Father John’s Message

Fr. John Gerritts  |   

17 March 2024

What is going on with the east side of our church building? You may have noticed some construction work. When we have a heavy rain or spring thaw, we often have seepage into the chapel and basement of our church building. This has been happening for as long as I can remember, so at least twelve years. We decided it was time to take care of this issue, so hired Zappa Brothers Excavating to dig along our foundation where the seepage is occurring to make sure we don’t have any large issues with our foundation. So far so good! They will then put a membrane along this section, so between that and adjusting the landscaping in that area we will hopefully eradicate our issues.

Since they were already here and had the equipment on site, we decided to have them remove some of the large brown wooden beams that had rotted and fortunately were not structural. We will likely not replace them, but will look at another means of hiding the utilities to make that side of the building once again appealing when the construction is completed.

You may have also noticed some trees were removed. Thanks to our volunteers who completed this project and also cut up and chipped a lot of brush from our property. The trees, near the main entrance, unfortunately had died or were close to dying. We are working with professionals to take steps to save other trees affected by various diseases.

We know that the Backpack program has partnered with others and purchased a building where they will be able to expand their programming to provide food for people facing food insecurity – the old Catalyst Physical Therapy building. They are prepping the building to prepare it so it will meet their needs. They are looking to move out of our building by July 1 at the latest, and possibly earlier. The floor in the parish hall is definitely in need of some attention, but we have decided that other than sweeping and mopping, we will wait until the Backpack program moves out before giving it greater attention.

It seems that there are always details that need attention in maintaining our buildings. It is easy to forget that we have two large buildings (church and school), two condo units, and a cemetery that includes ten additional acres. In addition, across from the school there is a parking lot and additional city lots, all of which need to be maintained. Thanks to all our staff and volunteers who contribute to maintaining these properties and buildings.

Which brings us to what we celebrate this weekend. Not only is the feast of Saint Patrick, but this year we celebrate 150 years of being dedicated to this Irish Saint. This dedication coincided with the dedication of what was then the “new” church on the corner of Fourth and St. Croix Streets. The cornerstone for that church was officially laid on August 23, 1874. The previous church had been dedicated to St. James. We have been at our current site since 1991. (Coincidentally the same year I was ordained a priest and Father Dan Tracy, our associate, was born.) Make sure to plan to join us for a delicious brunch after the Masses on Sunday, the first event we will have this year to mark our anniversary.

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