Our Lady of the Woods

Writing as if on the edge of a precipice, staring over into the abyss, Dillard offers a risk-taking, inspiring meditation on life, death, birth, God, evil, eternity, the nuclear age and the human predicament. This unconventional mosaic, portions of which were first published in different form in Raritan, Harper’s, etc., interweaves several disparate topics: the travels of French paleontologist and Jesuit priest Teilhard de Chardin in China and Mongolia, where his team in 1928 discovered the world’s first fossil evidence of pre-Neanderthal humans; the life and teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, the 18th-century Ukrainian Jewish mystic who founded modern Hasidism; a natural history of sand?an epic drama of rocks, glaciers, lichen, rivers?and of individual clouds as witnessed by painters, poets, naturalists, scientists and laypeople. Amazon.com Review

Yet even in her earnest pursuit of holiness, Dillard tends to hit the occasional speed bump. At one point she throws up her hands in exasperation and declares: “I don’t know beans about God.” This is hardly the stuff of an airtight theological argument, is it? But happily, Dillard possesses the same quality she ascribes to Teilhard, “a sort of anaerobic capacity to batten and thrive on paradox.” So her contradictions are worth more to the reader than her consistencies. They enrich her narrative, yanking her back from the precipice of easy (or even moderately easy) belief. And Dillard’s penchant for paradox ensures that For the Time Being–which aims, after all, to encompass God and all his works–always operates on a human, heartbreaking scale. From Publishers Weekly

Vicki R

OLW

May 22nd, 2009 | Category: Book Club - Focus on Spirituality | Leave a comment

5-17-09 Sixth Sunday of Easter

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May 17th, 2009 | Tags: Homilies, Homily, Mass, readings | Category: Homilies | Leave a comment

Plans to Renovate and Add are Moving Forward

OLW Parish Meeting Regarding Building Plans

Monday, May 11, 2009

Opening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. … Fr. Don Dilg

Meeting called to order by Fred Mais, chair of Steering Committee

Prayer by: Fr. Don Dilg, Sacramental Minister

Present: OLW Staff, Steering Committee, 46 members of the parish and Vince Colarelli of Colarelli Construction and David Langley, Architect, both who have contributed to this report generously without payment.

· Two tasks as charged by parishioners at January 2009 parish meeting: Evaluate existing structure for possible renovation and evaluate feasibility of construction using available funds including cash on hand, pledges and possible loan.

· Result: Document “Property Condition Report” prepared by Colarelli Construction that has a full summary of the existing structure and recommendations and costs for repairs and renovations as well as the recommendations and costs for adding a core and shell addition based on David Langley’s drawings. Drawings on poster board also included in presentation. (Drawings are now located in parish center for perusal.)

Comments by Deacon Roger Eberwein … last time we gathered, we took a task to find a new direction from you and this evening we think we have that for you this evening.

Recycling effort

· Single stream recycling now available at Our Lady of the Woods… paper, plastic, newspaper, junk mail, paperboard, glass, tin ALL in one bin. Aluminum for youth to raise funds is in separate bin.

· Don Sohn is heading up this new Environmental Committee. Next meeting June 1, 6:30 p.m. in Admin Building.

Steering Committee members

Fr. Don Dilg, Roger Eberwein, John Gonzales, Lucie Haskins, Fred Mais, Vicki Rector, Don Sohn Sonny, Strobl, Pete Tysdal, Liz Walker … all available at any time for comments or questions.

