November 13, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

Felgemaker. Did you know this is the last name of a maker of pipe organs,
A.B. Felgemaker. Were you aware our pipe organ was made by A.B. Felgemaker. In
fact, our organ was built in 1903, which makes our organ 117 years old! I share this
information, because some parishioners who have a keen interest in our liturgical
music and our pipe organ began inquiring about utilizing an organ more in our
liturgies. After consulting with organ experts in Austin and the DFW area, they
determined our Felgemaker organ is in good playing condition. They also made the
statement, the organ could be moved to the balcony for an economical price. With
this knowledge, it was decided the organ should be moved to the balcony, and placed
against the west wall so as not to obstruct the view of the stained glass windows.

The idea of being able to move the organ upstairs was only “wishful thinking”. After
gathering facts, it is definitely doable. This project was not part of our Rooted In
Christ, Growing In Faith campaign and yet it is a worthy project which can be
incorporated into our renovation. Knowing this, the parishioners who brought
forward the desire for organ music have taken it upon themselves to raise the
majority of funds required for this project. The funds being raised are in addition to
their pledges for our campaign. I commend them for the funds they have raised for
this additional project. Moving the organ to the balcony will enhance the sound
production of the organ and it will visually complement the beauty of our church.
The overall design plans are nearing completion to be let out for bids. As
progress continues, the timeline for work to begin is scheduled for the first week of
January 2021. This time frame will allow us to celebrate 2020 Christmas Masses in
the church.

The anticipation and excitement is growing as we move closer to begin the
work of enhancing our church.

In Christ,

Fr. Keith Koehl
Pastor

November 6, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

Prayer after an election

God of all nations, Father of the human family,
we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise and the many blessings
of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America.
We ask for your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves
to the common good, working for justice and peace at home and around the world.
We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants, those who will serve us as
president, as legislators and judges, those in the military and law enforcement.
Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord, with a common purpose,
dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice in the years ahead
for all people, and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst. Amen.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

What a difference a year makes. Last November, we were all together, filling the
pews in our sanctuary and giving thanks to God for our many blessings. We were in
the midst of our Capital Campaign, yet you also graciously gave to the Catholic Services
Appeal (CSA).

This has been a different year. Although many among us haven’t returned to
worshiping in person, we are still a community of faith committed to Christ and his
work. And despite the pandemic, ministries still need funding. CSA helps fund these
ministries.

Of note to us, the CSA supports seminarian Ladd Spears, and Deacon Callen
Sweeney, both of whom, we have been blessed to have in our parish.
While the funds our annual appeal provides to ministries are important every
year, they’re perhaps even more necessary now. Our diocese overall is experiencing
an increased need for those ministries that serve the poor and vulnerable, especially.
Join me in donating, as we the parishioners of St. Mary’s do our part to assist
the ministries of the Diocese of Austin. Go to www.austindiocese.org/give to donate.

In Christ,

Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

Oct 30, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

As election day draws near, I offer “A Prayer Before an Election.”

Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns
that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens
in our community. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other
as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and
violence, deceit and poverty. We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those
abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender. We ask for
minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your
Kingdom. We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus
and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name
of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Plans for our church renovation and construction are progressing forward. The image above is
an accurate rendering of the entrance to the church! Your feedback for the entrance was taken into
consideration in the design. Most notably, there is a ramp on each side leading to the entrance doors,
no more climbing up and down steps. The entrance doors have a covered awning to keep out the rain
and to partially protect the doors from the sun. The “plaza” is large enough for gathering to greet one
another before and after mass. I am excited about the redesigned front of the church. We have taken
another step closer to construction!

Peace,

Fr. Keith Koehl

October 23, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

Over the past three weeks, I have been sharing with you quotes from the United States
Conference of Bishops (USCCB) from their pastoral letter, Forming Consciences for Faithful
Citizenship. This document is the bishop’s teaching document on the political responsibility
of Catholics. This statement represents their guidance for the Catholic faithful in the exercise
of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy.

