Construction and Improvements

For projects costing over $10,000

The diocese employs a two-step process for approval of expenditures exceeding $10,000 in cost.

Preliminary approval is the initial step to inform the Bishop of the church’s intent to pursue improvements. At this point, you usually have a rough idea of the cost involved, and whether or not the church will need to borrow money. Together with the Latest Monthly Comparative Financials (Year-to-date vs prior year-to-date balance sheet and year-to-date vs prior year-to-date income statement), the preliminary request form is submitted to the Bishop for approval.

Once preliminary approval is obtained, then the parish begins the process of gathering bids, selecting contractors and determining financing arrangements. Insurance and bonds for the selected contractors/vendors are obtained and all the paperwork is submitted to the Bishop with the Final Request for Approval.

No contracts are to be signed before the church obtains final approval from the Bishop. If time is a restricting factor, the Preliminary form may be submitted at once with the Final form and all supporting documentation.

We have created a Guideline packet of information containing forms and information for requesting approval on capital expenditures greater than $10,000. It’s a process that can seem overwhelming, but be assured we are here to help out in any way we can.

The Guideline packet can be downloaded here. Forms are included in the appendices.

Individual prescribed forms are linked here:

Preliminary Improvement Request Form (fillable pdf)

Final Improvement Request Form (fillable pdf)