Vince Colarelli

Vince of Colarelli Construction has been with this process working with the Steering Committee for about two years. He presents the full report with a 2-page costs sheet (attached below) which is a summary of the larger report… available upon request to read from the office. Points of presentation:

Money pledged: a little less than one million; money on hand; about $300,000.
With Colarelli Construction … working with committee for about two years. …
Different resources, different program needs, adjust expectation based on fundamental root needs of parish and available resources.
React to input of parishioners … alternative strategies requested.
Strategy that allows for providing program space in a phased process.
Alternative for consideration is in report.
Important to discern … is there a viable answer in reuse of existing facility

Recommendation Number 1 — What it would take to upgrade this facility?
- The report answered the questions – what are the existing deficiencies, to make it safe, code compliant, esthetic dress up.
- Code compliant is trigger to all recommendations
  - Restrooms
  - Sprinkler system
  - Electrical system
  - Life safety issues
  - Energy efficiency
  - Critical improvements
  - Other recommendations
- Total $554K

Recommendation Number 2 - Core and Shell Addition
- Extending building to the west with two-story addition.
- Downstairs… could accommodate seven classrooms, meeting rooms, mechanical, storage, restrooms, and elevator. Functional and multiuse space.
- Upstairs … sacristy, adoration chapel, choir space, choir storage, restrooms, elevator, extend worship space to north and south, large narthex off east entry; New entry to north and additional seating.
- Phase … large unfinished open space (shell) at first, which does not affect current church. … ready to finish up with additional funds; work by either parishioners or professionals.
- Total $892K

Two different costs … 554K for renovation; 892K for shell; additional for design fees, permits, etc. comes to about 1.8 or 2 million to accomplish both jobs.

Question & Answer

Q: Why elevator located there?

A: Elevator is less expensive in new construction rather than building into old structure

Q: What about seating in worship space?

A: Seating about doubles from 250 to 450.

Q: How long will this building last with modifications … as population grows?

A: 50 years before growth demands change. Quality of building will also last 50 years until systems need to be renovated.

Q: What about required parking?

A: Additional parking is sufficient across drainage ditch.

Q: In terms of Sustainable ecological design what is being planned?

A: The most environmentally responsible plan is to reuse and renovate existing structure. New shell will be buried into hillside, which provides energy efficiency also.

Q: What about Financing?

A: We have $900K … currently pledged. We had more, but some people retracted their commitment. Current funds available on hand are about $300K Diocese does not match us.

Diocese is having trouble getting funding in this economic environment itself. The way it works … construction loan… pledges go to loan repayment. We need to get our own funding. We also have to take into consideration that we have to service the debt with the money coming in from pledges and offertory.

Q: What about maintenance costs?

A: Part of renovating makes it more energy efficient. We now have porous walls and windows with large energy loss. This will be repaired.

Q: Do costs include fees?

A: These costs are construction costs …. Additional fees are design, permits, assessments, etc. Variances will be requested as the addition will not require a certificate of occupancy because it will only be a shell. Total will come out to about two Mil.

Q: Clarify shell?

A: Costs do not include finishing out large vacant spaces. Only gets critical improvements and the shell. However, having the shell with walls, systems and floors in place will enable moving forward for finishing. Finishing can be done in a number of ways … but can include sweat equity of parishioners.

Q: What about ADA … accessible restrooms required?

A: Yes, but not until finishing of addition in next phase.

Q: Is this a reasonable way to go? Setting aside the financial issues ….

A: Vince’s reflections only … first drawings before we realized our financial resources were limited focused attention on new sanctuary. This parish does not have large growth in Mass attendance. The driver is not attendance. The driver is the ministry programs and the space required for that. We have now an iconic building. The use of money to renovate makes a lot of sense when the funds are creating capacity for expanding ministry programs. The compelling reason about the addition… it will provide for the growth when it comes. The whole vision to come together and build a shell that will admittedly take time. It takes time and brings people together … piece by piece by piece. Parishioners can contribute “sweat equity.”

Our only resource constraint is money.

Q: Once building starts, can we use the worship space?

A: Yes … committed to allowing worship and meeting space to be used during construction.

Q: Time frame?

A: 17 weeks to build shell and do the renovation

Q: Does construction involve creek?

A: No

Q: Interior walls … what happens to them?

A: Walls will be thickened by 4 inches to provide better insulation … aisles will have to meet minimum standards. Details will be worked out with construction drawings.

Q: If we just do the renovation and not build the addition … will we lose the vision?

A: Having the shell structure in place … will be a real inspiration to finish it.

Q: What about heating system?

