Guardian Angels News

More than 100 parishioners attended our recent Parish Town Hall to discuss the proposed lease with Chesterton Academy. The evening provided an opportunity to share information about the proposal and, most importantly, to hear and respond to questions from parishioners.

There were many thoughtful questions about how a Chesterton Academy presence at Guardian Angels would affect our parish, our ministries, our facilities, and our finances. The following is a summary of the questions and answers discussed at the Town Hall.

Will we still be able to use the school wing?

Yes. When school is not in session, the parish will continue to have access to most of the school wing. Chesterton Academy will have exclusive rights to Rooms M6, M9, M10, and M16 throughout the entire year.

What would the lease revenue be?

The lease will provide the parish with at least $60,000 per year, plus utilities.

Will this lease result in a net income for the parish?

Yes. The lease is expected to result in net income for Guardian Angels.

How will this impact the use of the Kitchen and Social Hall?

Chesterton Academy has been informed that the parish will have primary use of all spaces outside of the school wing. This means that parish activities in areas such as the Kitchen and Social Hall will continue to be prioritized.

What will the relationship be between Chesterton staff and parish staff?

The two organizations will have distinct responsibilities. Guardian Angels staff will continue to focus on parish ministries and administration, while Chesterton staff will be responsible for school administration and curriculum.

Does Chesterton Academy have an affiliation with the Archdiocese?

Yes. Chesterton Academy is an official Catholic High School of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

How will electricity and utilities be divided?

The parish is working with a contractor to establish a fair method for dividing utility costs based on usage. Chesterton Academy will pay its appropriate share of utilities.

What will it cost the parish to prepare the building for Chesterton Academy?

The parish will not be responsible for costs associated with changes needed because of Chesterton Academy's occupancy. Any modifications to the school wing required because Chesterton is moving in will be Chesterton's responsibility.

Guardian Angels will continue to be responsible for the regular maintenance of the building that we already provide.

What is the anticipated start date of the lease?

We are currently working on a two-year lease, with the anticipated start date in the fall of 2027.

Will the lease affect funeral luncheons?

No. Funeral luncheons will not be affected by the proposed lease.

Are the classrooms and bathrooms up to code, and who pays for any required work?

Yes, the classrooms and bathrooms are up to code. Any costs that arise specifically because of Chesterton Academy's use of the building will be the responsibility of Chesterton Academy.

Will Open Cupboard continue at Guardian Angels?

Yes. Open Cupboard will continue at Guardian Angels.

The situation with Chesterton Academy is similar in that both are third-party organizations that were seeking a new location after outgrowing their previous space. Guardian Angels was able to provide Open Cupboard with a 40-year lease for $1 per year. The Chesterton Academy arrangement is different, however, and the lease terms and payments will not be the same as those of Open Cupboard.

What about insurance?

Chesterton Academy will be responsible for its own insurance.

How will this affect parish ministries that currently use the school wing during school hours?

Some parish ministries currently using the school wing during school hours—including the Crafters, Card Ministry, and Justice and Outreach ministries—will need to relocate.

The plan is to move these ministries to available lower-level spaces, including the Youth Center and Teen Room, so that Chesterton Academy can use the school wing during school hours.

Moving Forward

The Town Hall was an important opportunity for parishioners to ask questions and better understand the proposed partnership with Chesterton Academy. We recognize that changes to the use of our facilities will require some adjustment, particularly for ministries that currently use the school wing during school hours.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Town Hall, asked questions, and shared their thoughts. More than 100 people participated, demonstrating the importance of this discussion and the care our parishioners have for the future of Guardian Angels. If you are interested in learning more about Chesterton Academy and its mission, you can visit their website at chestertonscv.org. If you have additional questions about the proposed lease or how it will affect Guardian Angels, please feel free to email me directly.