Fr. Kennedy further explained the formation of a Master Planning Committee one year ago.  The results of its work identified several priorities which were presented to the Community Council. 

Those priorities were:
Currently Identified Maintenance Needs:  Providing for the regular upkeep of our current facility is demonstrating responsible stewardship of that which has been entrusted to our care.

Worship Space:   The centrality of our celebration of the Eucharist highlights the need for our worship spaces to encourage full, active, and conscious participation of all gathered.  There are specific needs to be addressed to foster the depths of connection that people make to God, one another and themselves during liturgy at Pax Christi.  These needs include issues regarding:  accessibility, central entrance, chapel, Dorothy Day space use, font, Hall of Martyrs of the Americas, music area, sacristy, sightlines and tabernacle.

Gathering Space/Hospitality Needs:  Kitchen space, coffee shop and library, indoor signage to direct members and visitors throughout the complex would express hospitality and welcome.
Outside Identity and Grounds:  Use of a Christian symbol to mark a main entrance and identify the site broadly as a church would be a good addition, as would an inviting transitional entrance connecting with other entrances in the community.

Office Space:  Options for locating offices together in a configuration that allows flexibility and effective communication need to be explored.

Ministry Space Needs:  These include youth spaces allowing gathering and hospitality, then movement to smaller groups, room sizes to address catechesis needs.

These priorities were approved by the Community Council who then created a new committee to further explore the priorities.  The members of the Renovation Committee are:  Joan Roethle, Chair, Sharon Barczak, Dave Faulise, Bruce Koehn, Mike Lindseth, Joe Michels, and Mary Twite.  In addition to the expertise of staff member participants, we also have been blessed with the experience of Carol Frenning, a visiting staff member who is a liturgical design consultant.  As chair of the Renovation Committee, I would like to bring the Community of Pax Christi up to date on our efforts.
After interviewing six architectural firms, the committee has chosen a firm to develop schematic drawings of the existing space in order to identify its potential.  The firm is intent on listening to the community needs through interviews with ministry councils, staff, and the study of community feedback.  In addition, Pax Christi has engaged a company to assist us with a feasibility study in the month of May.  This community will provide its expertise to lead several different communication initiatives with community members to explore their interest in implementing space and facility change at Pax Christi.  

The Renovation Committee is committed to keeping the community informed and educated as to what we are doing, and to request feedback from the community regarding our space and facility needs.  Our work in recent weeks has been focused on outlining a communication plan.  The objective of the plan is to define all of the ways in which we will bring forth information to the community.  Look for more information in the bulletin and at liturgy in the coming weeks, and look for opportunities for community members to ask questions and provide feedback. Additionally, you can address questions to the committee at renovation@paxchristi.com. Finally, we would ask you to support our community in prayer as we carefully explore the best ways to be good stewards of what we have been given.