A: The ultimate answer is a comprehensive system for entire building. Again, these details will be worked out with construction drawings.

Q: What would it cost to do it all at once?

A: Additional $50 to $100 K.

Q: Could committee firm up those numbers for finishing all at once? What about costs for construction today?

A: Costs going up or down. In recent times, construction costs going down 15%. Significant cost reductions at this time. There is an advantage to doing it now.

Review …

Renovate $383K for critical renovations or $554K for all recommendations. (see handout)
Build shell $892 K … cannot be used right away. Exterior would be contiguous to existing building. Finishing will be later phase.
Prior architect costs are sunk … we paid for “new church” concept drawings on field.
New architectural drawings would take to a new level beyond concept and into construction details.
Funding … committee is looking at options for construction loan or bridge loan.
Hope is that once construction starts a number of things will happen. It will re-energize the parish; economy will get stronger; pledges will increase.
Need to determine how much increase in our contributions will be required to maintain new building and service any debt.
All numbers will be needed to be calculated and submitted to Diocese for approval.
Systems for heating …. This needs to be detailed out when drawings begin.
In terms of Sustainable ecological design… most environmentally responsible plan is to reuse and renovate existing structure. New shell will be buried into hillside, which provides energy efficiency.
Firm up additional costs; firm up costs for finishing. Two largest pieces in costs are architectural design and financing costs.
Question is do we continue … begin spending real money for drawings and financing?

Resolution

A hand vote resulted in 94% of those present authorized the committee to move forward with resolving the additional costs and researching financing options.

Another parish meeting in early fall … possibly September.

Adjourned 8:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, VMR

Our Lady of the Woods				ColarelliConstruction
Woodland Park, Colorado
Properties Conditions Report
SUMMARY

Recommended Building Improvements

Exterior Wall Insulation & Window Replacement

$58,794

Addition of Restrooms at Upper Level/ADA Compliance with Lower Level Restrooms

$124,900

Electrical Service/Fire Alarm Improvements

$48,024

Addition of Fire Sprinkler System

$69,460

Other Critical Improvements

$82,258

SUBTOTAL Critical Improvements

Subtotal $383,436

All Other Recommendations

$170,984

TOTAL Recommended Improvements

$554,420

Recommended Building Improvements in Terms of Concerns

Building Code Concerns

Life Safety Concerns

Energy Use Concerns

Aesthetic/R&M Concerns

Exterior Issues

$605

$30,169

$103,607

$134,381

Interior Issues

$197,930

$52,857

$117,468

$51,784

$420,039

Subtotal

$197,930

$53,462

$147,637

$155,391

$554,420

ColarelliConstruction

Project Name: OLW: Core & Shell Addition

Project Location: Woodland Park

Design Documents: . Concept plan prepared David Lanley 3-1-09

Estimate Type: Budget Estimate

Project Size (gsf): 9.768 gsf

Date of Estimate: April 6. 2009

Broken Down By Site vs Building Costs:
	Direct Cost		Indirect Cost	Total Cost	Cost/sf
Site Costs	$109.916		$19.880	$129.796	$13.29 per gsf
Building Costs	$645,462		$116,742	$762,204	$78.03 per gsf
			TOTAL	$892,000	$91.32 per gsfl
Broken Down By Building System:
System	Direct Cost		Indirect Cost	Total Cost	Cost/sf
General Conditions	$79,120		$14,310	$93,430	$9.56 per gsf
Site Costs	$109.916		$19.880	$129,796	$13.29 per gsf
Demolition	$17,400		$3,147	$20,547	$2.10 per gsf
Foundations	$130,300		$23,567	$153.867	$15.75 per gsf
Structure	$141.372		$25.569	$166.941	$17.09 per gsf
Skin	$95.627		$17.296	$112.923	$1 1.56 per gsf
Roofing	$50,330		$9,103	$59,432	$6.08 per gsf
Interiors	$36,310		$6,567	$42,878	$4.3 9 per gsf
Conveying	$0		$0	$0	$0.00 per gsf
Fire Sprinkler	$34,188		$6.183	$40.371	$4.13 per gsf
Plumbing	$12.500		$2.261	$14,761	$ 1.5 1 per gsf
HVAC	$9.247		$1,672	$10,919	$ I. 1 2 per gsf
Electrical	$39.068		$7.066	$46,134	$4.72 per gsf
		I	TOTAL	$892,000	$91.32 per gsfl

May 13th, 2009 | Tags: building, new, plans, renovate | Category: Building Plans, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Health Safety Warning removed

Health Safety Warning removed from Our Lady of the Woods and St. Peter/St. Victor and Small Faith Community in Florissant.