The bishops conclude: “Building a world of respect for human life and dignity, where justice and
peace prevail, requires more than just political commitment. Individuals, families, businesses,
community organizations, and governments all have a role to play. Participation in political life
in light of fundamental moral principles is an essential duty for every Catholic and all people of
good will. The Church is involved in the political process but is not partisan. The Church cannot
champion any candidate or party. Our cause is the defense of human life and dignity and the
protection of the weak and vulnerable. The Church is engaged in the political process but should
not be used. We welcome dialogue with political leaders and candidates; we seek to engage and
persuade public officials. Events and photo ops cannot substitute for serious dialogue.”

The bishops continue, “we cannot compromise basic principles or moral teaching. We are
committed to clarity about our moral teaching and to civility. In public life, it is important to
practice the virtues of charity and justice that are at the core of our Tradition. We should work
with others in a variety of ways to advance our moral principles. In light of these principles and
the blessings we share as part of a free and democratic nation, we bishops vigorously repeat
our call for a renewed kind of politics:

Focused more on moral principles than on the latest polls

Focused more on the needs of the weak than on benefits for the strong

Focused more on the pursuit of the common good than on the demands of narrow interests

This kind of political participation reflects the social teaching of our Church and the best
traditions of our nation.”

Next week, I will share with you a prayer before an election.

Regarding the church renovation, next week’s letter will include an architectural rendering of
the front entrance to the church!

In Christ,

Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

October 16, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

This week I continue with further quoted reflections from the United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as we prepare to vote in the upcoming elections.

“Catholic voters should use Catholic teaching to examine candidates’ positions on issues
and should consider candidates’ integrity, philosophy, and performance. It is important
for all citizens “to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and
to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-
interest” (USCCB, Living the Gospel of Life, no.33).

The Common Good
The common good is comprised of “the sum total of social conditions which allow
people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more
easily.” Human dignity is respected and the common good is fostered only if human
rights are protected and basic responsibilities are met. Every human being has a right to
life, a right to religious freedom, and a right to have access to those things required for
human decency— food and shelter, education and employment, health care and
housing…The economy must serve people, not the other way around. An economic
system must serve the dignity of the human person and the common good by
respecting the dignity of work and protecting the rights of workers. Economic justice
calls for decent work at fair, living wages, a broad and fair legalization program with a
path to citizenship for immigrant workers, and the opportunity for all people to work
together for the common good through their work, ownership, enterprise, investment,
participation in unions, and other forms of economic activity. Workers also have
responsibilities—to provide a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, to treat employers and
coworkers with respect, and to carry out their work in ways that contribute to the
common good. Workers, employers, and unions should not only advance their own
interests but also work together to advance economic justice and the well-being of all.
We have a duty to care for God’s creation, which Pope Francis refers to in Laudato Si’ as
“our common home.”… Pope Francis, consistent with St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict
XVI (World Day of Peace Message, 1990 and 2010), has lifted up pollution, climate
change, lack of access to clean water, and the loss of biodiversity as particular
challenges. Pope Francis speaks of an “ecological debt” (no. 51) owed by wealthier
nations to developing nations. And he calls all of us to an “ecological conversion” (no.
219), by which “the effects of [our] encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in [our]
relationship with the world around [us]”.

Solidarity
Solidarity is “a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to . . . the good of
all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.”…We are one
human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological
differences. Our Catholic commitment to solidarity requires that we pursue justice,
eliminate racism, end human trafficking, protect human rights, seek peace, and avoid
the use of force except as a necessary last resort….In a special way, our solidarity must
find expression in the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. A moral test for
society is how we treat the weakest among us—the unborn, those dealing with
disabilities or terminal illness, the poor, and the marginalized.

Next week we continue with further reflections on our responsibility to participate in
the political life.

Peace,

Fr. Keith Koehl
Pastor

October 9, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

This week I continue with further quoted reflections from the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as we prepare to vote in the upcoming elections.

“Catholic voters should use Catholic teaching to examine candidates’ positions on issues and
should consider candidates’ integrity, philosophy, and performance. It is important for all
citizens “to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their
political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest” (USCCB, Living
the Gospel of Life, no.33).

