Crunch Time for Church Renovations

The new sidewalk was poured on Tuesday. The stonewall in front of the new addition is
complete. The altar, ambo, and other furnishings are all in position. The contractors are
completing a punch list of final projects. It looks as if everything will be good to go to move
back into Holy Redeemer Church next weekend.

The Rededication Planning Committee has been working diligently to celebrate this landmark in
parish history. We are planning a Sneak Preview Prayer Service and Reception for donors to the
Capital Campaign on Sunday. The anniversary of the first Mass ever celebrated in the Church is
June 25. If all goes well, our 8 A.M. Daily Mass would be a nice date to celebrate the first Mass
in the renovated church.

Bishop Da Cunha plans to celebrate the Mass of Rededication of the Church and Blessing of the
New Altar on Sunday, July 7, at 2 P.M. So mark your calendars and invite your family to this
historic event. A reception for all attendees will follow the Rededication Mass.
We have several other events planned as the summer progresses. Early in August and again in
September, we will hold Open Houses and invite the wider Chatham community to tour the
renovated church. Would you like to be a docent for one of these Open Houses? We're looking
for people to explain what has changed in the church, what the furnishings in a Catholic Church
are, and how we use them in our worship or for devotions. We are planning an organ concert for
August 11, 2024, to showcase our new Allen Organ, and on Sunday, August 25, a Parish Picnic
featuring food, games, and some musical entertainment will help wind down the last days of
summer. Make plans to participate in all or as many of these events as possible.
 

Now There is More Work To Do
As in every renovation project, you see other things that need your attention once you start. One
is new siding on the older part of the church. The addition has vinyl singles that look even better
than the real thing and have a lifetime guarantee! The parking lot needs attention. We want to
make an entrance off Old Harbor Road rather than having to make the turn onto Highland
Avenue to get into the parking lot. It needs resurfacing, new lighting, and painting of parking
stalls rather than the present rows. The Rectory could use new windows. They are all original
and date back to 1909 for the main house and the 1960s for the addition.
Our Lady of Grace Chapel needs some attention, too. We desperately need to replace the rotting
out and hard-to-close doors. We have a door proposal that would cost $40,000. Interior painting
is necessary, and the carpet is wearing thin. There is always a long list of needs around the
parish. In addition, $1 million of the renovation costs came from parish savings. Those savings
need replenishing so we keep the parish on sound financial ground.
Hopefully, once everyone sees the renovations, they will recognize that the money was well
spent and be excited about the other renovations that need doing. Maybe you are like the summer
resident who inquired a couple of weeks ago about making a gift. You couldn't donate last
summer, but you can this year. Perhaps you were holding out to see what the renovations looked
like? Even if you can't make a significant donation, how about increasing your weekly budget

donation? There has been inflation over the last few years. Has your weekly donation increased?
How about donating to God at least the minimum wage? We want to keep all our parish
properties attractive, welcoming, and safe. Please do your part to help.