Many of you have been asking about the progress of our new Parish Center and how it is coming along. The number one question has been “when will it be done”? As of now, we are projected to move in around the first of the year. We have battled a bit of weather in recent weeks, but with the early start courtesy of the nice weather, we are only slightly behind schedule. The good news is that there are no delays at this time with getting materials delivered on time. So far, we have poured the footings and the foundation walls and will soon be backfilling walls and pouring the elevator pit. Every few weeks, we will put out an update to keep you apprised of how the project is going. Please pray for the safety of all our workers and for good weather!
You may have heard at Mass last month that during the demolition of our old parish office, which was built in 1960, we found a time capsule behind the cornerstone. After opening, we found some materials from 1957-1967.
A $1000 Bank Note with the date December 15, 1840 was among the treasures. After a little online research, however, the bank note is a hoax. You can see the serial number is 8894, and according to Coin Word, it’s the most common fakes in history! Apparently it was produced in mass quantities in the 1960’s on fake parchment and put in cereal boxes as a promotion. If the serial number had been 8893, it would’ve been worth $1,920, but in this case, it’s worth $0.
There was a photo of the current pastor into the time capsule, Fr. Marty H. Vosbeek, who was pastor from 1956 – 1969. Fr. Ron is begging the staff not to do the same with his own photo.
Several newspaper clippings were included. Pictures of them are below. We hope to display some of these articles in our new parish center. One article says, “The Indians had, of course, made the early history of St. John Church. The first wedding there took place on Feb. 1, 1836, when Peter Quoquinata took Theresia Wahetin for his bride; and the first baptism was that of baby Paul Sawanon, son of Comaicin and Maria Mitamon.”
There were also several Annual Reports. Did you know, the overall cost of the parish office building built in 1960 was $150,000 compared to our current parish office building that’ll cost $7 million? The 1956-57 report states that St. Johns had about 1500 families, and it also included how much each family gave to the parish that year, when the annual suggestion appeared to be $156. “Wouldn’t that be fun to do!” Fr Ron said, jokingly of course. Other notable amounts: the pastor salary and car allowance was $1,500, the approximately 15 nuns in the grade school and high school had a combined total income of only $11,000, the choir director earned $300 in a year and St. Johns gave $2,000 to the diocese.
A dollar bill given to Fr. Marty from Daniel Steinberg, Jr. on October 3, 1958 with a written note on a napkin from the Butte Des Morts Golf Club.
A plaque reading “Alter Consecrated by Most Rev. Bishop P. P. Rhode on Oct. 28, 1917; Relics enclosed of Saints Mansveti and Vitalis; Rev. J. J. Sprangers Pastor”
And finally a photo of Midnight Mass in 1966. The church looks a little different!
Thanks to all who attended our Groundbreaking Ceremony on March 17. It was a chilly, windy day, but only a few snowflakes fell as we ceremoniously dug some dirt.
A commemorative shovel is placed in the gathering space. All are welcome to sign it!
Father Ron started off the ceremony by blessing the grounds that we are building on and prayed for the safety of the people who are involved in the project. Derek Peeters, the lead architect from Hoffman as well as a life-long parish member, shared some fond memories of his childhood at St. Johns and how grateful he is for being chosen to work on this project. Deacon Dave followed by thanking all those involved and the hard work put in by dedicated parishioners and donors.
We first had our core committee who helped make this project a reality symbolically break the ground. We then asked a group of students from both our Faith Development program and St. John School to help break the ground since they will benefit just as much by having this new parish center built. We then had the Hoffman project team with parish leadership, followed by any interested parish members young and old to participate in breaking the ground. As Father Ron said, “we’re building this building not only for us, but for you, and your children, and for your grandchildren.”
Now in March, you can see the back entrance of the church is completely blocked off to make way for a hallway connecting the two buildings.
The parking lot has been excavated and a gravel base will be installed for the lot to be expanded.
Also, the building footprint is being excavated and a gravel base will be installed with the expectation of the foundational footings being poured by the end of this week.
With a mild winter, the Hoffman team is ahead of schedule!
Don’t forget to come to our Groundbreaking Ceremony on Sunday! This will happen rain, snow or shine, so dress for the weather and dirt if you’re taking pictures. If the weather is unfavorable, pictures will still take place outside while the rest of the event will take place inside the Gathering Space. We hope to see you there!
Have you seen the fly by video yet? While a few details have changed, it’s still a pretty good representation of what the building will look like inside and out.
It’s bittersweet seeing our beloved 1960 office building being completely demolished even though we’re thankful we won’t have to deal with myriad of issues anymore. Thank you for the fond memories made in there!
The SJS Builder’s Club will be having a bake sale at the St. John Hometown Christmas Craft Fair on November 5 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the gymnasium’s concession stand.
They would greatly appreciate any donations of baked goods including gluten free and sugar free goods. No need to pre-package the goods, they will do that for you.
Drop off your baked goods at the gymnasium on:
Friday, Nov. 3rd from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 4th from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 5th any time after 6 a.m.
This is a great way to help our school, especially for those parents, grandparents, family members and friends who want to help out and have been looking for an easy way to do so.
Questions? Please contact the school office at (920) 788-9082.
70 youth and adults from St John’s and Holy Spirit Parish are heading out to Dover, Delaware this June. Help support their mission by stopping by a brat fry held in front of Holy Spirit School, Cty Rd KK from 10:30 a.m. -2 p.m. on Saturdays, May 13 & 20.
You can also help support them through the Flock-A-Friend drive. Click for more info!
St. John Nepomucene Catholic Community 