Greetings All:
Well today I have bad news and good news.
First the bad news. We have just received a call from Sister Anita at the Hospital and it seems that on the night of the 10th during the extreme cold weather we had a sprinkler system pipe in the Chapel that froze and burst. It flooded the floor of the chapel proper, the Sacristy and Sister Anita’s office. They will have to completely redo all the lower portion of the Chapel walls, Sacristy, and Sister Anita’s office along with re-carpeting everything. At this point in time the restoration contractors are already hard at work. However, as a result we will be forced to hold services elsewhere for at least two weeks.
Now the good news. First of all of our stuff seems to have escaped damage. How I don’t know but one never argues with providence. Secondly our vestments and other items have been moved to another office for safe keeping. Thirdly and most importantly Msgr. Scott Marczuk has offered the use of their Chapel at St Stephens in Bentonville on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The time is important as it will not conflict with the other services that are scheduled on Sunday. I will have to see if we can also use the chapel on Wednesday for Evening Prayer.
This will also allow us to be better acquainted with the general layout of St Stephens as we are additionally scheduled on the 22nd to hold a joint Evening song and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with them.
Sister Anita and Msgr. Marczuk continue to lovingly support our small community and we are forever indebted to them. It is amply clear that our Brothers and Sisters in the Catholic Church continue to reach out a helping hand to help make our passage across the Tiber to home as painless as possible
If anyone has any questions please call me at home 855-0991 or on my cell 721-3250.
All I can say at this time is it seems that the Lord continues to shelter this small community. May we never falter in our faith?
Your Servant in Christ,
Fr. Bob
