Roof replacement, contribution envelopes, entrance ramp 5-19-2019

Roof replacement:

1. Thank you very much for those who have contributed to the “roof” fund. We have more than one year’s cost covered with donations of more than $6,900.  [Spread out over the anticipated 25 year life of the roof, the cost is about $101 per weekend.]
2. The contract was signed in April, we received the proxy from the Archdiocese [from the archbishop and the vicar general] to proceed; the down payment has been made to Fischer Flat Roofs. This company is located in Ellsworth WI.
3. The company anticipates beginning about June 17. [Provided that the weather cooperates for the jobs that they have prior to ours.]  They have not told us how long this project may take.
4. Envelopes for donations are available on the table below the icon of Saint Matthew in the back of worship space. Thank you in advance for your support.

Contribution envelopes:

1. The form of these envelopes has been consistent for many years. They are mailable and there are places on the envelope to indicate the other gifts we bring along with the money donations that are enclosed.
2. Saint Matthew’s is a volunteer parish; our success depends—to the greatest extent—on the donated talent of all parishioners. There are large projects and small ones.
3. Our success also depends on the prayer that each of us does for the success of our mission: to be the Good Samaritan on the banks of the Mississippi.
4. There is a place on the contribution envelope to list the talent and time spent with that each week; there is also a place to list the amount of time spent in prayer.
5. Please use the envelope for your financial contribution; to witness to your talent; to witness to your prayer. Please use the envelope even though you give electronically.  Please use your envelope as your participate in the offering of gifts each week at Mass.  You will notice the in bulletin a weekly report of those amounts.
6. Many people say it is “between me and God”. However, as members of this parish community, we are not individuals nor are we private.  [Though names are never connected to these testimonies or amounts.] 
7. Some folks say: “we’ll save money.” The amount that might be saved is very small compared to the example that we can be for others in our parish and for the anonymous witness that we can give as a member of this great parish.

Entrance ramp to Church:

1. The width of the ramp and the 180 degree turn have always made it difficult to use.
2. The block work has deteriorated over these many years.
3. The block walls give the entrance the look of a “fortress” and parish leaders have talked about how to make our parish “more welcoming.”
4. We have architectural work and drawings that demonstrate how we can have a ramp that is wider with only one 90 degree turn.
5. Money was raised during the “fix-it” dinner last fall; a parishioner has added a significant amount to the “pot.”
6. We do not want competing fund-raisers. However, if this project is one that you would like to support, please contact John Riehle at the parish office.

John Riehle