Padre’s Points to Ponder – July 11, 2025
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
A little over a year ago, we got permission from Archbishop Hartmayer to raise funds for many deferred maintenance and need improvement projects around our All Saints campus, and I’d like to update you on a number of the projects completed and what we’re looking to do moving forward.
First, the projects that have been completed. You are likely already aware we replaced the roof on the church and installed a new bell system, and added artwork and useful furniture to the narthex.
Some behind the scenes and less-noticeable (but no less impactful) improvements include professionally patching three significant potholes in the parking lot, removing the peeling wallpaper and worn carpets in the offices, then repainting and reflooring. Multiple heating units in the church and social hall building failed at the end of winter, and we have replaced them. All the HVAC ducts in the church building have been cleaned and sanitized. The gym got a new efficient water heater to facilitate washing of dishes at our KoC fish frys. Multiple locking mechanisms on our exterior doors have been replaced to ensure our security. We just installed a new A/C control system to better manage the challenge of cooling our rather large sanctuary. And the ceiling of the social hall just received a much-needed sanding and anti-mildew treatment.
And that’s not saying anything of the countless volunteer hours put in on our landscaping, adoration chapel, parish clean-up day projects, the confessionals, etc. The whole parish, and indeed the community, reaps the benefits of your generosity and dedicated service to the parish. To all who have labored, donated, supported, prayed for us…THANK YOU!
There is plenty yet to do. Just on the horizon, thanks to the ear-marked donations of a good few of you, the great work of the administrative staff here at the parish, and the leg work done by some key members of the Knights of Columbus, we are very soon to replace the knee-busting kneelers. New pads were ordered back in May and will likely be delivered by the end of the month, then teams of Knights will get to work removing the old ones and installing the new ones.
Keep praying, and in the ways you are able, keep investing in the parish, giving to the Renew & Restore initiative, volunteering in our work days, seeking ways to put the things you are good at at the service of the Lord, particularly here at All Saints. There are no Christian wallflowers, and your effort, especially when done in love, matters.
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor