“BUILDING UP OUR LEGACY”

St. Patrick’s Church & St. Mary’s School

August 19, 2007

 

CAMPAIGN UPDATE 

 

Psalm 112:12

What return can I make to God for all His goodness to me?

I will offer sacrifices to my Savior invoking the Name of God.

 

 

            May His Will Be Done.      AMEN.

 

Our parish-school campaign was launched on the wings of faith & prayer.  I am truly grateful for the blessings we have received in pledges to support the legacy of over a hundred years that we have become a part of by God’s providence.  Many generous and grateful parishioners gave their gift to express their love for God and his Church, the Sacraments received and the ministries that they enjoy here through the Church and school. 

 

Over the summer months the first phase of our campaign began in earnest.  This first phase embraced a series of “in-house” projects (outside of the architect’s building & renovation arena) that had to be addressed and completed before the new school year opened on 20th August.  I am pleased and delighted with the magnanimity, dedication and commitment of a vast number of parishioners, their families and companions who came together during the hot, dogged days of summer to offer a labor of love to meet our goals.

 

What have we accomplished?  

Grade School:  Repaired leaking roof, Handicap access on east door, northeast security camera & entrance ring, blinds for the     principal’s office, front entrance hand rail, repaired paved walkways, new gravel on the playground,  repaired  playground equipment, carpet in Preschool and Second grade rooms.

High School:  Gym renovation of painting gym walls, doors and stage floor, additional 200 seats on stage, repaired existing bleachers and new hand rails, new stage & window curtains, wall pads, new score table, new AD office, new crucifix on SW wall, Library renovations: computers with pods, check-in desk,  painting, carpeting,  furniture & new books, new classroom, repaired leaking roof, repaired boys restrooms, three new coach offices, paved N parking lot for teaching staff, security access to weight room NW door, door alarm horns for weight rooms and exit doors, lights and exit signs for all exit doors, new blinds for all unfurnished classroom, and an additional  used SUV to transport our students.

Parish  Offices:  Computer server up-grades

Church:  Church bells repaired and  replaced system to electric.

 

At the risk of forgetting someone by oversight, (please forgive me) I felt it necessary to acknowledge several individuals and organizations that have contributed excessive time, donated materials, offered valuable expertise and labored profusely to make these projects a reality.  These include and are not limited to Jim Sibbel, Wayne Gaughenbaugh, Tim & Jennie Schneider, Matt Schmitz, Ken Musil, Pat & Cindy Cole, Ron Mejstrik, Mike Zakrzewski, Gene & Steve Soukup, John Boyle, Hugh Shoemaker, Charlie Vandershnick, Jim Gokie, Hugh Shoemaker, Ellen Chohon, Lawrence Reiman, Tony Emme,  Booster Club, Home & School, Altar Society, Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s Football boys and our dedicated Maintainance Crew, - Clint Morrill, Clark Gaughenbaugh, Jaytee Butts and Ross Crumly.  God bless all of you.

 

The process of renovating and building will continue throughout this year.  The building committee, comprising of  Jim Sibbel, Clint Morrill, Mike Zak, MJ Kersenbrock, John Kruse, Norman Hale & Fr. Nigli, have met together and have poured over and ‘tweaked’ plans and details with the architect.  We have together determined the scope of the projects and the costs of the projects.  There have been many drawings and re-drawings and many details that have been scrutinized to address our needs.  The building committee with the architect and the contractors will screen and select from a host of bidders for the various parts of the building project.   With the Finance Council, Pastoral Council, School Board, Building Committee, and Parish Staff we have many eyes and ears and checks and balances in place to be astute stewards of the gifts we have received.  We are keeping very close to our budget and time-line.  The main building addition and the Church building renovations will begin between mid-September and mid-October and are scheduled for completion (all things being equal) between mid-March and early April 2008. 

 

I thank all of you for your continued prayerful and pledged support that makes all of this possible.  Our legacy will grow and continue to be blessed because of you.  May the Lord who sees all that you do in secret reward each of you abundantly.

 

                                         In Christ,

 

                                                               Fr. Francis Nigli