Letter from Bishop Sheridan regarding flu and liturgy

Subject: H1N1 flu and the liturgy
Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 12:41:13 -0600
From: msheridan@diocs.org

Dear Father/Deacon,

After considering the latest data and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, it appears that the H1N1 flu virus is not as virulent nor as much of a threat as previously feared.

As of this morning, only one case had been identified within our diocesan boundaries.

Accordingly, I have decided to rescind my directive of April 30, 2009, and allow each pastor/parish director to determine what liturgical steps should be taken based on your local circumstances. If you believe it is prudent, you may allow reception of the Body of Christ on the tongue
and/or reception of the Blood of Christ from the chalice. You may also exercise your discretion in informing your parish that shaking hands
during the sign of peace or holding hands during the Our Father is appropriate.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Chief of Staff, Doug Flinn.

+MJS

May 13th, 2009 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

5-3-09 Mass - Third Sunday of Easter: Good Shepherd Sunday

Click on the links to listen to the podcast. (scroll down - the links are at the bottom of this post)

Click here for this week’s bulletin.

—————————————————————————-

Letter from Bishop Sheridan regarding H1N1 flu precautions

Diocese of Colorado Springs
Office of the Bishop
228  North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903                             
Telephone (719) 636-2345

April 30, 2009

MEMORANDUM

To: All Priests, Deacons, and Liturgy Coordinators

From: Most Reverend Michael J. Sheridan

Re: HINI (Swine) Flu and the Celebration of Mass in the Diocese of Colorado Springs

Today the Colorado Department of Health confirmed two cases of HINI “Swine” flu in Colorado. It is important not to become alarmed. However, there are several common-sense steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of this virus. I am asking all our parishes to take the following precautions to help mitigate its effects, effective immediately.

· The faithful should be encouraged not to hold hands during the reciting of the Our Father.

· The faithful should be encouraged to share the Sign of Peace without touching hands or kissing. This can be done with eye contact, a smile, or a bow of the head in reverence to one another.

· The faithful should be encouraged to receive Communion in their hands, and not on their tongue.

· The chalice is not to be shared with the faithful during Mass. Communion is to be given only under the species of the consecrated bread. However, if you have individuals in your parish who have Celiac disease and can receive Communion only from the chalice, they should be allowed to make the choice as to whether or not they are comfortable receiving from the chalice at this time. If they are, a simple means of allowing them to receive from the chalice should be planned.

· Priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should be especially reminded of the need to practice good hygiene. Ministers of Holy Communion must be encouraged to wash their hands and use an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution before and after Mass.

In addition to the protocols above, I would like to make the following suggestions regarding pastorally implementing additional temporary changes within the parishes:

· Your pastoral judgment is critical to ensuring that these changes are seen as being in the best interest of the faithful, as well as ensuring that no one with special circumstances is excluded from the reception of Holy Communion.

· Remind parishioners that they should not come to church when they are not feeling well.

· Priests and deacons should carefully wash their hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after Mass.

· Hospitality Ministers (Greeters and Ushers) should be encouraged to greet parishioners verbally and avoid shaking hands.

· An announcement about these changes should be made before Mass begins.

· If people are invited to greet one another, it should be after the announcement that they are being asked not to shake hands.

· Because everyone may not be present at the beginning of Mass, it will be important to include a comment about these temporary changes during the homily and/or after the Great Amen and before the reciting of the Our Father.

· If a non-communicant comes forward for a blessing, the blessing should be given without touching them.

