May 5, 2010

Dear Parishioners, 

As you are probably aware of we have not had Masses at the Chapel of Sts. Mary and Joseph since this winter due to a cracked boiler. As we proceeded with the process of how to either fix or replace the boiler the parish met with the insurance company, the Archdiocese and the various companies who bid on fixing/replacing the boiler. The decision was made to replace the boiler and return to using the radiators for heating the Chapel. Work will begin in the near future on this. I would like to thank all of you for your patience as we work through this process.

In one of the conversations I had with Archbishop Carlson to keep him apprised of the boiler status he asked me about the situation at the Chapel. I told him the history of the parishes involved and the merger. I explained that we celebrated our Tuesday weekday and Saturday vigil Masses at the Chapel as well as funerals and weddings. We discussed the upkeep, maintenance and the financial condition.

The Chapel was designated as an oratory in 2005 when the parishes merged. An oratory is a place of worship other than a parish church. Because of this designation Archbishop Carlson said that all parish Masses should be held at our parish church. We will continue to celebrate funerals and weddings at the Chapel for the time being.

Archbishop Carlson expressed an interest in meeting with parishioners to explain his thoughts about the Chapel. At the present time a date has not been set for this meeting. As soon as we know when this meeting will occur we will announce it at Mass, in the bulletin and on our website.

May God bless you each and everday,
Peace,
Fr. Ron Hopmeir