A parish may wish to lease vacant property for commercial or residential purposes. The Diocese of Madison must be informed of any plans in this regard. 
 
The relevant USCCB complementary norm regulating the leasing of church property reads, in part: 

“The valid leasing of ecclesiastical goods owned by a parish or other public juridic person subject to the governance of the diocesan bishop requires the consent of the diocesan bishop when the market value of the goods to be leased exceeds $100,000 or the lease is to be for 1 year or longer.” 

The Bishop of Madison will consider the following before issuing his consent in writing: 

1. Catholic identity clause (included in Lease Agreement template below) 

2. Insurance (CMG review and sign-off is required) 

3. Indemnification provisions (included in Lease Agreement template below) 

4. Landlord’s right to early lease termination (included in Lease Agreement template below) 

5. Determination of the responsible party for Repairs, Maintenance, and Utilities (included in Lease Agreement template below) 
   
   Please contact us if your parish is considering any leasing arrangement.