My sisters and brothers in Christ,
I am pleased to announce that the long-awaited heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) installation project for our school building is well underway! This project represents the most significant portion of our parish’s Ensuring Our Future of Faith Capital Campaign, which was launched in July of 2004. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our parish and school families, we have been able to progress toward our goal of completing the tasks we set-out to accomplish when our Campaign was begun.
Following the order of projects determined by professionals who serve on our parish Buildings and Grounds Committee, the new boilers have been heating our church and school since 2005, a new 20-year warranty roof was installed on the church in 2006, and the frayed wiring of our church lighting was replaced in 2007. (For details about these and other projects, along with accompanying photos, CLICK HERE)
Now, beginning in 2008, our 82-year-old school building will finally have a functioning ventilation system, as well as classroom air-conditioning! Getting to this point has been a long journey. It began with securing an architecture-engineering firm (Fanning Howey) to provide us with Schematic Design documents detailing a system that would be the best fit for our school building. It then included soliciting bids from three contractors (in accordance with Diocesan policy), meeting with the contractors to have them outline their approaches to the proposed project, and then selecting the contractor that would be submitted to the Diocese for approval.
Following the advice of Fanning Howey and the unanimous recommendation of our parish Buildings and Grounds Committee, the project was awarded to Centerline Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Since June 9, workers have been busy preparing ductwork for HVAC equipment and piping. Because of the unique opportunity this HVAC installation offers us, the work in our school will also include updating our classroom lighting! The installation of Cerra Baffle Direct Accent Lights, connected by sensor to the new HVAC system, will provide us with classroom lights that are brighter and more energy-efficient.
The total project cost, including consultant fees, is estimated at approximately $1,000,000. This undertaking therefore represents one of the most significant improvements in the history of our school building – one that will benefit students of Saint Joseph School for generations to come! To all of you who pledged toward this effort, I sincerely thank you for your support of our parish and its mission of worship, service, and education in the heart of South Bend. God bless you, my friends!
Devotedly yours in the Lord,
Fr. John M. DeRiso, C.S.C.
Pastor