An ambitious five-to-seven-year building and expansion project will require great expenditures of assets and energy from the Diocese of Nebraska if it is to be successful, according to the Rt. Rev. James E. Krotz, Bishop of Nebraska.

During his diocesan convention address in Omaha Oct. 27, Bishop Krotz proposed diocesan assistance in a building expansion that may cost as much as $1.2 million at St. Martha's Church in Papillion.

"The multi-purpose space we built four years ago is now packed and noisy," Bishop Krotz said. "We must add additional space if growth is to continue. The folks at St. Martha's have worked hard and given generously, but they will need our help."

Bishop Krotz also suggested that the diocese help Holy Family Church in Omaha construct a new building on 21/2 acres of land that the diocese purchased recently. That congregation is currently meeting in a converted movie theater.

When those two projects are completed the bishop would like to buy land for the purpose of planting a fifth congregation in Lincoln.

Funding for these projects would come in part by freeing up income from endowments. Clergy and lay deputies reduced endowment contribution to ongoing operations.

Endowment assets will also increase following an announcement by Bishop Krotz that the diocese is to be the beneficiary of approximately $700,000 from the estate of the late Nancy Catlin. The gift comes with few restrictions.