A Message From Our Pastor
Published by Father Gabriel May 14th, 2009 in Announcements.Dear Parishioners,
Every so often in life, different and unrelated factors come together to create the
proverbial “Perfect Storm,” or in some cases, a “Perfect Blessing.” The latter has recently
surfaced at St. Joan of Arc Parish and School.
Factor One
Approximately thirty years ago, Fr. Kevin Sheeran, O.S.B., then pastor of St. Joan
of Arc, oversaw the removal of all the asbestos from the ceiling of the parish school. While
most of the floor tiles also contained asbestos, it was considered contained, and therefore did not require removal at that time.
Now that these tiles are over fifty years old, their age is a matter of concern. They are wearing out. While no tiles have broken or released asbestos in any part of the school complex, we want to avoid this occurrence at all cost. The reality however, is that at some time, sooner rather than later, all the asbestos tiles will need to be removed.
Factor Two
The present state of the economy provides an ideal time for us to undertake this asbestos abatement project. Companies are in need of work. In consultation with the Diocesan asbestos specialist, we procured three bids for this project that were extremely low.
Factor Three
Removing the asbestos opens up other possibilities for upgrading our school and improving its appearance. Since all the furniture, book shelves and equipment will be removed from the classrooms, the latter can be painted with great efficiency and economy. Draperies can be taken down and cleaned. The quality of air in the school will be greatly improved due to the quality testing required by the Department of Public Health. And of course, beautiful new tiles will pave the hallways of our school. The total cost for this entire project will be $255,158
which includes a 12% contingency allowance.
I have discussed this matter at length with our Finance Committee, our Parish Pastoral Council and our School Board. All have given their support. The Diocesan Environmental Office has endorsed our project and Bishop Sartain has given us permission to spend the money necessary to undertake it.
Factor Four
One day, while I was pondering how we might raise the necessary funds to accomplish this costly enterprise, I received word that Stella Rosendall, one of our parishioners who passed into eternity last fall, willed her entire estate to St. Joan of Arc parish to be used, at the discretion of the pastor, for programs and capital improvements. Her extreme generosity has made it unnecessary to raise any funds whatsoever. Stella left this money to St. Joan of Arc parish because she had no family, and found, in our parishioners, those familial bonds
that nurtured her through life.
Factor Five
And so beginning July 1, 2009, St. Joan of Arc School will be conducting asbestos removal in the school building. This abatement will be conducted using ILL. Department of Public Health licensed contractors and air monitoring personnel. The area will be sealed, negative air pressure provided in the area, and the air monitored before, during and after the project. If necessary, air clearance tests will be conducted using Transmission Electron Microscopy after the project and the results placed in the asbestos project manual. Admittance to the building will
be permitted only when the air clearance results are known to be as specified by the ILL. Department of Public Health. As a public document the manual = 2 0 as well as the asbestos management plan may be reviewed at the school office. If you have any questions, you may call Mr. Richard Kafka, from the Diocese of Joliet, at (815) 834- 4078 or (630) 416-1775. For all other questions regarding this project you may call Mr. Michael Crowell, the Director of Finance and Administration of St. Joan of Arc parish at (630) 963-4500, ext. 4523.
Please be assured that there is no need whatsoever for alarm or panic. Our children and school personnel are completely safe. This project of asbestos abatement is a blessing we have been given at this time to ensure their ongoing safety. Simultaneously, we will use this opportunity to beautify our school facility and foster an atmosphere wherein educational excellence may continue to be pursued.
Fr. Gabriel, O.S.B.
