From the Parish Office
Hello Everyone.
We sent out an update on Parish activities in January. This is an update on what’s been happening.
Properties-
OLPH Property Sale to Highlands Borough- The final contract on this sale should be signed in the fall. We presented our plans for the new parking lot on the church property to the Land Use Board of Highlands. Our plans were approved and accepted. We are now preparing for demolition of the rectory building and the garage.
Mother Theresa School Property- As we said in the update in January, this property is for sale. The Diocese Real Estate office is handling this process- there has been lots of interest, but no firm offers have been received. This sale could take years if it happens at all. Many have asked about the St. Agnes Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop will remain open until there is a final contract of sale on the property. Having said that, we will be closing the Thrift Shop for a few weeks this summer as we have done in the past, for reorganization, and cleaning. To continue to offer this service to our community, we will need community volunteers to staff the shop.
Convent-As many know, the pipes in the convent burst in the cold weather this winter and we experienced massive water damage to the building. We have been consulting with the diocesan insurance company and
Serv-Pro, the company that did the initial clean up; to replace old wiring, old heating and electric and rebuild is not cost effective. The only option we have is to take the building down. The demolition will take place over the summer.
Other Exciting Activities
Music Ministry and Mass Changes- We are excited to announce that our Organist at OLPH, Courtney Grogan, has agreed to assume responsibility for all music at both OLPH and St. Agnes. Courtney will play at all the Masses and direct the Music Ministry. Because of this change, we will modify the Mass Schedule slightly. Effective the weekend of June 30/July 1, the 5pm Saturday Mass at St. Agnes will now begin at 5:15pm. The 10:30am Sunday Mass will now begin at 10:45am. This will give Courtney ample time to travel between both churches.
CCD Classes Moving- The CCD Classes will be moving to OLPH School in September. Keeping the Mother Theresa School open for CCD only was costing the parish over $50,000/year. This is an expense we can eliminate by moving CCD Classes. Kevin Connelly will be managing the move and registration for next session. Please contact him with any questions.
Repairs and Other Activities- You will see us replacing the frames on the windows in both churches this summer. This is critical to preserve and protect our beautiful stained-glass windows. There is work taking place in the Sacristy at OLPH as well- sinks are being replaced, and shelving and painting will happen over the summer. Additionally, the lights in the parking lot at St. Agnes will be repaired/replaced as some point in the fall.
Volunteerism-We are in serious need of volunteers for several projects- the CCD Move and the Thrift Shop Clean up are only two of many. Adult volunteers and any high school age students who are off this summer and looking for community service hours should contact the parish office. As always, we are very grateful for your help.
Enjoy the summer!