Greetings from Fr. Dave

As we pass the midway point in August, it’s time for an update on the Walker Road widening/relocation of parish offices. In case you have been out of the loop, we were informed 18 months ago that the widening of Walker Road will require the demolition of our current office building.
 
We have gone through a careful process of examining possible sites for the offices and have narrowed it down to placing them in front of the Fireside Rooms in what is currently parking area. We have a tentative design on the building and the necessary revamping of parking, which is extensive. And, we have a land use attorney working with us who specializes in interfacing with the County on processes like ours where there is land condemnation/acquisition.
 
We had hoped to have the initial appraisal from the County by now and expected to be well into the negotiation of a fair value for the removal and building of the office, as well as for the value of the land being taken. Originally we were told if all goes well, there should be no money out of our pockets for this project, but. . . . . . it is quickly becoming apparent that there will be. As we get some hard figures, we will keep you informed.

As promised throughout my 12+ years here, we have funded all the operations of the parish out of the offertory without doing fundraisers. To avoid depleting our savings, we will likely provide an opportunity for those who wish to contribute specifically to this project. If you know of a good contractor who might take on a project like this, please let us know. Thanks to all of you who have been so generous to our parish!


And, on another note, in light of ongoing violence across the country, we have been examining security issues for our church and school. Last summer we made use of a safety grant to put a security coating on the school windows to make it more difficult for an intruder to enter. We also made changes within the school to make it as secure as possible in the event of an intruder.
 
Earlier this month we had a really helpful meeting with the Washington County Sheriff Department to get their assessment of protocol and risk. We are told that our church is not a high-risk target and are scheduling a training for staff, Mass Coordinators, and Greeters. We are blessed to have the Sheriff’s department close by and very ready to assist, including with training.
 
Ongoing advice we are all given is to pay attention to anything/anyone who looks like they “don’t fit” — here as well as in your neighborhood, workplace, and wherever you are. Let one of our Greeters or our Mass Coordinator know if you notice something here. Stay alert and trust your intuition if something doesn’t look right!

 
Finally, a warm farewell to Dustin Busse, our summer seminarian intern. After some vacation and family time, Dustin will return to Rome for continued studies. I have huge respect for Dustin and wholeheartedly affirm his vocation to the priesthood! Blessings on him, and on James and Justin too.
 

Blessings to Piper Aldan and Rollo Queen, who were baptized this weekend!
 
Congratulations to Melody Andrada and David Nguyen, who were married here on August 17 ^th. Blessings to you both, and to all of our married and engaged couples!
 
Last week, funeral services were held for Vera Buelt. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.