Tuesday, August 25th

Last week was filled with much anticipation and hope that Mother Nature would cooperate and allow us to finish the walkway so that the elevator could be used. It looks like our prayers were answered. The elevator was operational this past weekend at the Masses. Fr. Peter was very excited and proud as he showed parishioners how to operate it this weekend. Congratulations Fr. Peter, your vision has become a reality!

Finishing touches to the walkway.

Fr. Peter and his sister, Joyce giving a thumb's up. They were ready for their first ride.

Fr. Peter and Joyce entering the vestibule from the elevator.

Thursday, August 20th

Here are the latest pictures of our project. The project is moving along nicely.

Elevator entrance from the outside.

Another picture of the elevator entrance from the outside.

The women's room.

The men's room.

The interior of the elevator.

Friday, August 14th

Here are some pictures of our project as I promised in my last post.

This is a picture of the entrance to the elevator from the outside. This is the sidewalk pad that has heated coils to keep the area clear in the Winter.

This is a picture of the kitchen.

This is the equipment in the elevator control room.

This is the inside of the elevator. It is going to be gorgeous!!!

Tuesday, August 11th

I would like to take this opportunity to give an update on our “Reaching New Heights” project. I am excited on behalf of Fr. Peter and the committee to report that we will be having the inspection of the elevator this Thursday. Upon passing the inspection we will be able to use the elevator this weekend. So, as Fr. Peter asked this past weekend, please pray for a good inspection. It would be very fitting to have the elevator operational this weekend as it is the Feast of the Assumption. We will be planning the dedication of the elevator for November 1st which is All Saint’s Day. Construction continues in the church hall with the remodeling of the kitchen and the updating of the restrooms. I will soon have pictures of these projects to share.

I have even more exciting news to share with everyone and that is that we have met one of our goals. As of the weekend of 8/1/09 we have reached $365,000 in pledges and donations and we have received an actual cash amount of $175,000. There is approximately $200,000 to be collected of the next 2 ½ years. As we have mentioned throughout our campaign, we need to factor in a shortfall. What I mean by that is that we need to anticipate that some pledges will not be fulfilled due to parishioners passing away, parishioners moving and unexpected changes in parishioner’s financial situation. To help make up the difference we will be planning special events to help raise money. Please stay tuned for some very exciting events!!

Thank you to all who have contributed to this great project!! It is a very exciting time to be a parishioner at St. Charles.

Tuesday, July 21st

Here are the first pictures of the elevator doors in the vestibule. These pictures were taken 7/6/09. It truly is amazing the progress that we have made in such a short amount of time.

The pictures below are of the church windows being cleaned. This looks like quite the undertaking but well worth it when the sun shines in that beautiful window. Boy, I am glad Fr. Peter didn't ask for volunteers for this task. It is best left for the professionals.

Monday, July 6th

Construction has begun in the kitchen. What a difference a week makes! As I promised in my last post, here are some pictures of the demolition of the kitchen.

Monday, June 29th

Tonight was not just another Monday night bingo at St. Charles. This was the last Bingo for the summer. The reason for the closing of Bingo for the summer is the progression of our "Reaching New Heights" project. The next phase will begin in a few days. The next phase is the renovation of the kitchen and the existing bathrooms. I know this night had mixed emotions for everyone. I am part of our dedicated kitchen crew that is there every Monday night and who was very excited learn that we will have our Monday nights to ourselves over the summer. We felt like school children on the last day of school. The kitchen crew also felt some sadness as we will miss seeing each other every week. We have become a family over these last few years and have a great time. We also felt sad that the only kitchen we have only known will be no more but at the same time we were excited for what our new kitchen will look like. I took this opportunity to take some pictures before the demolition begins. Please stay tuned for more pictures as we move forward.

We were fortunate to have the whole group together this last night! Happy Vacation to all!

(ps: Thanks, Fr. Peter for the vacation!!)