Building and Grounds Committee

The Ave Maria Parish’s Building and Grounds Committee has the overall responsibility for all of the upkeep and improvements of all the buildings and grounds associated with the Church, School, and rectory. 

Mission Statement

To develop and maintain a physical plant and property grounds (e.g., the Church; School; rectory) that are functionally efficient, clean, attractive, safe, and operational to effectively provide for and promote the mission of the Church and School, while sustaining the health and safety of its users and the spiritual needs of the faithful.

Purpose

The Building and Grounds Committee works to ensure the facilities of the Church, School, and rectory meet the needs of its users.  These facilities include the Church, School, and rectory grounds (exterior and interior), the mechanical systems, and major items of furniture.  Items of a specialized nature may be sometimes managed by a sub-committee or ad hoc member that has the required expertise that most directly benefits the need of this committee.

Responsibilities

The Buildings and Grounds Committee shall:

• Assist the pastor in operational planning, in an advisory or consultative manner, of all activities associated with the oversight of the maintenance and repair of all Church, School, and rectory properties; grounds and equipment; and insurance and custodial supervision.

• Function under the authority, direction, and discretion of the Pastor.

• Convene regularly, at the frequency and direction of the Pastor; however as a minimum, at least once a year.

• Function as a consultative body to the Pastor, rather than a deliberative or sole decision making body.

• Collaborate with the parish’s established Parish Council, Finance Council, and any of their sub-committees to provide the Pastor with the best possible recommendation(s).

• To the greatest extent possible, consist of members who are active in the greater community.  This can be achieved by participating, for example:  in local government advisory or oversight committees or meetings; in diocesan or regional workshops; and dialoguing and sharing information with other parishes. 

• Ensure that facilities are kept clean, sanitary, safe, and in good repair and appearance.

• Ensure that the heating, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems of Church, School, and rectory properties are properly operated and maintained.

• Oversee the landscaping (or contract for and compliance) of Church, School, and rectory properties.

• Maintain a current asset inventory and develop a replacement schedule.

• Solicit insurance proposals and coordinate claims.

• Oversee and ensure adequate properties’ security.

• Report details about the committee’s assigned responsibilities to the Parish Council and/or Finance Council, if/as needed.

• In collaboration with the Finance Council (annually, as a minimum) to create, implement, and oversee/monitor the physical plant short and long-range planning needs; always keeping the best-interest of the parish and/or school, central to their ministry works.

Be comprised (as a minimum):

• Of members drawn from the Christian parish faith community, to provide varied representatives in the needed areas of physical property management and maintenance skills.

• Of members outstanding and firm in their faith, good morals, and prudence.

• Of members approved and appointed by the Pastor.  While the establish-ment of the Building and Grounds Committee is at the discretion of the Pastor, so also is the determination of its membership size.

• As appropriate, of at least one member from the parish’s School or Home School Association (HSA); to help provide a direct communication link and interface between the parish and school consultative bodies.

• Ensure that there is a timely and accurate, historical record of its meeting agendas and minutes.  These will be provided to the Pastor for his review and retention in parish files.

Changes to and/or additions to the Building and Grounds Committee ministry responsibilities and duties will be at the sole discretion of the pastor (whether verbally or in writing).  Resolutions to problems will be resolved by the Building and Grounds Committee with the pastor.