July 2008

Dear Friends,

I am writing to update you on the next phase of St. John’s Capital Campaign renovations which will focus on the Church interior and will include:

v Replacement of the existing ceiling with an acoustical ceiling tile manufactured by Armstrong referred to as their Optima Vector that will replace the existing tile in the Church body.

v The raised area that extends through the Sanctuary will be smooth surfaced dry wall.

v Ceiling trim boards that are equally spaced will provide enhanced esthetics and allow for positioning of light fixtures.

v The new lighting design will provide even distribution of lighting throughout the Church, allow for dimming to desirable brightness and incorporate scene capability for ease operation, increased life of bulbs and energy savings benefits. Accent lighting of the Stations of the Cross, Blessed Mary and Saint Joseph statues, The Crucifix, Altar of Repose, Main Altar, Ambo and Lectern will enhance their individual beauty.

v The Sacramental changes will include repositioning of the Altar of Repose in the current location of the Ambo. The Baptismal Font and Baptistry stained glass window will be moved to the current location of the Altar of Repose. The stained glass window currently in the Altar of Repose Chapel will be moved to the current location of the Baptismal font. A new Ambo manufactured in Marble will be prominently positioned on the Verde Marble.

v The two stairways used for our main access into the Church will be renovated to create a warmer feel as we enter the Church and include tile on the walls, wood finishes to match the wood finishes in the Church interior along with new flooring, enhanced lighting and new ceilings.

v The pews will be removed and sent to a refinishing contractor for complete restoration as per the sample in the Narthex using a stain that matches the color of the millwork on the confessionals.

v All of the wood doors and wood trim throughout the Church will be professionally cleaned and touched up as required.

v The Terrazzo floor will be restored back to original luster and clarity as per the sample section in the Narthex.

v The Marble floor will be restored using a similar method as the Terrazzo floor.

v The sound system will be updated to include additional speakers, amplifiers, ceiling hung Choir microphones, feed back processor and associated accessory items to allow for an equal and balanced sound throughout the Church.

v General maintenance of interior and exterior finishes around the windows, doors, roof repair and preparation of the Gym to accommodate weekend Mass including renovating the bathroom for handicap accessibility.

v Handicap access to the lower level of the Church, handicap parking, landscaping, front plaza and improved traffic flow designs are expected to be completed and presented to the Parish in the spring of 2009.

v In regards to the ceiling above the sanctuary, the Building Committee has been divided between the following two options:

o A roof top Lantern measuring approximately 14 feet by 14 feet designed to allow natural light over the Main Altar and the Altar of Repose; or

o An internal decorative dome which also highlights the sanctuary area.

After prayerful consideration of these two options and discussions with approximately 60 parishioners, my preference is the internal dome because it is significantly less costly (thereby freeing up money for other needed improvement projects) and it does not disturb the church roof while still fulfilling our original objective of attending to our failing church ceiling.

Some further updates I want to share with you:

On June 9^th four bids were opened at the Diocesan Office of Property Services and are currently being scrutinized.

The Church is estimated to close no earlier than August 18^th and the total time required to complete all of the renovations and restorations as outlined is approximately 20 weeks.

Soon the General Contractor will be selected and I will announce the time for our town meeting to present in detail the plans for these renovations and how they affect all of us.

I thank you for your prayers, support and input throughout this process. I also want to thank the members of our Parish Building Committee for their generous service to the Parish.

Fr. Jim Bajorek