Pastors and parochial administrators have some authority, but any of the following actions require written permission from the bishop or his delegate:  

• Purchase, sell, lease, mortgage, encumber, or dispose of, in any way, real estate or movable property of great importance,  
• Incur a debt exceeding $40,000 or establish a line of credit with a lending institution,  
• Build, tear down, rebuild, or remodel any building, or to make extraordinary improvements on any church property exceeding $40,000 in cost, or any modification of liturgical space.  
• Undertaking extensive structural repair, renovation, restoration, or modification that requires engineering or design professionals.  
• Any project that will be supported by a fundraising campaign or appeal.

The easiest way to do this is to fill out the form at the bottom of this page. This form will need to be completed regardless of the scope and expense of your project and asks all the starter questions. Alternatively, email Paul Lang and Damian Lenshek: [email protected] and [email protected]. Or call Damian at 608-821-3055. Generally, what the DBC needs to know starts with:  

1. Why do you need to do this project? How does this project address the problem?  
2. How much does it cost? What is the present state of parish finances?  
3. Where will the money come from, and where will it go? What is the schedule for payments? Special permissions are required if a secured loan is part of the plan.  
4. Who will do the work?  
5. Does the contractor’s certificate of insurance include the legal name of the parish, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison, Inc. and Bishop Donald J. Hying as additional insureds?  
6. Have the parish pastoral council and the parish finance council been consulted? What is the broader sense among parishioners about undertaking this project?  

We encourage pastors to review the Construction Project Application Form with their pastoral council, finance council, third party consultants, and/or Construction Project Managers before submission. With the pastor's permission, a delegate may fill out the form. 

The DBC will have follow-up questions. The extent of these follow-up questions depends on the size and complexity of your project. 

The DBC will help shepherd your project through the approval process. For larger projects, this may involve your parish team presenting to the Commission in person, or gaining approvals from various diocesan entities. 

Types of permission offered: There are two main permissions needed for larger projects: fundraising and construction. These are typically issued at different times. Once you have fundraising permission, you may sign a contract with a fundraising consultant. Construction permission is not granted until you have 50% cash in hand and 100% pledged. Do not sign any construction contracts until you have written permission to begin construction.  

Your plan involves a loan? Please read this.

Volunteer Hold Harmless Form
Before a volunteer begins any work on parish property, they must complete this form.

Certificate of Insurance
Before begining work, contactors must supply the parish a Certificate of Insurance listing the parish, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison, Inc., and Bishop Donald Hying as additional insureds.