THE ANNUAL PRESERVATION FUND DRIVE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EVER

The Annual Preservation Fund Drive is now complete. Even though we got off to a late start the Fund Drive did the best it has ever done. 160 people have donated $108,580. We are still being challenged by the ups and downs of the Covid-19 pandemic especially as we contend with the delta variant and now the omicron variant which continues to spread. There has been some good news as of late that shows a slowing of the spread of Covid. Our prayers continue for an end to this disease that has put a damper on life.

We are still seeing more people returning to Mass that have been away for a very long time. Through the grace of God and the intercession of St. Louis this will all end and we will be able to return to normal. Still, in the midst of all this, through your generosity, we have been able to maintain our parish operations and pay our bills.

We had set our sights on completing several projects and some of them were able to be completed. The side vestibules at the Main Street entrance of the church and stairwells to the choir loft are complete as are the refurbishing of the exterior doors on Main Street and the Sacristy and the entrance to the parking lot has been repaired with a new concrete entrance installed.

We also had a couple of unexpected projects that came upon us suddenly. We repaired some of the Sacristy windows that were bowed in. If left undone the windows could have blown in. There was also some minor roof repairs and repairs to the fence along Edward Street that seems to be a target for passing motorists.

The projects yet to be completed are: cleaning the north side of the church of moss and repoint around the handicap ramp; replacing the porch railing on the rectory. Unfortunately, because of supply issues and delays it looks like these projects will have to wait until next year.

I thank you for your continued substantial support of our parish. May St. Louis reward all of you for your kindness and generosity.