St. Dominic Catholic Church

Pastor's Corner

April 23, 2017

As I promised in the April 9 bulletin, here’s an update on the Community Center project.  In the next week or so we will begin the completion of the repair work that is needed in the large room on the second floor.  As you may recall, a truss broke in the autumn of 2013, pushing out part of the upstairs outside wall.  An initial repair was done to protect the structural integrity of the building, but the room was gutted to the studs and hasn’t been used since.  Fr. Peter had permission to repair the room, but the proposed plan for renovation and use for the remainder of the building was not accepted by the Archdiocesan Building Commission (ABC). 

It turns out the work to be done in the Community Center is two distinct, though related projects: (1) the repair and remodeling of the large upstairs room, and (2) the renovation of the remainder of the building, including adding an elevator. 

You have already donated enough money to complete the repair and remodel of the upstairs room, and a much-needed replacement of the fire escape from the second floor, which is why we are going forward with that part of the project.  The contractor, John van Dyke, estimates we will be finished in June.

On February 6, 2017, after a presentation to the ABC, basic plans for the renovation of the remainder of the building were approved.  This approval means we can begin fundraising for that renovation. When we have 60% of the approximately $1.5 million needed, and the remainder in pledges, we can begin the renovation.

We will begin fundraising for the renovation when the first project is completed.  I intend to schedule some meetings to discuss the plans for the renovation with you before then.  I know this bifurcation of the project may come as a surprise for you.  Fundraising had already begun before I arrived, and I had assumed it was for the whole project.  It was only at the end of last year that I learned that we can only fundraise for projects approved by the ABC.  Nevertheless, with your generosity, we will complete both projects soon, I hope!