Some construction updates are in order. Our marble altar of repose for the tabernacle is materializing, one big heavy piece at a time. Our workers from Daprato Rigali Studios in Chicago are doing a meticulous job at this construction. Things seem to be moving smoothly, so we can pray that it might be complete by next Sunday!
Statues: Last year a convent in Huntington, IN downsized and repurposed part of its facility, gifting Bishop Rhoades with a couple statues, one of which depicts our patroness and now waits in a parish center classroom to be placed in the front of our church. I wish to extend my thanks to Bishop Rhoades and the Victory Noll sisters for this very generous donation to our parish, which will certainly be a popular piece of devotion for years to come! The second statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will also be on its way to our parish, hopefully to fit nicely in the chapel area where the relics currently reside. (The reliquary will hopefully find its home near the statue of St. Thérèse in the church proper.) It is fitting that our new pastor, Fr. Julius, has served principally in recent years at the parish in Lakeville dedicated to the Sacred Heart! I think you will also find this statue quite stunning. They are wonderful gifts to receive and to share, much like our relics of Thérèse, her parents, and the True Cross. Thanks be to God for the treasures our church holds!
You will also notice some change happening in the entrance way. The "walk-off carpet” is created extra durable and sturdy so that we do not need to add rugs over the former tile. Less uneven edges and bumpy surfaces will decrease these small tripping hazards for both upstairs to our church.
As I prepare for transferring parishes in just over a week, my heart is full of joy at what the past five years have meant for me and for this parish. It is also extremely heart-warming to see the progress of the church renovations and to know that the next pastor, and all of you, will reap the fruits of these labors. Praised be Jesus Christ!