November 9, 2018

Dear Parish Family,

Work continues on the first of our parish maintenance projects: repair of the Church bell tower and miscellaneous repairs of the slate on the main Church and Rectory roofs.  Although the weather hasn't been the most cooperative, the roofers have been working hard during the patches of good weather to make the most of the time.  They too have many other jobs which they have been working on in other parts of the state.  Nevertheless, they have been doing an outstanding job in making sure that the best work is being done for our parish Church.

This week the roofers were busing finishing up the steeple roof at St. Patrick Church.  They were able to replace the facia boards on the northwest corner of the bell tower facing Cheney Street as well as the slate tiles on the upper section of the steeple.  The only thing that remains for the steeple to be completed is the application of a second coat of paint on the trim where the repairs have been done.

They were also able to move onto the slate roof over the main body of the Church and the rectory.  As you may have noticed over the years, slate tiles have been found on the ground around the property.  Given the age of the roof, the slate remains in fairly good condition.  However, the original nails that hold the slate to the roof have rusted out and disintergrated in some places.  This has caused a shiftiing of the slate tiles in some cases and their falling to the ground in other areas.  So the roofers have been busy applying ice and water shield where appropriate, reattaching loose or missing slate tiles, and then securing the tiles with copper clips to better hold them in place and prevent further movement.

Please take a look the updated images added this week.  Just click on the link below.  Given the scope of the work involved, the roofers are to be commended for their fine workmanship!

In Jesus and Mary, I remain

Fr. Michael