On Sunday, August 25, Blessed Sacrament Congregation and School joined in celebrating the upcoming school year and special addition of its new solar array. Their centennial anniversary marked a new beginning for the congregation in its transition to clean energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Through Solar for Good and an ongoing capital fundraising campaign supported by church members, Blessed Sacrament installed solar that is projected to reduce utility expenses by 12 percent, allowing for financial resources to be further allocated towards ministry, and community service including hunger relief efforts.
Blessed Sacrament Congregation and School welcomes nearly 300 students annually to provide them with an education that aligns with the pillars of community, study, prayer, and ministry. Its impact extends beyond the students and congregation by servicing the community through hunger relief programs, supporting seniors with home maintenance assistance, and hosting discussions on environmental topics. As part of the congregation’s faith, caring for the planet is ingrained in its mission, education, and ministry. To amplify positive environmental impact and maximize financial resources, Blessed Sacrament initiated efforts to reduce energy consumption by turning to solar.
In its application for the Solar for Good project, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and School articulated its motivation for installing solar panels. “The Earth is not just an accident of the cosmos but rather a gift of inestimable worth. We are called to respond to this gift by honoring the Earth and caring for it,” said Parish Operations Manager, Donna Roeck.
Through support from the congregation and dedicated team, the church worked with Full Spectrum Solar to install 37 panels on the roof of the school. Of the 37 panels, 18 were donations from Solar for Good. This renewable energy source will directly benefit the congregation and students through a clean energy transition. The church has also inspired congregation members to seek out renewable energy opportunities for their own homes through programs such as MadiSUN and Focus on Energy.
Karen O’Connor, who was part of this solar panel project, shared, “We are working so that Catholic churches and schools can reap the full benefit of the renewable energy programs. We are grateful to RENEW Wisconsin, Solar for Good, and the Couilliard Solar Foundation for helping churches and schools like ours save money and reduce our environmental impact.”
The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church’s solar installation demonstrates the congregation’s dedication to caring for the planet through environmental stewardship. Going solar is the first major step the parish intends to complete over the next few years, and have plans to increase its facilities’ clean energy impact. Blessed Sacrament’s efforts to conserve energy and educate the community serve as an example of how future organizations can further serve their communities, save money, and contribute to positive environmental change by going solar.