St. Charles Borromeo Church of Oakes is updating its facilities and adding more space for community fellowship. The church was built in 1967 and the fellowship hall was added 10 years later. For nearly two years, the parish council and building committee have been exploring various options to update the facility. Late last winter the project was given approval from the Diocesan building committee, and in May the parish renewal campaign launched. Curt Halmrast is lay director and co-chairman along with Red Iverson.
A new east entrance will provide an inviting gathering space, a fellowship room, and visible parish offices. A restructured rectory floor plan will allow for more functional use of the rectory space, in addition to modernizing and enhancing the priest’s living quarters. Finally, this project will upgrade the west entrance restrooms by making them considerably larger and handicap accessible.
Since St. Charles has the largest seating capacity in the Oakes area, it is often used by other churches for large funeral services and other events. The addition of more room for gathering is a benefit for all.
Pledges, gifts, and memorials have already exceeded 82% of the campaign goal. A grant application will also be submitted for the Hommerding Incentive Fund, a matching grant program administered by the Catholic Development Foundation. For more information on this building project and how you can participate, go to
stcharlesoakes.org.