Rectory Campaign

“Jesus said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.’ Simon said in reply, ‘Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking.”

— Luke 5:4-7

A new rectory for Latah County has been purchased by the diocese. It will ultimately be the shared property of the four churches, in the councils’ agreed upon ratio, 53-30-9-8. The diocese is giving us time to encourage everyone to contribute what they can. As the bishop said, what is most important is that all participate, as all have been caught in the big net of fish cast by our Lord and are part of His Church.

While the overall goal is $1,150,000, each church has a local goal. St Mary’s, Moscow’s is $609,500; St. Augustine’s is $345,000; St. Mary’s, Genesee’s is $103,500; and St. Mary’s, Potlatch’s is $92,000.

You can contribute in all the normal ways—check, stock, donor-advised funds, crop commodities, cash, etc.—just indicate ‘rectory’ on the memo line. You can add to the memo the name of the local church to support its goal or not specify and give to the overall goal, benefitting all the churches with our shared ratio of 53-30-9-8.

There are no plans to divert funds or cancel support for any of our many other ministries or needs, quite the opposite. I am very hopeful that our outreach and evangelization will continue to grow and reach more people. Certainly, most of our Masses are full, our religious education program and school have seen significant year on year growth, and there are dozens interested in becoming Catholic. Ideally, a faithful parish is known for its stewardship. While tithing will more than cover needs and provide for growth, special campaigns can help people to visualize and understand the purpose of a special financial gift. In the short-term, St. Augustine’s has savings that can cover its goal and the missions’ goals while fundraising happens. St. Mary’s, Moscow will be able to service a loan from the diocese, if it is needed, by the rental income from the old rectory.