The City of Bettendorf, Iowa is located in the northern part of the State along the Mississippi River. There are two parishes in the city, St. John Vianney and Our lady of Lourdes. In the summer of 2016, the school and parish began planning processes on their own and discovered that the major needs focused on facilities. With population growth projected for the City of Bettendorf, the Diocese of Davenport recommended that the studies should take into account the entire community of Bettendorf. Out of this new joint study, five options were determined which ranged from merging the parishes at a new site to no change. The challenges for the parishes were how to engage more parishioners in the decision-making process and reaching a final recommendation. In 2019, the parishes approached Meitler to assist them with a formation and decision-making process.
The study was designed to focus on sharing information and spiritual discernment. The process began with two retreats for parish leadership. Parishioners were also invited to attend these sessions either in-person or via zoom. Nearly 200 people attended the retreats. The retreats helped to narrow the number of options to three. These options involved the relocation of one or both parishes and merging. A summary report was developed which included past and updated information on the three options which was posted on the parish websites for parishioners to review. Two additional parish meetings were held via zoom which involved over 250 parishioners. This culminated in a parish survey which generated 1,443 responses with over 1,500 additional comments. The survey revealed strong support for a merger of the parishes, Our Lady of Lourdes relocating to a site in the growth area, and operating at two sites. The survey also indicated that 87% of the respondents supported a capital campaign for improvements or new construction ranging from, “highly in favor” to “need more information.” All the survey results along with a “vision for the future” and “phases to consider going forward” were included in a final report.
Parish leadership at both parishes as well as diocesan leaders were in agreement that the Meitler study provided the information and process for sound decision-making. The parishes proposed to the Diocese of Davenport a three-phased plan which would begin greater collaboration among the parishes and allow for a capital campaign to be conducted which would lead to the construction of a new parish and school. Specific plans for each area of ministry and administration were also developed which allow for the building of relationships between the parishes and create opportunities for the parishes to make future decisions about the feasibility of merging and consolidating facilities. The implementation of the proposed plan is now underway.
