PASTOR’S CORNER

These past 10 days have been hectic for the staff of St. Aloysius Parish. Friday, April 18^th we moved the business portion of the rectory over to the PC {Parish Center}. Wednesday, April 23^rd, we moved the domestic portion of the rectory over to the Priest’s Residence on High Street. If I never see another cardboard box, Rubbermaid tub or roll of packing tape again, I’ll die a happy man. Parishioner Robert Morgan of Morgan Moving provided us with an excellent team of movers, who were all business; they could not have been more helpful or accommodating. Thank goodness, the weather held up on both days and we didn’t have to lug all of this stuff in the rain or heat & humidity. I want to express my gratitude too our staff. All packing, prepping, positioning, disassembling was done by Mary Podsobinski, Terry Zeneg, Cathy Remick, Steve Palopoli, Fr. Angelo and Richard & Regina Brady. During this time, two of these staff members had family members in the Emergency Room and eventually ICU. Over the last ten days, we needed to accommodate eight funerals, in addition to addressing the normal work flow of our large parish. Despite it all, we were prepared for the movers, plus we’re still talking to each other! This weekend, we will host an Open House of the PC. I hope you take a few minutes to go over and tour this facility. Those of you who have used it in the past, will be pleasantly surprised. “It ain’t the old PC!” Keep in mind, there are some things we still need to take care of there. For example, furniture for the conference rooms has not yet arrived. Also, we want to go slow in terms of decorations. As we acquire some tasteful things, we will add them to the building. Last week, we experienced some phone problems. Understand, that the communication system within our campus is more of a telequilt. As it expanded over the last two decades, numerous additions and patches have been added. I’m sure you have been in buildings wondering why the thermostat for one floor or set of rooms is in a completely different location; well our telecommunications system has been the same way. It works, but it is a bowl of spaghetti. Verizon was here a number of times last week, transferring the business & intercom lines from the rectory to the PC. They had a lot of sorting out to do. They will need to come back a few more times. Part of our overall plan is to replace this system, which should begin in October. If you experienced difficulty in reaching the parish, it was because of these problems. I apologize for the inconvenience it caused. Finally, I hope that you take advantage of the light refreshments that will be offered this weekend following each Mass. This is hosted by the Pastoral Council. Its purpose is to give you an opportunity to meet them, ask questions and pass on concerns. I encourage you to take a few minutes and meet them. Like you, they have a great love of the St. Aloysius Parish. Can you imagine how enjoyable such gatherings will be once the Gathering Area is completed?

Your Brother in Christ,

Father Walter J. Benn