Sunday, January 23, 2022

Jesus, looking at the grandeur of the holy Temple in Jerusalem predicted, “You see all these (buildings) do you not?  Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down” (Mt 24:2, NRSV). I was reminded of this passage this past week as we saw the old St. Austin Elementary School progressively demolished over a few days. It was a bittersweet sight because of all the good memories that had occurred in that building, the learning, the exploration, the excitement, the prayers. But it was filled with hope that like a butterfly escaping from its chrysalis, a new school and a vibrant parish community will take wing.  But for now, it is rubble.

Meanwhile, we had fully expected that Texas Gas would hook up our temporary gas line to our church boiler so that we would have heat in the church this weekend, but the gas company has not come through. Obviously we are disappointed. But our contractor, Hensel Phelps, is helping us hook up heaters in the church, so we hope the church will be tolerable this weekend.

Financing for this project has taken many twists and turns and an awfully long time. We will be closing in two blocks. The first section involves all of our money with the Diocese of Austin and their buy-in on February 1 to the amount of $15,000,000. The second major section is set for early March with our banker (which bank is not yet public) for $30,000,000.   

Finally, you will notice some changes in the new lobby where our restrooms are. The north wall of the church, which is also the south wall of the rectory, is being reinforced with a buttress so that the wall of the church does not fall down when the rectory is demolished. Unfortunately, this is not a beautiful flying buttress like at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, but rather a great big concrete block underground. While not architecturally pretty, it works. In any case, please do not lean against the temporary wall in the lobby.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and your prayers as we journey on our pilgrimage to new and better homes for our school and parish.

God bless,