NOVEMBER 11, 2021
7AM Pacific | 11AM Eastern | 4PM Central European | 11PM Philippines
Managing The Assets of The Church: Urban Real Estate.
Among the many assets entrusted to the Church, real estate is possibly the most visible and the most affected by changing demographics, economics, and market trends. The Church has a significant number of properties in cities around the world, but as urban populations change, so do their needs. Church leaders must wrestle with how to steward these properties in a way that best serves their ever-changing communities.
In this webinar, we speak with experts in the field who are working on the ground to reimagine and revitalize Church properties in a way that better serves our apostolic and evangelical needs, while providing much-needed revenue for the Church — and to use those savings (and earnings!) in support of their critical ministries, transforming Church properties into places of service and encounter.
Speakers
moderator
Sophie Janssens was born in Belgium and lives currently in Rome with her family. She has a law degree and she works at the General House of the Society of Mary. She is a member of the community of Sant’Egidio since 1988. She volunteers in one of its Art Labs for people with special needs and is co-responsible for the restaurant “La Trattoria de Gli Amici” where people with mental disabilities are employed.
Curtis H. Johnson, Jr., Vice President of Housing Strategy for Catholic Charities, USA, is a passionate affordable housing professional with 30-years of development and property management experience with faith-based groups, housing authorities, government agencies and non-profits. He views housing as foundational for successful individual, family, and community advancement. Johnson has developed and managed 1000+ units in award-winning projects, implemented homeless prevention initiatives and first-time homebuyer programs resulting in 600-new homeowners. As Catholic Charities, USA’s Vice President of Housing Strategy, he helps the national network preserve and expand affordable housing stock including repurposing church property into quality homes. Previously, Johnson served 15-years at the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, developing 425-new units and rehabilitating 350-units of low-income senior and family housing. He has graduate and undergraduate degrees from Delaware and Tufts Universities respectively.
Brian Black is co-founder and President of Harmel Academy of the Trades, a post-secondary institution in Michigan where men become experts in a skilled trade while growing in their Catholic Faith. Previously, Mr. Black spent decades in the skilled trades working as general manager of Grand River Builders in Grand Rapids, specializing in historic building restoration. He founded Historic Restoration Consulting Group in 2011. Mr. Black has provided custom AIA (American Institute of Architects) continuing education coursework and has been active in the Michigan Historic Preservation Network as a trainer and presenter.
David Murphy is the Program Director for the Church Properties Initiative at the Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate. Prior to his appointment, David co-founded QuoVadis Catholic, a non-profit that places young adult Catholic professionals in underutilized Church property and has consulted parishes, dioceses, and Catholic schools on real estate topics. He is also involved with a number of Catholic start ups and served as a project manager for Notre Dame's Catholic Accelerator. David served 6 years on active duty with the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot flying the MH-60S before spending a year as a Postulant with the Congregation of Holy Cross at Moreau Seminary. He studied political science and theology at the University of Notre Dame.
Pia de Solenni. SThD is a theologian, ethicist, and cultural analyst. She recently served as Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange, California, and Theological Advisor to the Bishop. Her work has appeared in various publications including The Wall Street Journal Europe, The Washington Post, National Catholic Reporter, Our Sunday Visitor, and National Review Online. She is also a consultant member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas.