The Dignity of the Human Person
Human life is sacred because every person is created in the image and likeness of God . . . Every
human being “must always be understood in his unrepeatable and inviolable uniqueness . . . This
entails above all the requirement not only of simple respect on the part of others, especially
political and social institutions and their leaders with regard to every man and woman on the
earth, but even more, this means that the primary commitment of each person towards others,
and particularly of these same institutions, must be for the promotion and integral development
of the person” (no. 131). Every political, economic, social, scientific and cultural program must
be inspired by the awareness of the primacy of each human being over society.”

Subsidiarity
It is impossible to promote the dignity of the person without showing concern for the family,
groups, associations, and local realities—in short, for those economic, social, cultural,
recreational, professional, and political communities to which people spontaneously give life and
which make it possible for them to achieve effective social growth. The family, based on
marriage between a man and a woman, is the fundamental unit of society. This sanctuary for the
creation and nurturing of children must not be redefined, undermined, or neglected. Supporting
families should be a priority for economic and social policies. How our society is organized—in
economics and politics, in law and public policy—affects the well-being of individuals and of
society. Every person and association has a right and a duty to participate in shaping society to
promote the well-being of individuals and the common good. The principle of subsidiarity
reminds us that larger institutions in society should not overwhelm or interfere with smaller or
local institutions; yet larger institutions have essential responsibilities when the more local
institutions cannot adequately protect human dignity, meet human needs, and advance the
common good.

Next week we continue with the common good and solidarity.

Peace,
Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

When it comes to praying, we are fairly faithful praying for something we need for ourselves or for
others.  We might pray for a job, a healthy family, seeking reconciliation with someone.  I find in my
prayer I am usually asking for myself or for others.  Seeking something from God is good, Jesus
does want us to turn to Him in our need.  We also can turn to Him in prayer in other ways.

Where you aware there are other forms of prayer?  The Catholic Church lists four types of prayer: 
Praise, Forgiveness, Thanksgiving, Petition.  One way to remember is ACTS:  Adoration, Contrition,
Thanksgiving, Petition.  Perhaps we are very aware of the prayer of petition.  The Church in its’
wisdom, reminds us of the need to do more than just ask Jesus.  In a prayer of adoration or praise
we acknowledge God is God and God created us.  We offer praise simply because God is.  In
contrition, we express our sorrow to God for decisions and actions which do not conform to the will
of God or to what God calls us to follow.  In Thanksgiving, we thank God for all we are and receive. 
Everything is a gift from God.  In supplication or petition we ask God to fulfill a need.  In doing so we
express our dependence upon God.  

I offer this reflection as a reminder to expand our forms of prayer.  As we do so, we grow in our
awareness of God, our dependence upon God and strengthen our relationship with God.  When we
include the different forms of prayer, we increase our awareness of God in our lives.  God is more
than someone we turn to and ask.  God is everything.  As we pray with the other forms of prayer, we
grow in our experience and awareness of how much we are loved by God.  For our part all we need
to do is ACT(S).

Fr. Keith Koehl
Pastor
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church

August 21, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

As you read this letter our Parish Festival will be celebrated “COVID-style” in
three weeks, Sunday, September 13. “COVID-style” appears to be the latest catch
phrase to describe parish festivals during this pandemic. This phrase means meal
plates will be available “to go” only and raffle tickets are available for purchase.
This past week meal and raffle tickets were being purchased at the church office
at a rapid pace. Thank you to everyone who came by the church office to purchase
tickets! Thanks to those who have taken extra raffle booklets to sell. (meal $12/plate,
raffle $2/ticket) Remember meal tickets are also available to purchase online.

MEal Tickets

On Wednesday, August 26, from 6-8 PM and Saturday, August 29, from 10-12
there will be a drive through lane at the church from which you may purchase raffle
tickets and take some extra books for selling to others. Meal tickets will also be
available for purchase. Remember to drive through and pick up tickets in the coming
week.

It is so important that we as a parish community support our church and school
during these unprecedented times. We need to make up for the lost revenue which
would have come from the sale of beverages, the auction and the extremely popular
dunking booth! :) Consider purchasing and selling more tickets or the monies you
would have spent at the auction and on beverages, donate to the parish festival.
In next week’s letter, I hope to share with you some exciting updates on our
church renovations. For the moment, progress is being made on the design, and K4 is
nearing completion on a budget which will be presented to the building committee for
review.

