It’s been a while since I gave an update on our parish project, including where we stand with raising the funds to complete every aspect of it, so here are some highlights. I’ll keep you posted as we move forward.

Upgrades in the Church

• Every pew will be repaired, refinished, and reinstalled by December 18th.
• The finishing touches on the brighter carpeting will be completed once all of the pews have been reinstalled. In case of any staining, the carpet is easy to clean
• The flooring under the pews is a new, durable and easy-to-clean material; the last of the flooring will precede the installation of the last section of pews
• For a few weeks the front/center pews will be removed for repair and refinishing. I told the work team that this is not a problem as Catholics usually don’t sit up front anyway!☺
• The drawings for the refurbished confessionals in the chapel are done. The two rooms will be more spacious and will have additional natural lighting. Penitents can choose face-to-face or sit or kneel behind a screen. We anticipate this work might be done before Lent.
• The expanded rest rooms in the narthex area will also include a major upgrade in design
• The space on the other side of the narthex will become a vesting sacristy for the priests and deacons. It will also serve as a bride’s room and provide a small “quiet room” for families during Mass. Most families use the narthex with its glass doors and speakers for restless little ones who sometimes need some space to walk around.
• I hope you like our new carillon (bells) that speaks from the front tower of the church. Many have commented on the quality of the digital sound.

Upgrades to 40 Maple Street (Parish Offices and Stapleton Hall)

• HVAC system has been installed on the third floor
• Repairs have been made to HVAC in the rest of the building while we wait for new equipment
• Flooring will be installed once the HVAC project is complete
• Stapleton Hall will be remodeled and likely provide space for our Knights of Columbus and be perfect for mid-size gatherings

Saint Aloysius Preschool and Faith Formation Center

• Once the demolition crew is finished (end of November), construction will start on this building. Please pray for a mild winter so we can build through that season!
• The building will house the new Saint Aloysius Preschool, Religious Education (PreK 3,4 through 8th grade, including special needs classes), and meeting space for parish ministries
• A free-standing chapel with seating for 50 will be adjacent to the Faith Formation Center
• We have installed a bird’s-eye-view camera in the tower of 40 Maple Street that will enable everyone to see daily progress from our website. We will activate the camera as soon as the demolition is fully complete. I tested it out the other day – it’s very cool, and I think those of us that like trucks, cranes, steel beams, etc. will be mesmerized!

FUNDRAISING

• We have raised $19 Million toward our goal of $26 Million from more than 400 families. I am so grateful to all for their generosity, especially to those who made a sacrificial gift.
• A mailing to those who haven’t yet had an opportunity to pledge went out last week, and we will be calling those who have received that letter beginning November 14.
• I pray that if you haven’t pledged yet, you will include this transforming project in your prayers and make a pledge.
• If you have questions about the construction plans, or want to know about naming opportunities, ways to give, or you’d like to help us reach out to others who can help us make this a reality, let me know: frrob@starcc.com.

Finally, I am so thankful to God for this lively community of believers that we call “Saint Aloysius Parish.” As the world challenges us, we need the space to live the Gospel the way the Lord has called us to live it. Please help one another respond to that call!

God bless you,