Trinity Ft . Wayne contains a wealth of both community spaces and art , including this sitting area decorated with a mosaic . Sarah Jones
what was possible for our buildings and grounds , particularly on weekdays . Consequently , we now are hosting a community tutoring program and have just entered into an agreement with a children ’ s literacy program for the public .” These new uses also leverage much of Holy Family ’ s outdoor space , another key asset that parishes throughout the program are exploring in new ways . In addition to rethinking primary buildings and outdoors space , some parishes are taking a new approach to other properties , such as former housing that could serve other needs .
On the other end of the state , St . John ’ s in historic Mt . Vernon , on the Ohio River , was focused on helping children in need . CBCP helped them refine their vision to turn the longburdensome house they owned next to their Carpenter Gothic church into secure temporary housing for children who have been removed from violent or abusive homes . With a small grant through CBCP they were able to install appropriate fencing and security to protect children ’ s privacy and meet the standards necessary for this new and important ministry .
CBCP is helping Indiana parishes learn how collaboration and partnership may be the key to successful ministry . As Amber Bauer , a member of Trinity , Fort Wayne said , “ We learned that we need to be able to tell our story , and we as a congregation need to take the initiative to do that work . The community isn ’ t coming to us unless one of our members makes that happen . We need to take the initiative to find out what gaps exist in the community so we can learn where we can help .” In wholeheartedly engaging with their neighbors , these Indiana parishes are seeing their buildings become the heart of their communities .
The congregation at St . John ’ s in Mt . Vernon is working to convert a house next to their church into temporary housing for children . Emily Sajdak
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