Until next week, peace,

Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

August 16, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

In less than one month, we will hold our 86th annual parish festival. As I
mentioned in a previous letter this will be an abbreviated festival. We will have a BBQ
brisket and sausage plate available for pick up only. Meal tickets are $12 per plate.
They will only be pre-sold. We are again sponsoring a raffle. The first prize is a gift
certificate for $4,000! Raffle tickets are $2.00 per ticket.

Each household is asked to purchase tickets for yourself AND sell to others.
This year our festival fundraising will only come from the meal and raffle. We need to
increase the sale of meal plates and raffle tickets to cover the lack from other food,
drink and game booths. Everyone is encouraged to buy for yourselves AND sell to
others. Meal tickets can be purchased ONLINE HERE or call the church office 512.352.2175.
To obtain raffle tickets for purchase and selling, come by the church office or
call the office to make arrangements for tickets.

Another change this year, we will be not having any auctions, silent or live. In
lieu of an item you might have donated or money spent on the auction(s), donate the
money towards the festival or purchase more raffle tickets.

On Wednesday, August 26, 6 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, August 29, 9 – 11 a.m.
meal and raffle tickets will be for sale outside on the church grounds. There will be
parishioners selling the tickets curbside, so you can stay in your vehicle. Raffle tickets
will be available to purchase AND to pick up to sell to others. There will be more
details in the upcoming weeks. Be on the lookout for a postcard coming to your U.S.
postal mailbox reminding you of the dates for the outside drive by sales of meal and
raffle tickets.

Thank you to the many parishioners who have already purchased meal and
raffle tickets.

It’s time to buy and sell…buy and sell meal and raffle tickets…buy and sell.
Until next week.

Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

August 7, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

In the past two weeks there has been considerable activity in preparing for the church
renovation. This is what has occurred.

-The facilities committee interviewed two liturgical art teams and selected Canning
Liturgical Arts. They specialize in ecclesiastical art and design having over 40 years’
experience in this field.

- K4, the general contractor has officially hired the remainder of the design team:
- Capstone Mechanical for the MEP design
- Clark & Fuller Engineering: for the Civil Engineering/Topography/Survey
- BAi: for the Audio/Visual/Acoustics
- Received a quote from the Verdin Company on a system with a controller to ring our
   cast bronze bell which is 47 inches in diameter and weighs 2,000 pounds.
- K4 has been meeting some subcontractors on site to gather accurate budget pricing
   on several of the larger scopes of work, such as the pews, painting, and stained glass.
- A listening session was held focusing on the needs and desires in a sound system.

Among those present were representatives from the musical groups in the parish. K4
and their team led the meeting. BAi will take into consideration the feedback from this
meeting in designing our sound system.

The next milestone is to receive the refined price estimates for each item of proposed
work. The scope of work will then be prioritized in relation to the total amount pledged to our
Rooted In Christ, Growing in Faith campaign.

Our last weekend of Masses in the church before the renovation work begins will be
the weekend of November 7 and 8, 2020. The liturgical minister leaders will be meeting in
the coming weeks to develop plans as to where we will celebrate masses while the church is
undergoing renovations.

The journey continues…. until next week.

Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

REMINDER: Call the Church Office (512.352.2175) for your St. Mary’s Catholic Community
Fall Festival Raffle Tickets ($2 per ticket) and Meal Tickets (to go only, $12 each) to be served
on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020.

July 24, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

Life in the parish has been relatively quiet this week. There are a few updates to
share along with some upcoming events.

First, last week Deacon Callan announced he was planning to attend a 3-week
airborne training school. Before he left, he was informed, due to COVID-19, his orders
were cancelled. Deacon Callan will be with us until mid-August before returning to St.
Mary’s Seminary in Houston for the Fall semester.

Second, preparatory work for our church renovations continue. This week

• a pew subcontractor was on site and was provided details of the project. This will allow for greater specificity on pricing.
• a painting subcontractor was on site and was provided details of the project.(The subcontractors are providing cost estimates to K4 the general contractor, toassist in preparing a budget for the design-build. Later in the process, multiplesubcontractors will be invited to submit bids).
• The civil engineer’s topography crew was on site taking measurements of theterrain.
• The 2nd of two bids was received from a consultant who will inspect thecomplete church building envelope.

