Amador County – St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Parish in Martell announced an agreement to lease its 24,000 square-foot building on Prospect Drive, next door to its new Parish Center.

Pastor, Father Larry Beck said the new tenant, Gold Country Auto Restoration of Murphys, specializes in restoration of vintage and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. The lease is just one aspect of the parish’s long-term financial plan to fund renovation of the Center at 11361 Prospect Drive in Martell, next door to the leased building, to the north.

Renovation plans include a new 600-seat church, social hall, commercial kitchen, gymnasium, youth and senior activity spaces, parish offices, and religious education and meeting rooms.

Beck said: “We are not just simply renovating a building. We are laying the foundation for a more vibrant Catholic community for many generations to come.”

The parish capital campaign pledge total reached $1.1 million as of Friday, said drive co-chair Connie Gonsalves: “We are so thankful for the generosity of the 268 families who have responded so far. We still have $400,000 yet to raise but we have confidence that through continued support of our faith community, we will reach our goal by Easter.”

The capital campaign began in mid-January with a goal of raising $1.5 million.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.