From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In some ways, the summer is a season of slowing down and enjoying leisure time. In others, the whirl of life goes on unabated. Many of you know what it is like to maintain an older home, so you won't be surprised to learn that the upkeep, maintenance, and restoration of the church property is a year-round enterprise.

I am happy to report that a journey that started five years ago has come to a successful completion. The restoration of the many steps leading to the entrances of the church and office is finished, and the railings have been reinstalled. Naturally, in the process, we have discovered a number of other pressing needs, mostly involving the infiltration of water during storms. We are investigating that and looking for a solution as quickly as possible.

The intrepid Hristos has just installed nine new storm windows on the rectory, a process that began back in December! Our energy efficiency should improve significantly. And the reduction of noise from Route 17, the railroad, and the Thruway is greatly diminished, for which Pete and I are very grateful.

Also in the rectory, work continues on the gut renovation of the master bathroom. It was last renovated by Mrs. Cromey in the 1990s and was not functional for current and future needs. I performed all of the demolition by myself, which was very satisfying. Mrs. Chin has lent us her carpenter, who is doing an amazing job. She has also very generously donated enough historic, salvaged tile from the Hoffman castle to do the whole project. We are really looking forward to the completion of the project.

In the church complex, PN Alarm will begin installing a brand new fire detection system in August. The current system was installed over thirty years ago, and is in real need of replacement. As with everything else, the technology has evolved significantly over the years, and the new system will be far more serviceable. We will receive a grant of $10,000 from the diocese towards this project.

As you can see, the excitement never ends with historic buildings. There is, of course, much more on the horizon, but I'll leave it here for now. Happy summer!

Blessings,
Father Rick

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