Church Renovation Update

My name is Mike Morris and I am the Director of Finance & Facilities for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. I look forward to these opportunities to bring you more details on our church repair and renovation. I hope that you have been following the updates weekly in the church bulletin, as it has been my promise to keep you informed throughout the renovation of the church.

Church repair and renovations began on October 16th, 2023. We are rebuilding the truss system as fabricated steel components become available. The center and side columns are completed. Truss member and cord C channels are the next step in the repair. Steel is being installed as soon as received from the fabricator. Upon completion of the truss repairs, new sheet roofing and a new asphalt shingle roof will be installed.

As is the expectation with large projects, additional problems often are discovered once the work begins. One problem that was unforeseen, was the destabilization of the foundation under east side of the church, which is the wall behind the altar. This problem led to the easternmost truss “jumping” the truss pocket and being out of position by about 7 inches. Helical piles were installed in the alley to stabilize the foundation and the truss was repositioned with connection plates to solve the problem. This project added about 6 weeks to our schedule and a considerable amount of cost, however, the foundation has been stabilized.

A new clock is being manufactured and will replace the existing, non-functional clock in August. The new clock will appear very similar in appearance to the old clock but will be electronic rather than mechanical. While installing the new clock, masonry repairs will be made to the sandstone tower and the battlements.

Plaster repair has begun to the interior walls and base level painting should begin in May. Decorative painting will follow later in May by Todd Brausch, a church artisan. The refinishing of the church pews is completed and are being stored off-site. Several church pews were lost due to damage in storage over the last few years. Seven, new pews are being manufactured in Nebraska by Ratigan Schottler that will match our old pews. These pews will be arriving in July. The Stations of the Cross have been restored and are ready to be hung.

To date, our project has been extremely safe with no safety incidents or accidents for employees and contractors. This is a major accomplishment as we are dealing with very heavy components and working at great heights. Thank you for your prayers and your continued prayers for the safety of all throughout the remainder of this project. It is now possible to set a date for the first Mass in our return to St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Barring unforeseen circumstances, that date is Sunday, September 8th at 11:00 a.m. I do not believe it is a coincidence that September 8th is also the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose intercessions we as a community have petitioned over these many years for the reopening of our blessed church. Since our church closed on February 26, 2020 until our first Mass back in the renovated church on September 8th, 2024 will be a total of 1,656 days. Your patience throughout this project has been inspirational. As our first Mass back in the church will be Sunday, September 8th at 11:00 a.m., there will be no 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday, September 7th that weekend, nor will there be a 7:45 a.m. Mass on Sunday, September 8th.

The 11:00 a.m. Mass will be the first Mass of the weekend and will be celebrated by Bishop Earl Fernandes with Fathers Young, Ondrey and Sullivan concelebrating.
Seating in the church is limited to 460 individuals. In the event seating is at capacity, the 11:00 a.m. Mass will be broadcast via YouTube on a large screen television in the activity center. Following the 11:00 a.m. Mass on September 8th, a buffet luncheon will be held in the activity center provided through the generosity of the Russo family. All are invited. Also, a second Mass will be held in the church on Sunday, September 8th at 5:00 p.m. for those who are unable attend the 11:00 a.m. Mass.
Regarding our Capital Campaign for the repair and renovation of the church, we have still not reached our goal of $1.5 million. For those who have provided a gift or a pledge, thank you so much for your generosity. If you would like to contribute to the Capital Campaign, it is not too late! Pledge cards can be found on the tables entering and leaving the church, or feel free to contact the Parish Office.

This has been and continues to be a long journey, however, the end is in sight. Throughout the dark days of the Covid pandemic and the challenges of the Real Presence, Real Future initiative we have, by the Grace of God, endured. We will soon celebrate Mass in our beautiful church, stronger than ever, due to your prayers, the intercessions of our Lady, and the tender Mercy of Our Savior. Thank you and may God bless you!