The Diocese of Fond du Lac has announced a new use for the church building in Green Bay formerly housing Blessed Sacrament Episcopal Church. After taking responsibility of the building, the diocese engaged a property management agency who was aware of a not-for-profit seeking space.

The Mandolin Foundation assists families in recovery from addiction, substance abuse and mental health disorders. The hall, kitchen, offices and apartment of the Webster Avenue building have been rented to Mandolin for "Amanda’s House" to provide transitional housing and programs focused on life skills training and connecting to community resources.

Bishop Matt Gunter noted in a letter to former parishioners that the "space where people experienced joy in life and sorrow in death is no longer a place of worship," but is becoming a place of good work that is "consistent with the work of Gospel." He invited them to consider volunteering at Amanda’s House. Opportunities include reading to children, cooking with residents, gardening, maintenance and office work. All volunteers must submit a completed application and agree to a background check.

Mandolin Foundation follows the high standards set by the Wisconsin Association for Sober Living Housing (W.A.S.H.). These are centered around the dignity, safety, and well-being of guests, reinforcing they are worthy and deserving of the love and care.

To support this important work, the diocesan Deacons Council recently approved a grant from the diocesan Outreach Fund.

For more information, including volunteering, visit mandolinfoundationllc.com. 

The Rev. Michael Scolare, Rector of Blessed Sacrament Episcopal Church, Green Bay, Wisconsin, has announced he has accepted a call to St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church in Mission, Texas. In a letter to the congregation, Fr. Mike shared "I have enjoyed serving through our spiritual journey together."

Fr. Mike grew up in the Episcopal Church in the Milwaukee area. He served as an ordained minister in the Evangelical Free Church in Iowa and Aruba, returning to Wisconsin where he pursued Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church through the Diocese of Fond du Lac. He was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood by Bishop Russell Jacobus in 2011. He has been Rector of Blessed Sacrament since December 2012 and will conclude his ministry there in January 2021.