News

Operations Director Corner: September

Greetings! The fast pace of life here on the OLW campus continues.

• Over the summer we completed upgrading our Middle School bathrooms. I think they look awesome. Thank you to all who contributed and made it possible. The good news is we can now direct our attention to the grade school, where we have eight more to remodel.
• The TV in the Gathering Place was replaced because all of its HDMI input connectors were broken. This one is larger, so those seated in the back of the room can see. The good news is we also plan to install a sound system that will enhance our being able to hear the TV or a presenter there.
• The Boy Scout trailer was sold and the red shed got a face lift. Did you notice the new paint job and white trim! Its contents were removed and we will begin using this space for storage of parish tents, tables, chairs, etc. The good news is that this should free up space in the rectory garages which has also been cleaned out (round 1).
• Thanks to the concerted efforts of Chuck Wilke, all outlets on the Middle School’s outside walls were replaced/upgraded, and two new ones were added. This means we should be able to provide all the needed power at Oktoberfest without having to run extension cords through school windows. Thanks Chuck!

The upcoming projects will be highly visible:

• September: The corner of Mitchell and Park Streets will be completely relandscaped and turned into a Memory Garden. The good news is that this project, valued at more than $60,000, was made possible by a generous donor who not only is covering the entire cost of the project, but also its maintenance by Rooney Landscaping for the next 20 years!
• October: The long-awaited new doors for our church are scheduled to be installed the week of October 21st. The good news is they will be in before winter. Again, thank you to all who have donated and have been patiently waiting for the new doors to open.

Those are highlights of what is happening at OLW. And now the lowlights… We have a very serious shortcoming in our parish. OLW survives and thrives on the energy, talent and participation of volunteers. We, your parish staff, cannot do everything. The 55 ministries that serve our parish rely on YOU to volunteer and help. The good news is you have 55 opportunities to share your time, talent and treasures. The better news is, if you think something needs to change or be improved, you can step up, volunteer, and make a difference.

The bottom line of lack of volunteers is simple. If we continue to come up short on volunteers, we will be forced to cancel, postpone or eliminate certain events. If you think you are too busy, I encourage you to ask parishioners who are volunteering how they do it. They are busy as well. As the old saying goes “if you want to get something done, ask a busy person.”

I am asking… Won’t you please volunteer for a favorite ministry and/or event?

PS: Oktoberfest is Saturday, September 28th and it just so happens they need volunteers (hint).

Vivat Jesus,
Patrick j. Fitzgerald
Operations Director