Third, the sacrament of Confirmation for our confirmands will be celebrated by
Bishop Vásquez on Sunday, August 16 at a 1 PM Mass. Due to corona virus restrictions
attendance at the Mass will be limited to the confirmands, their parents, and sponsors.
This is a rescheduling from the initial date of Sunday, May 24. Please pray for our
confirmation candidates.

Finally, because of the cancellation of our Fall Festival, in my letter next week, I will
share with you detailed information about purchasing and selling BBQ meal tickets and
raffle tickets for our Fall fundraiser on Sunday, September 13, 2020.

Until next week,

Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

July 17, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

100 degree temperatures, very little grass to mow, cicadas sounding off,
these are the telltale signs that summer is definitely here in Texas. In the midst of
summer, planning moves forward for the upcoming months.

Traditionally, in August we have our parish potluck on the Sunday after
August 15, the feast of the Assumption of Mary, the namesake of our parish. In
September we have our annual parish festival. This year due to COVID-19 the
decision has been made to cancel the August parish potluck. Our annual parish
festival held in September will not be taking place. After consultation with the
Diocese of Austin and the parish’s Pastoral Council it was decided in the interest
of public health these events would not be held at this time.

We are aware the September festival is an essential means of raising funds for our school. The
school’s budget is dependent upon revenue from this event. If you recall last
year’s festival the proceeds were shared between the church and school. This
year instead of the festival there will be a BBQ meal picked up in a drive through
line. We will have a raffle with the first prize being a gift card for $4,000!

This year, every household will receive a booklet of tickets to either sell or
purchase. Information on how and where to purchase your BBQ plates and details
about the raffle will be sent in the upcoming weeks.
I know these are extremely different and challenging times in the world.
During these circumstances, I am certain that we the parishioners of St. Mary of
the Assumption Catholic Church will support this amended edition of the 83rd
annual Fall Festival, benefitting our church and school.

Peace,

Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

P.S. An update on the church renovation: K4 the general contractor, has received one fee proposal from a building envelope
consultant and they are awaiting the proposal from another firm. Meetings with subcontractors will be taking place this week.

July 10, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

This summer has been all too short. Soon I will be leaving St Mary’s but thankfully only temporarily as I will be returning almost every weekend in September and for the rest of the next academic year at seminary, my last before ordination to the priesthood. I am heading off on a new adventure, one  I have been praying and preparing for some time. As some of you may know, in addition to being a seminarian for the Diocese of Austin, I am also a co-sponsored seminarian for the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA and a Chaplain Candidate in the US Army Reserve. This summer I will be heading to Fort Benning, GA to attend the US Army’s Airborne School. A lot like it sounds, it is a school where they teach you how to jump out of perfectly good airplanes. Think of Band of Brothers and the Normandy invasion and you will probably have a good idea of what all that entails.

Why am I doing this you might ask? Certainly I do not need to in the absolute sense. Frankly, I have chosen to do it because that is where the Soldiers are. To be a Shepherd one must be with the sheep, to go with them...out the door of a plane, if need be. I have been privileged to serve in an Airborne Battalion for the last several years. They are an extraordinary group of men and women, most if not all combat veterans, some even currently deployed overseas. Completion of this course will certainly not be the end all be all of ministry, instead I pray that it be an open door, in one way or the other, to engage in the deeper questions and mysteries of God’s providence wherever that Soldier is.    

For open canopies and soft landings, St Micheal the Archangel, pray for us!

In Christ,

Deacon Callan Sweeney

July 3, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

On July 1, 2020, I entered into my third year as your pastor.  These three years have gone by very quickly.  The phrase “tempus fugit” (time flies) is so true.    I can still remember arriving on a hot summer day, and the moving van arriving shortly after me with all my possessions in boxes.  I could not have imagined beginning a capital campaign for the renovation of a church and parish facilities, and reprising a high school.  I can never fully imagine the plans God has for me.  

Upon my first minutes arriving at St. Mary’s, I walked into the office/rectory and the building seemed to whisper “welcome.”  I was warmly welcomed by so many people.  I celebrated the Wednesday evening Mass and afterward introduced myself to those attending and inquired as to their name.  I do not know what kind of first impression I made, but it was an impression!

