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January 10, 2024Dear Parishioners,
This past weekend’s ordination of Matt Valles to the diaconate was beautiful, despite the snow storm disruptions. About 150 people ended up making their way through the snow to be at the 10AM ordination Mass. There are pictures on page 4 of this week’s bulletin.
This past week, Knowles construction company added new staging to the front of Sacred Heart Church in order to further stabilize the front façade as we investigate needed repair and restoration work on the building. Just the installation and maintenance of this staging represents a significant expense of over $25,000. Sacred Heart Church is a beautiful and significant building, architecturally, culturally, and of course spiritually and religiously. Unfortunately, significant maintenance was deferred over the years and many problems have piled up. Over the last number of months and in the months ahead, I am working with Justin Dobson, our Director of Buildings and Grounds, in addition to various contractors and experts, to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the building and to gain an understanding of what will be required in order to restore and maintain our church. Masonry, stained glass, plaster, heating, electrical, plumbing, and various other dimensions of the building will all be thoroughly evaluated. It is a daunting task, but we need to understand what is going on in the building in order to responsibly plan for the future. I am committed to doing everything we can to save Sacred Heart Church, as it is a priceless spiritual and cultural home for so many Catholics, an architectural treasure on Portland’s West end, and a significant asset in our efforts to maintain and strengthen a Catholic presence downtown in the decades to come. Many people, significant time and attention, and a whole lot of financial support will be required in order to achieve this goal.
Our staff is already in high gear working to prepare for a wonderful Lent, which is just around the corner, commencing on Wednesday, February 14th. As the date is also Valentine’s Day, I’ve been joking that we should make ash hearts instead of crosses on foreheads this year. Obviously in jest!
We’ve begun plans to have a nice Valentines / Mardi Gras “Sweets and Swing” Dance Party on Friday the 9th before heading into the penitential season. Looks like Jim Ciampi and my brother Leon and his wife Cassi may be able to help us out with swing dance lessons and live music! More information to come next week. Hope you’re all well and know of my prayers!
