December 16, 2015 // Local

St. Dominic Church in Bremen blesses Good Shepherd Hall

Todays Catholic

By Phoebe Muthart

BREMEN — St. Dominic Church in Bremen blessed its new addition, Good Shepherd Hall, on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Father Bob Lengerich, pastor of St. Dominic, said the project had been a long-time mission of the parish, “a dream of many.”

The addition includes a chapel, kitchen and ground-level restrooms. “A lot of work went on behind the scenes,” Father Lengerich said, and several parishioners to made the addition a reality. The project dates back 10 years in the discussion and planning stages to accommodate concerns for aging parishioners and safe access to restrooms. The church was founded more than 50 years ago.

The conceptual and planning stages of the annex project began with the Master Planning and Cohesive Leadership Team created by Father Lengerich. The building committee also had a representative on that team. Tom Keller led the group, which was called the Design Leadership Team and consisted of Keller, Doug DeSchepper and Steve Burkins.

Burkins’ area of concern was the building itself, especially the interior. Burkins’ wife Kristi contributed to the interior decorating. DeSchepper took care of the groundwork and the hall’s exterior. Keller acted as project manager and handled the financial responsibility and communications.

Father Lengerich noted the project was a team effort that involved many dedicated volunteers.

The church needed to raise $550,000 to make the project a reality. The church’s pledge drive committee canvased the entire parish.

“It is important to note that we enlisted the help and advice of many others along the way,” stressed Keller, whose wife, Toni, was at the heart of the fundraising efforts, keeping track of the money raised.

The Hispanic brethren organized fundraisers. Several parish committees were involved in fundraising — including landscaping, building, finance, Knight of Columbus, rosary sodality, Catholic Men’s Club — to make the project possible. Fortunately, the project came in under budget at $549,000.22.

“Over 38 percent of the congregation contributed to the efforts with their time, talents and treasure. How can we possibly recognize one without acknowledging all?” said Keller.

Another parish couple, Gene and Mary Myers, donated $55,000 to St. Dominic Church.

Tom Keller noted that Father Lengerich’s leadership, prayers and guidance were of paramount importance throughout the efforts.

“Bishop Kevin Rhoades and his staff’s support and approvals were also critical to our success,” stressed Keller.

The Design Leadership Team members are only three of the many men and women that helped. The sod was donated, but an irrigation system cost $2,000.

The DeSchepper family cleared the stones, among other instrumental projects.

Parishioner Glenn Godbold, of Glenn’s Custom Creations, built the chapel’s altar and side table, donating his time and talent to the project. The Corian top and center oval can be removed to change for the different seasons.

“Last, and certainly not least, we cannot say enough regarding the professional design and construction services, provided by Ancon Construction Company, in Goshen,” said Keller.

“I think we had a great team effort and a great contractor to work with in Ancon,” said Burkins.

During the blessing, Father Lengerich also noted two other men who helped with the project: parishioners Bert Egging and Sergio Aguayo.

The church’s basement was also remodeled to make way for much needed religious education classrooms. A food pantry is also located in the church basement.