While heavy storms and rain moved the Prayer Service inside, the Knights Hall was filled with warmth and dry, except for tears of both sorrow and gratitude shed for our beloved St. John the Baptist Church and those who came to our aide. Over 300 parishioners and guests, joined the St. John’s Choir giving praise and thanks to God in song, listening to the Word of God and reflections, blessing the firemen and first responders and offering prayers for all those who serve and protect us, especially those who came to our aid on May 29th.
A number of items retrieved from the church were on display.
St. John the Baptist Building Committee and Focus
Fr. Ken, and a few staff, Parish Council and Finance members identified and discerned members including: parishioners who are open minded and able think through information without preconceived notions of what the church has to be; parishioners who have the ability to talk with others and help them understand the options; parishioners who have skills in construction, design, architecture, business, fundraising, communication, community development; parishioners who have a good awareness of parish and parishioners, and engaged in faith and worship; and parishioners who represent the age spectrum. While many would fit these categories, we also needed to limit the size of the committee. The following are members of the building committee: Michelle Ashman, Eric Eyink, Beck Fullenkamp, Gary Hartings, Dave Heckman, Todd Heitkamp, Beth Otte, Maria Rethman, Kent Shaner, Jean Thobe, Mitch Thobe, Lynn Wolters, Sue Roeckner, Fr. Ken Schnipke.
The initial focus of the committee will be to work with Fr. Ken, the Archdiocese, FIRST ONSITE, insurance adjusters, architects and others to understand the possible future options for St. John Church, explain those options to the St. John parishioners in town hall meetings, and help parishioners discern and decide the best path forward through consensus building. There are multiple scenarios that could happen from what we know at this time. The church could be rebuilt as it was. Parts of the church could be reused with new parts built on. The remaining structure could be raised and a new church built. The viability of each of these options may change as insurance settlement is determined, the integrity of the remaining structure is assessed and as the future needs of St. John’s are discerned. The work of the building committee will then transition to oversight of the rebuilding or replacement process depending what is discerned as the best path forward. Other sub-committees will be formed as the process moves forward. May God bless us and the Holy Spirit guide us as we discern the future of St. John the Baptist Church.
- Fr. Ken Schnipke, C.PP.S, Christ Our Light Family of Parishes
Fr. Ken, and a few staff, Parish Council and Finance members identified and discerned members including: parishioners who are open minded and able think through information without preconceived notions of what the church has to be; parishioners who have the ability to talk with others and help them understand the options; parishioners who have skills in construction, design, architecture, business, fundraising, communication, community development; parishioners who have a good awareness of parish and parishioners, and engaged in faith and worship; and parishioners who represent the age spectrum. While many would fit these categories, we also needed to limit the size of the committee. The following are members of the building committee: Michelle Ashman, Eric Eyink, Beck Fullenkamp, Gary Hartings, Dave Heckman, Todd Heitkamp, Beth Otte, Maria Rethman, Kent Shaner, Jean Thobe, Mitch Thobe, Lynn Wolters, Sue Roeckner, Fr. Ken Schnipke.
The initial focus of the committee will be to work with Fr. Ken, the Archdiocese, FIRST ONSITE, insurance adjusters, architects and others to understand the possible future options for St. John Church, explain those options to the St. John parishioners in town hall meetings, and help parishioners discern and decide the best path forward through consensus building. There are multiple scenarios that could happen from what we know at this time. The church could be rebuilt as it was. Parts of the church could be reused with new parts built on. The remaining structure could be raised and a new church built. The viability of each of these options may change as insurance settlement is determined, the integrity of the remaining structure is assessed and as the future needs of St. John’s are discerned. The work of the building committee will then transition to oversight of the rebuilding or replacement process depending what is discerned as the best path forward. Other sub-committees will be formed as the process moves forward. May God bless us and the Holy Spirit guide us as we discern the future of St. John the Baptist Church.
- Fr. Ken Schnipke, C.PP.S, Christ Our Light Family of Parishes
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