Dear Parishioners,

On Wednesday, December 13, 2006 a signal moment in the long story of our plans for an extension of our church building happened. A scheduled walk-through of the building site for the architects/contractors who were invited to bid on the contract to design/build the extension took place. Four potential bidders were present; three remained interested and stayed to the end of the program. The parish had an opportunity through Fr. Rowan and two of our building committee members, George McVetty and Joseph Cook, to explain our hopes for the building, which will wrap around the southwest corner of the existing church, and provide space (5000 to 6000 square feet) for faith formation of children and adults, hospitality and meeting space, and other activities which will look toward deepening the bond we have in Christ and with one another. We expect that the bids will be returned in mid-January, and that one of the three proposals will be awarded the contract in February, at which time we can begin to get the appropriate permits required by Islip Town and Suffolk County.

Meanwhile, we were hoping that we would have the donor wall installed by Christmas. The company we are dealing with is lethargic, but we are too far into the project to change vendors now. Thanks to all for your patience; we will surely have the wall installed in the next few weeks.

The Building Fund is right on track. Thanks to all contributors who were so faithful to their pledges, despite the delays in getting the job started. The money is invested in a balanced fund under professional management, and since we had a few good quarters, has increased in value. The building project has a total budget of $1,100,000.00, and the parish has this amount and more in the building fund account.