In our church downstairs we are fortunate to have a large hall, kitchen, and two meeting rooms (as well as closet space). Many groups, parishioners, and events use that space. For the past few weeks if you had a chance to use or walk through the Ryan Room downstairs you would have noticed a bit of construction. Rotting wood, bulging plaster and general maintenance needs were all the reasons for the work. Fortunately, that room and the work therein is coming to an end. We should (hopefully by the time you read this) have a partly painted Ryan Room. There will still be more work to do in the weeks ahead, but I wanted to give everyone a quick update.
In other parish maintenance news I am excited to tell everyone that the exterior of the church and rectory are going to be painted. After several months working with contractors, the diocese, and parish volunteers we have put in place a plan for much needed painting. You may have noticed discoloration, peeling, and rust forming on certain areas of the church and rectory. All of that will be fixed. The project will start in the spring with appropriate weather.
Finally, we are starting a new initiative here in the parish. This is going to be a Diocesan wide effort, and we have been asked to be one of the first parishes to try to implement this program. We call it the Planned Giving Initiative. This is not an increased giving campaign or me asking for more money in the offertory collection. Instead, it is program that helps us plan to support the parish after we have passed away. It is an opportunity to leave financial support to help keep the parish flourishing and forming saints long after we have left this earth. You can find more information in the bulletin. Ms. Cyndy Brown who is a parishioner and works for the diocese is spearheading this program. In addition to the other many worthy causes and organizations that allow for donations of this sort, we will have the same in place here as well.
Finally, save the date! Our parish mission will be March 27th to 29th at 6:30pm in the church. We have a very special speaker coming.