Over these three years I have continued to grow in my priesthood and in my awareness of who God has called be to be as a human being.  I am grateful to God and the Diocese of Austin entrusting me to shepherd the people at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Taylor. I look forward to the coming years.

Peace, 

Fr. Keith Koehl 

Pastor

June 25, 2020

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,

    I want to keep you informed of what is occurring during the planning for the renovation and upgrades to our parish facilities.  Below are some of the major items discussed and acted upon at our last meeting with K4, the general contractor:

-currently the spacing between pews varies from 32.5” to 34” The optimal spacing is 36” It was agreed that the pews, once refinished would be placed at a spacing of 36”.  This would eliminate one pew from each side of the Nave seating.  K4 is inquiring about bids for the refinishing of the pews

-Capstone Mechanical will be hired for “design only” to prepare proposals for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering

-a full Facility envelope study/inspection of the church building will be conducted.  The final report will help us determine if there are any areas of concern which have not been addressed

-Clark and Fuller survey engineering were approved for hire

- BAI, Consultants in Acoustics, Sound Reinforcement, and Audiovisual Systems will be hired for “design/build” to prepare proposals for the Audio/Acoustic Design

-Studio IO, the liturgical consultant, will compile a list of liturgical companies associated with marble cleaning and architectural / decorative paint companies to be vetted by the building committee

    Progress is moving forward.  The design-build team is almost complete and schematics are being designed.  I am sure you are wondering, just like myself, when will the “real” work begin on the church.  The proposed timeline for the physical construction on the church is tentatively scheduled for November 2020 until June 2021.  If you have been involved in any type of construction, you understand there are a lot of factors which determine the construction timeline.  Our hopes to renovate the church are steadily moving forward in becoming a reality!

In Christ,

Fr. Keith Koehl, Pastor

Dear St. Mary of the Assumption Parishioners,
 
“Behind the Scenes” activity is moving forward on our church renovation.
 
The following are some of this week’s developments.
 
A contract has been signed with a liturgical consultant, Studio io, to help with budgeting and design documentation of the sanctuary (the area of the altar, ambo, tabernacle and baptismal font). 
 
K4 our general contractor,

• met a civil engineer on site to look at the project prepare their design proposal
• test drilled the existing terrazzo flooring in a few locations and found that it is not just an overlay, but an actual terrazzo floor system
• has begun drafting work on the project
• K4 and the Church plan to meet in the next week or two to finalize the full design team, discuss project budget and scope in more detail, etc. 

 
The next steps are already underway and involve finalizing the scope and content of all project items, as well as starting the project design. This step will focus heavily on budget to better understand what we can afford as we examine the project closely. This phase should be complete in June, then will be followed by the final design. After design, the project will be bid out for all trade contractors to submit actual pricing. 
 
I look forward to providing you with weekly updates on the progress being made on this historic project.
 
Peace,
 
Fr. Keith

As outdoor temperatures continue to rise and there is a high possibility of rain in the forecast for this Sunday, we will be returning to Mass in the church with a “modified” schedule.

The schedule is a follows:

Saturday, May 23

Reconciliation 10-11 AM and 4-5 PM in the chapel (this will be the last Saturday, reconciliation will be offered from 10-11 AM)

Sunday, May 24

Masses at 9 AM and 11 AM in the church

Social distancing and health protocols will limit the number of worshippers allowed to enter the church for each Mass.  Seating will be in every other pew.  No more than two households may be seated in a pew.  In order to maintain proper social distancing one household is to sit at one end of the pew, while the other family/individual is to be seated at the other end.  If there are people not able to attend because the church has reached its current seating capacity, this will be taken into consideration in evaluating the “modified” Mass schedule.

Thank you to the parishioners who have been faithfully mailing in their parish offerings.  Thank you also to everyone who is giving online.  If you have a source of income, join your fellow parishioners who are making the sacrifice and commitment to support our parish as they return a portion of their finances regularly to the church.

Thank you for your patience, flexibility and understanding as St. Mary’s makes ongoing adjustments to the location and times of Masses during these times of global health concerns.

In Christ,

Fr. Keith