A Message from the Pastor 

As reported last week, our parish faces an estimated $2.7 million in maintenance needs over the next five years. The bulk of this figure is comprised of deferred projects that have become more expensive over time. 
 
A prime example is the St. James Church roof. Originally installed in the 1980s, replacement efforts began 8–10 years ago with an initial estimate of $250,000. However, the $70,000–$80,000 raised at the time was only sufficient for temporary repairs. Today, due to inflation and continued deterioration, that replacement cost has doubled to $500,000. Additionally, the Ministry Center will eventually require a $20,000 roof replacement. 
 
The St. Bede campus faces its own set of critical challenges stemming from two decades of postponed repairs. As we look at our long-term financial health, the following projects are among our most urgent priorities at St Bede:  

• HVAC & Heating (Estimated $180,000): Currently, a single boiler serves both the school and the church. This system is no longer sufficient to heat the school building properly. To cope, teachers have had to rely on space heaters in several classrooms—a temporary workaround for a problem that was previously deemed too expensive to fix. A permanent resolution for these HVAC issues is now estimated at $180,000.
• Window Replacements (Estimated $500,000): The windows throughout the school have deteriorated significantly. To improve energy efficiency and the learning environment for our students, we estimate a replacement cost of $500,000. 
• Electrical Infrastructure (Estimated $170,000): Our electrical system has reached its limit. Following the essential installation of security cameras last year, the system is now "maxed out" and cannot support further modern upgrades. Modernizing this infrastructure is estimated to cost $170,000. 

Last week, I convened our Parish Finance and Pastoral Councils for a joint meeting to discuss long term maintenance needs and another pressing challenge: the $250,000 ceiling repair at Mother of Good Counsel (MOGC). It can be tempting to view this as an isolated issue—a "problem over there" that doesn't affect our other buildings. However, a deeper look at our history shows that all of our parish facilities are facing systemic challenges. 
 
Our current situation is not the result of a single decision, one council, or any one pastor. Instead, it is the cumulative result of 30 years of choices made across our different parishes.
 
While the challenges are significant, the responsibility now falls to us. Together, we must look at the ministries and services that define our parish family and prudently discern which expenses we can—and must—bear to keep our community thriving.
 
This is about more than infrastructure; it is about stewardship. Taking action today is an act of care for our faith community, ensuring that 30 years from now, our children and grandchildren are celebrating our growth rather than managing our deferred maintenance.
 
In my update next week, I will present a summary of my recent discussions with council members and staff. We are facing difficult choices regarding our long-term facility needs, particularly at Mother of Good Counsel. My goal is to be fully transparent about the study that has guided what our next steps will be and the road ahead for our community. Please mark your calendar and join me for a Parish Assembly on April 21 from 6:00-7:30 pm at St. James chapel so that I may address maintenance questions and discuss your hopes for ministry moving forward.
 
Blessings,

Fr. Larry