Grotto of the Redemption facing challenging times

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
June 29, 2006

WEST BEND - Challenging financial times is forcing the Diocese of Sioux City to take a hard look at their options and ask tough questions concerning The Grotto of the Redemption.

Royce Ranniger, director of operations for the diocese, stressed the fact that no final decisions have been made regarding the Grotto. Right now the diocese wants to get the word out to the people so that input from a variety of sources and individuals can be gathered.

According to Ranniger the grotto has been running at a deficit budget for the last four years. There have also been several other years in past with a deficit budget, but there was enough money in savings that allowed it to operate.

"In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, we lost $45,000," he noted. "This year we were at a shortfall of $28,700 through May 31- so with June revenues we may end the year with not a big loss. We anticipate losing $15,000 to $20,000 this year. Our estimated budget for next year has a deficit of about $30,000 so it is time to call the question: Can we continue to keep operating at a deficit and if so, who will make up that deficit?"

While the future is uncertain, he said the one known factor is that they cannot keep operating at a loss. Through the years, the diocese has loaned about $260,000 to the Grotto. He acknowledged that some of those funds were used to remodel the restaurant.

The Office of Stewardship and Development for the diocese helped the Grotto coordinate a capital campaign in 1999 to secure funds for the restoration of the Grotto.

"One of the things that was happening is that we were not spending money to maintain it," said Ranniger. "The rosettes and rocks were not being sealed properly. The weather takes a toll on it."

On a short-term basis, the capital campaign helped with restoration and preservation but, as Ranniger noted, the preservation must be ongoing.

He acknowledged that people have had a false sense of security that the Grotto would always be there. Many people also erroneously perceived it as a moneymaker for the parish/diocese.

"We felt it was important to tell the real story. Sometimes when we share the story, people will step forward and they may say that they don't want to lose the Grotto," said Ranniger.

Steve Elbert, director of stewardship for the diocese, spoke to parishioners about the financial struggles of the grotto during the Masses at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in West Bend this past weekend.

Ranniger stressed the fact that Rhonda Miller, who has been the director for two years, has "given her heart and soul to the Grotto. They are working hard and have been frugal with their expenses."

He mentioned that one of the Grotto's biggest struggles has been with the attendance. In the 1950s and 60s, the Grotto had about 100,000 visitors a year. In recent years, attendance is at about 40,000 to 45,000. Since most of the revenue comes from free-will donations, the decline in visitors has hit hard.

"It used to be families came here several times a year. Now, we're lucky if people come once every 10 years," said Miller. "People have always been busy, however, there are so many more things for people to do, see and be involved in today."

She mentioned that many times people think that taking a pilgrimage has to be to far away places such as Rome or Lourdes and they don't consider things close to home.

"If you need a place to seek inspiration, spiritual renewal or a strengthening of faith, the Grotto may be just what the doctor ordered. In May, of the 3,500 people who visited, 34 states and 19 foreign countries were represented along with 1,200 school children from 36 schools," noted Miller.

This fall Ranniger and Miller will go to the Presbyteral Council - an advisory committee to the bishop made up of clergy. The purpose of the meeting is to take this story to them and ask them if the Grotto should be a ministry of the diocese. Should the diocese support the Grotto financially on an ongoing basis or should it be something that should be self-sufficient?

For now, what can be done?

"Become an active marketing volunteer. Help build awareness of the Grotto. Make it a point to tell 10 people who have never heard of the Grotto about it and encourage them to visit and take a tour," said Miller. "Include the Grotto's Web site - www.westbendgrotto.com - in an e-mail to your contacts in your address book encouraging readers to take a 'virtual tour.' This may prompt many to come see the real thing."

Father Victor Ramaeker, a member of the board of directors at the Grotto, noted that it is human nature that people sometimes fail unintentionally to value something or someone dear to them. He said that might be the case with the Grotto.

"Because the Grotto of the Redemption is in our diocese we may just take it for granted," said Father Ramaeker.

With people having different tastes and opinions, he said, some may like the Grotto a little and others may like it a lot.

"The Grotto has a wealth of valuable rocks and religious depictions made from rock," said Father Ramaeker. "Like the spiritual and artistic wealth of the Vatican, many think money is no issue. After all, there is this beauty, natural and otherwise, never thinking of the cost of maintaining this spiritual and artistic treasure."

He urged people to consider making a donation to help with the maintenance of the Grotto.

"The need is very real," said Father Raemaker.

For Ranniger, he acknowledged that his greatest challenge is the need to look at the big picture concerning ministries and challenges of the diocese. He equated it to looking at the family budget and trying to categorize things as wants and needs.

"Another side of me does say that the work and energy that Father Dobberstein put into the Grotto is immense. This shrine does have significance to the diocese," he said.

His heart wants to support this cause, but the business background in him tells him it is time to ask the tough questions.