Parish Hall Rental Policy

St. Augustine Parish Hall Rental Policy

Introduction

The parish hall is the property of St. Augustine Parish of Ashland, Illinois within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Consequently, the primary use of the parish hall is for parish celebrations and those of parishioners who share their gifts of time, talent, and/or treasure with the parish. Use of the hall must be in keeping with this and diocesan policies.

The one who reserves the parish hall is the responsible party for the signing of the rental agreement, paying the rental fee and security deposit (half of the rental fee), must be present for the entirety of the event, including setup and cleanup, and is responsible all final arrangements.

The rental fee and a security deposit must be submitted with the signed Rental Agreement confirming the date and use of the facility. No rental fee or security deposit is required for parish celebrations. Special requests for use of the hall at a reduced or no fee may be allowed at the discretion of the Pastor, who has full discretion regarding use and fees.

Cancellation prior to three months of a scheduled event will result in a full refund of the rental fee. Cancellation less than three months before a scheduled event will result in forfeiture of the security deposit (half of the rental fee).

Provided there is no damage to the parish hall or property and it is returned to its original condition, the security deposit will be returned within 10 business days following the event. If the parish hall has not been cleaned and/or damage is found to the facility or property, no portion of the security deposit will be returned. Should anything within the parish hall be damaged or require janitorial services, whatever costs are incurred above the security deposit must be paid by the one who signs the Rental Agreement.

Rental Rates

St. Augustine parish hall may be rented in full or in part, as indicated below:

• Hall Only: $100.00 (plus a security deposit of $50.00)
• Hall and Kitchen: $125.00 (plus a security deposit of $62.50)

Use of the kitchen includes the use of appliances, pots, pans, utensils, serving dishes, flatware, etc. All used materials must be cleaned and replaced when their use is finished. Paper plates, cups, bowls, and plastic utensils in the parish hall are the property of the parish and/or parish organizations and may not be used without prior approval.

Smoking Policy

St. Augustine parish hall has been designated a smoke free facility. Therefore, no smoking – including e-cigarettes – is permitted in any area of the building.

Alcohol

Under no circumstances may any alcoholic beverages be sold on the premises.

Alcohol may be served, but only after the renter of the parish hall has provided a $1,000,000.00 liquor liability insurance policy. This policy may be purchased from Office for Insurance of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois at a cost of $75.00 per event. The renter is responsible for this fee. The Office for Insurance can be reached at (217) 698-8500 ext. 115.

Proof of the required insurance must be provided to the parish office at least thirty days prior to the event.

Preparing to Use the Parish Hall

Arrangements to collect and return the key to the parish hall must be made in advance with the parish office.

Decorating on the day of the event is limited to four hours prior to the event, unless no other event is scheduled that day and other arrangements have been approved by the parish office.

No decorations may be placed outside the parish hall.

Decorations may not be hung from light fixtures, vents, or the ceiling. Free-flowing balloons may not be used, nor may confetti, glitter, sequins, etc. within or without the parish hall.

Under no circumstances may any form of tape, staples, tacks, etc. be used on the tables, chairs, wood paneling, or ceiling. Masking tape be used on the cement block walls.

Rice, birdseed, confetti, glitter, or silly string may not be used outside the premises.

Nothing at all may be dragged across the floor. Damage to the floor shall be deducted from the security deposit.

Use of the Hall During an Event

At least two adults over the age of twenty-one are required to supervise any event at which minors will be present.

No event may continue beyond 12:00 a.m. (Midnight).

Preparing to Leave the Parish Hall

At the conclusion of an event, the parish hall must be returned to the condition found upon first entry. This includes the following: all spills must be cleaned up; all decorations must be removed; all trash must be taken out and placed in the bins by the north door of the parish hall; all tables and chairs must be returned to their original arrangement; all lights and equipment must be turned off and the thermostats must be set to 63° in the winter and to 78° in the summer; and, lastly, the key must be returned.