A Message from Father Mark Regarding Restoration of Our Churches this Summer
Dear Friends,
Maintenance is essential in preserving and enhancing our Parish property. We have been gifted with two beautiful churches, well–used parish facilities, and outdoor grounds that require ongoing care. You may have noticed scaffolding and work being done to both the exterior and interior of Saint Julia Church. We had some significant water damage in the Sanctuary. I am grateful for the help and expertise of Fred Salvucci (masonry) and Chris Knollmeyer (roofing/waterproofing) in addressing the problem and coming up with a remedy. On the other side of the scaffolding, our wonderful Grotto has been filled with gorgeous plants and flowers through the tireless efforts of Tony Franchi. How good it is to have these and so many other parishioners who reach out and generously assist in support of our Parish.
We began, in the month of June, a very necessary updating of Saint Julia Parish Center. I remember being “in the neighborhood” when it was being built. That was now almost thirty years ago and wear and tear has taken its toll. Under the kind guidance of Martin Dermady (architect), the Lower and Upper Lobbies and Center Hall will be refreshed and renewed for our Fall functions and activities.
We also will need to briefly close our Saint Julia Church parking lot so that cracks can be addressed and the hardtop sealed. It will then be re–lined. Resealing, at this point, will preserve the lot for some years before much more expensive resurfacing is needed.
Our Saint Joseph’s church property in Lincoln is also on our list of Summer projects. The Rectory needs some serious exterior restoration. It is presently in disrepair with aged, aluminum siding and very old, leaky windows on the second floor. Soon, it will be freshly re-sided and 14 new windows will be installed.
There is much going on – but, it’s all good! We are not just “keeping up appearances.” The updates and upkeep of our property is a renewal of our bond with those who established and built this Parish and a pledge of support to present and future generations. As we seek to preserve the legacy that we have received, I want to express my gratitude to the many who help us with our temporal obligations as well as spiritual matters. Parishioners quietly help in so many ways… everything from major concerns to tending to plantings around our churches and fixing lighting issues. I am thankful that Saint Julia Parish, Weston/Lincoln, is truly a very kind, caring and committed community in the Lord.
May the Blessings of God rest upon you,
Fr. Mark
