+JMJ
Dear Parishioners,
I have been asked what projects come next, now that the storage building is completed. Do you remember there were four projects designated for the Diocesan capital campaign?: the storage building, the church lighting, a new roof for the rectory, and repair of the parking lots. That is the order the projects were listed on our campaign materials, and that is the order I am still thinking of for completing the projects. But timing depends some on the actual quotes we receive for the projects. The quote for the lighting project (the next project) has been held up for quite a long time; and I understand that this is because it has been so difficult to locate a lift that will function in our church space, moving over the pews, etc. Having the right lift can reduce the labor for the project – and the labor for the project will be immense. Once we get that quote, we will be able to figure out how much of the campaign money will be used to top off the current funds that were collected years ago for the project. Then, you can imagine that I will know how much money is left from the capital campaign funds; and I'll be able to approach contractors for the next project, if we think we have enough money to cover the project. If we don't have enough money to cover the next project fully, then we have to consider some fundraising. But, during the initial months of the Bishop's annual Catholic Appeal in the Spring, we cannot do any fundraising, because we want to focus on the annual appeal. Hopefully this explanation helps you understand how there is a basic order to the projects, but there are various factors that influence when the projects will be started. Remember also that any project costing more than $30,000 requires an approval process with the Diocese.
Here is another occasion to thank everybody who has given to the campaign so generously! And thanks in advance for continuing to fulfill any outstanding pledges!
On another note, I have asked Greg Schreiner to create a couple small railings to be installed on the choir side of the peninsula where the ambo is situated, and on the choir side of the step/platform where the tabernacle is located. In the last three years I have witnessed or heard about five different occasions of people falling at those edges. Were there others I did not hear about? I believe a couple relatively short, simple railings – matching the current railings at the steps into the sanctuary – will define the space and prevent future falls. The railings will still allow access to the ambo and the tabernacle. The railings will be removable; since they would be an obstacle for occasions when we have to set up a lift in the sanctuary to change lightbulbs, or to oil the wood of the crucifix above the tabernacle. I believe the addition of these two simple railings is the least invasive approach to preventing further falls. The railings should not take away in the slightest from the beauty of the sanctuary.
Have a blessed week!
In cordibus Iesu, Mariae et Iosephus,
Father Poggemeyer