In 2019, Father Aaron Kuhn helped raise $84,300 for vocations in the Diocese of St. Cloud by raffling off a car that he built with help from families, parishioners and friends. It went so well the first time, that second car is now complete and will be raffled off later this month.
“Building the first car was such a positive learning experience for the kids of our parishes, that I thought it would be good to do a second car,” said Father Kuhn, pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community, which includes parishes in Bertha, Bluegrass, Bluffton, Menahga, Motley, Staples, Verndale and Wadena. “Families are looking for healthy learning and bonding moments and the car build provides that in a safe and challenging environment.”
The current car is a Type 65 Coupe from Factory Five Racing, being built from a kit in what is known as Father’s Garage, the garage behind the rectory at St. Ann Church in Wadena.
Volunteers help Father Kuhn with every aspect of the process, which includes ordering the car kit and engine from separate companies, taking inventory of the parts when they arrive, building the vehicle from the frame up by adding parts to each section, shaping and sanding the fiberglass body, hood and doors, and getting it painted, licensed and road worthy.
Proceeds from the raffle will benefit young people who are considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
“Over 40 percent of those who enter seminary or a convent to discern priesthood or consecrated life have some personal debt holding them back from entering,” Father Kuhn said. “I was intentional about wanting a high profile and extraordinary project that would raise lots of money for vocations and this project provides that.”
The finished car will be raffled off on May 20 in honor of the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, the patroness of the Area Catholic Community. For details and tickets visit www.FathersGarage.org.