship to request the dedication or blessing of the renovated worship space or new liturgical elements according to the appropriate rites of the Church.