THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
(We have surpassed our goal)
I just got off the phone with the people in the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Office. Once again, you have proven your generosity. Our goal for the appeal was $85,000, and as of Tuesday, June 5th, our total pledged was $98,174.30. This is an incredible amount and a tribute to the generosity of the good people of St. Paul Church. THANKS so much, and God bless you.
Safety First, Safety Always
I am happy to report that the new Parish Center security system is installed. When you come to the door there is an intercom and camera on the brick wall. Simply push the button and the ladies in the front office will buzz you in. When you enter the building, it is our hope that you will be able to do all of your business at the window counter. Recent events have caused us to be concerned about the safety of our office staff. I am sure you will agree that we want to do everything possible to keep those who work in our Parish Center safe.
Good Bye Eighth Grade / Yellow Cards First Grade
It’s hard to believe that our kids in the Eighth Grade are moving on. They’ve had their class night, class trip, 8th Grade Breakfast and all of the other end of the year rituals that are part and parcel of our beautiful little school. Some of them have been with us since Pre-K. I am sure that they are anxiously waiting whatever the future holds. I assure you that they will be a credit to any school that they choose to attend. I am so very proud of our school.
By the way, I just stopped in to visit the 1st Grade and there were three yellow discipline cards showing. That means three of the little ones have been warned to be good today. When I saw one of little boys who had a yellow card, I asked him about it. He told me that he talks too much and he wants to be a better person. It would be great if all of us could be so sincere. Catholic Education, Priceless !!!
This has been an extraordinary year for the children, teachers and administration of our school. This week I asked the children from our school to attend the 4:00 PM Mass with their families so that we could let them know how proud we are of them.
On Zoning and Property and Parking etc.
As most of you know, last week the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Berlin voted 5 to 2 against the zoning change that was needed for the development across the street. I find it comforting that so many of the commissioners voted against the zoning change. We are certainly not opposed to the property across the street being developed. We were opposed to what the Metro Realty Group presented because it was just too dense and incompatible with the neighborhood. As you know, our parish played a key role in the process and everyone in the parish who spoke to me was glad that we did. Not one person complained about our involvement. Let me tell you, that’s pretty exceptional. The neighbors also played a significant role in the process, and we are happy that a neighborhood association has
been started in response to the zoning hearings and rezoning request.
“What’s next for St. Paul Church and/or the KGS building?,” you ask. Truth be told, I just don’t know. I promise you that we will continue to explore all of our options (and there are several) to complete our parish campus solve our parking problem and look to the future. I promise to keep you and the neighbors posted as things progress.
Some people came up to me and said things like “we won Father Robert:” I’m not sure I share their sentiments. I don’t believe that there were winners and losers in this process. We chose to speak because the majority of our Parish and School community were concerned about how this development would affect us and our neighborhood of over 100 years.
The Family Life Committee Movie
Last Friday the Family Life Committee held its first summer event, the Family Movie Night. I am so grateful for their hard work on projects like these and I promise that this is just the beginning. I am sure you will agree that we need to work hard to provide activities and events for our young families. It is essential that every age group is served and served well by St. Paul Church.
Bids are coming to fix the School Roof / Summer Projects.
We are still working on getting bids for the repair / replacement of the gym roof. I’ll keep you posted as things progress. We don’t want to waste our resources doing a poor job. My Grandma Susie used to say, “ Rob, don’t be penny wise and dollar foolish.”
We are also looking to install a better alarm system in our school and remove the asbestos tiles in the Nurses Office and the Pre-K4 Classroom.
What’s wrong with the microphones? Fr. Robert, the noise is bothering me.
The noise is bothering me too. Our PA problems have to do with our wireless mic and we have had the company out a couple of times to address it. There seems to be some kind of new radio signal interfering with our system. I assure you, we are not trying to bother you on purpose and are working toward a resolution of this pesky problem. It always seems to act up when we have a full church but when the technician comes there doesn’t seem to be any problem at all.
Our Principal Search Underway
Our Principal Search is underway and the committee has already begun to review all of the resumes. Sr. Fitz Simons, from the Office of Catholic Schools, assured me that we have some very fine candidates. Please keep this important initiative in your prayers.