Rectory Update
I have received a few questions in these last few weeks about the different contractors sighted working at the St. Michael parish house and I thought it would be good to explain a little more publicly about what has been taking place.
The house was built with two main bedrooms, each with an attached bath. There was also a small guest bedroom in the lower level in what was originally part of the parish offices. There was a water closet there as well, but no shower or bath. When Fr. Tom Skaja moved into the rectory, I felt it would be a good time to upgrade that downstairs bedroom and install a shower for guests (or potentially repurpose the whole lower level as a suite and have the other upper-level bedroom for guests).
I approached our parish trustees and finance council members about the idea and as we were looking at the space and discussing options, the recommendation came that we should redo part of the kitchen as well to open up the space, put in an island and new flooring, and update the appliances. It was agreed that the kitchen would need to be updated soon and that it made the most sense to do both projects (kitchen and bedroom/bathroom) at the same time.
We submitted the proposal to the diocese for approval of renovation and expenditure, and then contracted with Berscheid Builders to do the remodeling. As of the end of this last week, the project should be pretty much completed. Everything is looking great! A special thank you to those members on the building committee who provided so much advise and expertise, and to all those who volunteered time to help with the different pieces of the project or who donated towards it. I was originally worried that the process would be somewhat difficult or painful, but you have all made it rather enjoyable. Now I just have to worry about cleaning up after everything is finished (and there is a LOT to clean – that dust gets everywhere).
If this were a different year, we could have had an open house to share with parishioners the results of the remodeling, but that will have to be put on hold. Maybe something might be possible this summer. I want to express my appreciation again to all of you who have been so welcoming to me. It is a pleasure to serve in these parishes.
World Day of the Sick
On February 11th the Church observes the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, and in connection with the many miraculous healings that have taken place at Lourdes under Our Lady’s intercession, February 11th has also been named World Day of the Sick. It is a time to remember and pray for all those who are sick, especially those with chronic or debilitating diseases. With them, we unite our own suffering and sacrifices to the suffering of Christ on the Cross and hope in that resurrection when we all might be renewed in body, spirit, and soul.
At this time, we are still doing Anointing of the Sick by appointment only, but please do not hesitate to ask if you desire that sacrament of healing. It is a good thing to do, especially around this time as the world prays for all who are sick.
Fr. Timothy Gapinski
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