Over the past few months, I have been asked several times, “How much longer will I be with you at St.
Ludmila Parish. I am quickly approaching the end of my six-year term. I am excited to share with you, this
past week, I received my official letter, extending my ministry at St. Ludmila Parish for another six years from Archbishop Jackels. I am appreciative of the past six years and look forward to the opportunities that await us in the future! Today, I am going to share part of that dream!

Approximately two years ago, the Building and Grounds Committee of St. Ludmila Parish, spoke to the
congregation at the end of Mass, indicating that we were evaluating the buildings on our property and looking at the potential of building a new facility. Since that time, we have kept the parish informed through the bulletin, our website, social media and church announcements of our progress.

During the spring and summer of 2020, it was decided that the school and convent, (currently the Parish
Center), are no longer being used for their original purpose and it would be cost prohibitive to renovate these facilities for our current needs. At that time, it was mentioned that about every 15 to 20 years a parish either builds or renovates to make sure the parish is providing the space and resources necessary for their ministry and preparing for the future. When you exit the church today, you will see a timeline of St. Ludmila Parish and we have been faithful to that commitment. Building a school in 1916, a church in 1923, the original rectory about 1930, the current school in 1958, the convent in 1961, renovations to the original church in 1971, built the gymnasium in 1984, this worship space in 2001 and you purchased the current rectory in 2009.

As a parish and faith community, when you have seen a need, you have evaluated your options, reflected
on the sacrifices necessary and did what was needed, not only for that time in history, but you also continued to look to the future with hope and commitment. It is important to note, when you built this Church in 2001, there were approximately 600 registered families, today we have grown to approximately 1100 families. You had a vision to build for the future and God blessed us with many more faith-filled families who joined us on this
journey!

I am now asking you to help me take that leap of faith one more time! After a lot of prayer, discernment
and careful consideration, it has been decided to build a 35,000 square foot, Community Center, on two levels, for St. Ludmila Parish. This facility would house our offices, classrooms for Religious Education, Youth Ministry, a designated space for Bingo, an industrial kitchen that could be used for baking Kolaches, catering and providing community meals. This new facility would also provide an all-purpose space that could be used as a gymnasium, a reception hall, music facility or for family gatherings and parish functions.

The most important features of this facility include: it will be connected to our worship space in the
back corner of the church. It will be 100% accessible to all parishioners regardless of their physical abilities, it
will be zoned for heating and cooling purposes to save energy and our Natural Resources, it will include
security features for the safety of all. This facility will complement our worship space, as a witness and an
example to the broader community that we are a vibrant parish, not only looking at our current needs, but looking to the future with hope and promise!

Due to the leadership, sacrifices and the generosity of many people over the past 20 years, we are debt
free! With the guidance and support of our Finance Council and Pastoral Council we create a budget each year that allows us to track our income and expenses. I am happy to report, for the past six years we have operated in the black, carefully watching our income and expenses. As your pastor, I believe it is important to be transparent, accountable and a wise steward of the sacrificial financial resources you have entrusted to the parish.

Also, I did not make this decision lightly when considering if now is the right time to build a new
facility. The Archdiocese of Dubuque has been consulted each step along the way and they have been
supportive and encouraging. At our last meeting they stated, “Thank you for having the courage and foresight to look at all options, rather than staying with the status quo. Sometimes building new is better than trying to renovate. We believe you have done your homework, and we support you in this effort.”

The total cost of this project will be $8,000,000! This is a big number! However, if we all do our part,
this goal is attainable. Since January, I have been working with a team of parishioners who have volunteered their time to help bring this goal to reality.

I am excited to inform you that as of 12:00 noon on Friday, I am excited to announce we have received
pledges and cash donations totaling $4,011,510!

Over the past five months, I have been asked several times, “Fr. Ken, how are you supporting this effort
personally?” I want to publicly share with you that I believe in the work of the committee, that has put together these plans, and I have pledged two year’s salary toward the Legacy of Faith Campaign, payable over the next five years! Why? I want to invest in our staff, the youth of our parish and I want to help you provide a facility for the members of St. Ludmila Parish that we can all be proud of!

What am I asking of you today? Your prayers! I am very humbled by the individuals who have made
the initial commitments necessary to make this announcement today. For those who have not yet pledged, you are invited to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrificial gift you can provide to make our Legacy of Faith Campaign a success.

Next Sunday (May 22nd) at 9:15 AM, there will be a presentation in the Social Hall for those who would
like to learn more about this project. During the Masses, those who have pledged will confirm their intentions.

Those who have not yet pledged a sacrificial gift will have an opportunity at that time. This will allow us to
build a Community Center that will be accessible to all and will enhance our ministry at St. Ludmila Parish.
(For those of you watching via live stream, I am also reaching out to you for your support. If you would like
more information, please send me an email and we will put a packet in the mail for your consideration.)
If you have already made a pledge, you received a letter from me this past week, thanking you for your
sacrificial gift. If you have not yet pledged, you will be receiving a letter from me this coming week inviting
you to join us in our success!

Please read the Pastor’s Corner this week as this provides some statistical information and the list of the
Legacy of Faith Committee Members. In the gathering space, we have pictures of the proposed Community
Center and the time line I spoke of. Committee members will be available to answer any questions. If you would like to visit with someone on the committee personally, please sign up in the gathering space and they will contact you this week.

At noon on Sunday, this homily will be available online, or you can view it through our Facebook page. Our online giving portal will also go live where you can make a pledge or donation.

Thank you for your past financial support of St. Ludmila Parish. I also ask that you join me in praying
for the success of our Legacy of Faith Campaign.