Our Challenge
In the fall of 2008, Father Colopy and the consultative bodies of the church approached the diocese and asked their assistance in conducting a parish-wide study regarding the needs of the church’s physical structure. The study results identified the need for capital improvements, repairs and restoration of the exterior and interior of the church.
Our church building is quickly approaching its one hundredth year of existence. After so many years of use, the structure has become worn and aged. Although the aging church building is in fairly good shape, it is in need of many renovations in order to avoid further damage. Because some renovations are more urgent than others, the Capital Campaign Projects Committee and the Buildings Office of the Diocese has identified and prioritized the exterior and interior items that need attention. The most pressing items are the exterior stone walls, the roof, gutters and various interior items.
A timeline for all projects of the campaign have been established and laid out in the Campaign Plan. We must first repair the exterior in order to protect our interior. Our first priority is to restore our exterior walls and then repair the roof and replace the gutters. Once we have accomplished the exterior projects, we can then begin work on the interior.
Projects to be Addressed by this Campaign:
• Roof and gutters
• Interior repairs and renovations
Interior Projects to Address:
• Drop ceiling and original ceiling
• Interior plumbing
• Interior electrical system
• Interior church walls
• Church floors
• Parking lot lighting
Members from the Campaign Projects Committee, Parish Pastoral, and Finance Councils and Father Colopy have worked closely with the Diocese to economically and efficiently approach the capital needs of our church structure.
Exterior Walls
Thanks to a grant from the Catholic Foundation and other monies we have been granted, we are able to commence work on the exterior walls. To begin the project, all four exterior walls will need to be prepared for tuck pointing. Because of the nature of this project, this work must begin before the weather gets too cold or wet.
Tuck Pointing is the process of replacing mortar into the damaged mortar joints. This is a critical maintenance task and keeps water from entering the brick wall cavity. If water is allowed to pass through mortar and into the wall, brick failure may occur such as cracking or spalling (popping off of the brick face).
To ensure that the exterior walls prevent water from entering the interior of our church, we will need to tuck point all four exterior walls. The estimated cost of tuck pointing is $105,000. Again, this cost has been fulfilled through the Catholic Foundation grant and other granted funds.
Roof and Gutters—Estimated $200,000
The current roof has given us shelter and protection, allowing us to worship in our church home. The clay shingle roof is in good shape and can last us well into the future, with some repair. An ice shield must be positioned under the clay shingles. While this is being done, repairs and replacement of clay shingles is also needed.
The gutters are the original gutters from the dedication of the Saint Dominic Church building in 1916. Many repairs and possible replacement are needed. The estimated cost for the roof repairs and gutter replacement is $200,000.
Interior Projects—$100,000
Similar to the exterior of our church structure, the interior of our church home needs attention. Projects that have been identified require renovations and improvements ranging from removing the drop ceiling for restoration, plastering and painting the interior walls to upgrading the electricity, just to name a few.
Because of the magnitude of the interior projects, we will address the various issues as finances permit. After the funding for the exterior roof and gutters is fulfilled, we can then use the estimated $100,000 towards restoring the interior of our church.