· This is an important time to pay attention to the members of your community who are handicapped and who need to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, or who need assistance in receiving. They should not feel turned away from Communion at this or any other time. An experienced extraordinary minister could go to them at the end of Communion and serve them, and then go and wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer.

· Parishes should make alcohol-based hand-sanitizing gels available near the entrance of the Church and in bathrooms.

· Parishes should also ensure that doorknobs, stair rails, wooden pews, and other public surfaces are regularly wiped down with a bleach and water combination.

In the event that the CDC raises the threat level or additional precautions become necessary, I will issue further appropriate guidance to the parishes. In the meantime, I have attached some additional information from the Centers for Disease Control that you can publish in your bulletin to help the faithful be aware of the steps they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of this disease. I have also attached a letter I received yesterday from Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, the Chairman for the Committee on Divine Worship, and a Question and Answer document provided by the USCCB.

If you have any questions regarding this memo or the H1N1 flu, please contact my Chief of Staff, Doug Flinn. He may be reached at (719) 866-6483 or via e-mail at dflinn@diocs.org.

———————————————————————

Ten Questions on Influenza/Swine Flu and the Catholic Liturgy

Throughout the years, the Committee on Divine Worship’s Newsletter has addressed the liturgical implications of the transmission of pathogens on numerous occasions. With the swine flu virus appearing in the United States, the Secretariat of Divine Worship, having consulted with experts, offers the following brief reflections on “influenza/swine flu and the Liturgy.”

What is swine flu influenza?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “swine influenza (swine flu) is a disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.”

Why is there particular concern for the spread of swine flu at this moment?
Numerous cases of swine flu were recently confirmed in the United States. The CDC is presently monitoring this health issue and will give further guidance as the situation warrants.

What is the best way to prevent the transmission of the swine flu virus?
The CDC suggests that, “as with other infectious illnesses, one of the most important and appropriate preventive practices is careful and frequent hand hygiene. Cleaning your hands often using either soap and water or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizers removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease transmission.”

How is the influenza virus transmitted?
According to the CDC, “influenza viruses are spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and spreads virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to multiply, causing symptoms of the flu.”

Does transmission of the flu require direct contact between persons?
“The viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth. A person who is sick with the flu can spread viruses – that means they are contagious. Adults may be contagious from one day before developing symptoms to up to seven days after getting sick. Children can be contagious for longer than seven days.”

How can the spread of the influenza virus be prevented?
While the single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated, the CDC does not know if the seasonal flu vaccine will protect against the swine flu virus. The CDC recommends these other ways to prevent the flu: “Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too; stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness; cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick; clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.”

In previous years, what has the Church done in localities where the outbreak of Influenza is most significant?
In those localities where the outbreak of the disease has been the most significant, bishops have introduced several liturgical adaptations in regard to such practices as the distribution of Holy Communion and the exchange of the Sign of Peace in order to limit the spread of contagion.

What measures should be taken in Roman Catholic liturgies in the United States of America now?
Priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should be especially reminded of the need to practice good hygiene. Ministers of Holy Communion should be encouraged to wash their hands before Mass begins, or even to use an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion. They should instruct people who feel ill not to receive from the cup.

What about further adaptations or the restriction of options at Mass?
The Diocesan Bishop should always be consulted regarding any changes or restriction of options in the celebration of Roman Catholic Liturgy. However, the need for the introduction of widespread liturgical adaptations for the prevention of the transmission of influenza in the dioceses of the United States of America is not evident at this time.

What is the Secretariat of Divine Worship doing to address this question?
The Secretariat will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide the best advice possible to Diocesan Bishops and their Offices for Worship. The Secretariat likewise appreciates whatever information Diocesan Offices for Worship are able to provide concerning local conditions and the pastoral responses developed by Diocesan Bishops. Continuously updated information is available from the CDC at www.CDC.gov/swineflu.

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May 3rd, 2009 | Tags: Homilies, Homily, Mass, podcast, readings | Category: Announcements, Homilies | Leave a comment