A place for Manitowoc’s catholic parishioners has been dedicated.
The Chamber of Manitowoc County recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new St. Francis of Assisi Office and Gathering Center, located directly next to the parish on Grand Avenue.
Senior Pastor Father Doug LeCaptain told the crowd that the project was still in the planning stages when he first arrived eight years ago.
It’s now great to see a new building serving those who worship.
LeCaptain tells SeehaferNews.com that a very important part is being able to gather.
“We can do more talking and visiting out here and more praying in church,” he stated. “One of the challenges, a lot of the time in church we sit and talk too much, and this will provide (a space for) that. And then we can serve coffee and whatever else with that as well.”
LeCaptain noted that the former St. Andrew’s School would not have been able to accommodate staff and parishioners.
But now that their offices are next to one of their worship sites, it’s better for them.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish launched a campaign called Rebuild My Church, in which members raised $3.2 million to build the new building.
They are still looking to raise $150,000 to complete the project.
LeCaptain also says their new space is more convenient for everybody.
“Like when we do a funeral, the wait come and they’ll be here for a couple of hours,” he explained. “When I’m at the office by the church, it just allows me to float in and out very easily. And we have a staff here then to greet people and be a part of asking questions and everything that’s needed.”
The parish office and gathering space will be open almost every day of the week.
Their former office building on 8th Street is currently up for sale.
