Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Bourbonnais, IL, has completed its capital campaign, and as parishioners enjoy the impactful improvements to their beautiful church and campus, they gathered for a day of celebration.
Fr. Jason (center, holding mic) addressed the reception with Associate Mickie Prault (left, in sweater) and Fr. Moses (left, in black).
Following a 2020 diocesan facilities audit and discovery of major structural issues in 2021, the parish made a bold decision. “Faced with the choice between short-term fixes or a broader vision, we chose the latter, positioning our parish for long-term sustainability,” MBVM Pastor Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, said. “We are stewards of eight acres of grounds and five buildings, ranging from 23 to 168 years old. This campaign has demonstrated that proactive planning reduces costs, avoids debt, and frees us more fully for mission.”
Earlier this month, the parish held an appreciation dinner and reception to celebrate the $1.7 million in pledges and $2.14 million received toward five years (and counting) of major campus and facilities improvements, including statue and window restoration, parking lot repairs, roof replacements, audio-visual equipment, and safety enhancements. Associate Mickie Prault played a large role in planning and implementing the campaign, and parishioners Bob and Sue Flott organized a team of volunteers to put on a wonderful evening with an Italian dinner for the people of Maternity BVM – and over 150 people took part.
Fr. Jason and MBVM Parochial Vicar Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, addressed the group to share their gratitude for the extraordinary generosity. Fr. Jason noted that most of the contract work was done by Kankakee County contractors, and some work was completed by parish volunteers. “While the campaign has formally concluded, our stewardship as a parish family continues. We are deeply grateful to all who have fulfilled or are continuing to fulfill their pledges, making possible all that has been accomplished,” Fr. Jason said.
(Top photo, left to right) Fr. Moses, Sal, Fr. Jason, and Tony enjoyed the reception together with the MBVM community.
Among the many strengths of MBVM is the parish’s hospitality and welcome. Fr. Jason and Fr. Moses hosted Pre-Novices Tony Davies and Sal Solis for the weekend and included them in the reception with the parish – a great opportunity to share more Viatorian ministries and community life with our men in formation.
Additionally, MBVM has served as a perennial placement for Viatorians in their transitional diaconate. Last weekend, Fr. Jason and Fr. Moses traveled to Colombia for the ordination to the priesthood of Fr. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, who had ministered as a deacon at MBVM in 2025-26. While they were away in Colombia, Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, who did his deacon year at MBVM in 2024-25, came to Bourbonnais to celebrate the parish Masses for the weekend during his brothers’ trip.
This capital campaign strengthens the parish’s footing for the present and future, as Viatorians continue 161 consecutive years and counting of service as this parish’s pastors. “In this way, we ensure that our parish remains a place where the Gospel is proclaimed, the Sacraments are celebrated, and future generations can encounter Christ,” Fr. Jason said. “Thank you for your generosity, your faith, and for helping to build not only a stronger parish but a living witness to Christ in our community.”
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MBVM Director of Communications Julie Worby compiled this campaign-summarizing video for the special occasion.