Members Sought for Two Diocesan Committees

By Michael F. Flach
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 7/18/02)

As the Capital Campaign prepares to shift into full gear, diocesan officials have turned their attention toward shaping and executing final plans for two campaign goals: the priests’ retirement home and the spirituality center.

The Diocesan Priests' Council recently endorsed a proposal that encourages diocesan parishes to recommend the names of clergy, religious or parishioners who could serve on two separate committees to help finalize plans for these specific projects.

As of July 16, more than $31 million had been pledged toward the campaign goal of $75 million. In addition to the retirement home and spirituality center, other targeted projects include two new diocesan high schools, educational endowments, parish needs and a family shelter for Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to oversee the development of its new homeless shelter for families.

Pastors will send possible names for the two committees, which will consist of 8 to10 members serving two-year terms, Bishop Paul S. Loverde by Aug. 15.

"The diocese is looking for broad collaboration," said Father Daniel Maher, diocesan episcopal vicar for finance. "The request is for pastors to suggest parishioners with the appropriate background who might be considered for service.

"The planning committees will study existing facilities as well as undeveloped properties," he said.

Members of the Priests’ Retirement Home Planning Committee and the Spirituality Center Planning Committee will be asked to perform many of the same duties:

• Evaluate and determine an appropriate location from within the diocese’s property portfolio for new construction or renovation of an existing structure for the retirement home and/or spirituality center.
• Identify the essential requirements which retired priests need addressed within a retirement/assisted-living facility and develop a design concept which satisfies those requirements.
• Prepare and manage an appropriate project budget.
• Work with the diocese’s Office of Construction Management and project architect to finalize facility design.
• And identify an effective facility management strategy.

Potential members for the retirement home committee should have experience in legal counsel, architecture, engineering, fiscal management, facilities management or elder care.

Membership on the spirituality center committee also might include those people involved in the Cursillo Movement, Marriage Encounter, Legion of Mary and Third Order groups.

Those interested in being considered for membership in either committee should contact their pastors. Appropriate names will then be forwarded to Bishop Loverde and Father Maher for consideration.

Individuals interested in the position with Catholic Charities should mail their resume to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, ATTN: FSPC Search, 200 N. Glebe Road, Ste. 506, Arlington, VA 22203 Fax: 703-841-3840 or email: webmaster@ccda.net. No phone calls will be accepted.

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