January, 2025

Our Lady of Sorrows Hall Project

Blessing & Dedication
 
Over time, funds have been set aside for the refurbishment of the church hall at Our Lady of Sorrows. The work is underway and includes: waterproofing/sealing (for a smooth finish) and painting of walls, new vinyl flooring, replacement of ceiling tiles and new LED lighting.  We would very much like to bless the renovated hall and name it, Holy Family Hall since the hall has not served as a “lower church” for many years and that the image of the Holy Family is prominently displayed there. Thanks for your understanding and patience during the renovation. A date for the blessing will be announced.

Update on the Stained Glass Window Project

We are pleased to report that we are nearing the completion of the project to refurbish the oldest stained glass windows (installed in 1942) of Our Lady of Sorrows Church. The project does not envision the windows of the east and west transepts. Already refurbished are:
 

• 16 windows of the central nave
• 2 windows of the choir loft
• 2 windows above the sanctuary

 
The final four windows yet to be done are:

• The window of the “bride” or “vesting” room
• A window in the east transept
• A window in the west transept
• A window outside the candle room (east transept)

April, 2024

A Major Undertaking
Capital Improvement for our Church

The challenge and cost of maintaining large facilities such as our own campuses can be formidable. Your ongoing generosity and love for our parish makes it possible. We shall soon be undertaking a project that we have been anticipating for some time.

The Most Reverend Bishop has granted his permission for the parish to replace the Air Conditioning Units at St. Anthony Church. The current units have been in use for over thirty years and are beyond their “life cycle.” Moreover, needed materials and parts for their extended use (if at all available) are no longer available.

The financial council has been aware of this need for some time and supports the need to replace the units. The parish has contracted with DGC Controls, of Forked River. The company enjoys a stellular reputation with many churches and schools in our diocese and has serviced our parish for the past 18 years. This plan also includes the addition of a third unit to function independently for the church hall. This was not possible in the past. It is our hope that the work will be completed before the summer heat arrives!

The estimated cost of the project is $315,867. While we have some funds in reserve from a past Summer Project, we shall have to rely on some savings and your continued donations.

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November, 2023

Capitol Improvement Work
July through October, 2023

Work Undertaken

• Restoration/Insulation of 8 stained glass windows of OLS (4 in nave, 2 in choir loft & 2 above sanctuary)
  Cost:                               $ 60,007
   
• Contract for Security Measures at both Campuses (Equipment Only)
  Cost:                               $ 11,844

Scheduled Work

• Renovation of Restroom for OLS Meeting Room
  Cost:                               $ 16,200
   
• Contract for Stair Lift (OLS Choir Loft)
  Cost:                               $ 26,760

Expenditures Total:                                     $ 114,811

Funding Sources: Summer Project

 

January, 2023

Recent Capital Improvements of Our Campuses

Our Lady of Sorrows Campus

• Our Lady of Sorrows Church: New Framing & Insulation of 4 Stained Glass Windows This was part of the 2022 Summer Project (delayed due to supply chain issues.) Contracted to Hiemer Studios, Clifton, NJ. We hope to continue the restoration & insulation of the remaining windows of the central nave. Cost $20,575. Paid in full through summer project & an anonymous donation.
• Brick Repointing and Remediation of Water Damage in Needed Areas Pennacchi & Sons completed brick pointing of the church, rectory, & garage where needed. Repairs to cracks in the church’s foundation were made to remedy water infiltration. Cost $19,840. Paid in full through two donations ($17,000) and general funds ($2,840).
• Waterproofing of Rectory Basement Walls Pennacchi & Sons completed this work to remedy water infiltration & mold in the rectory basement. Cost $9,400. Paid in full through available funds in general account.

Saint Anthony Campus

• Roof Replacement (Former Church, now Gym) S. Olden Avenue This project is contracted to Jottan Roofing, Delran, NJ. The century-old church is now a Gymnasium currently leased by the parish to PACE Charter School. Work In Progress. Cost: $126,703. Being paid with rental income from PACE Charter School.
• Masonry Repairs (School at Perry Avenue) In order to remedy water damage in the building, Pennacchi & Sons has undertaken the sealing of all window perimeter & joints; waterproof & restore 3 vertical foundation cracks in basement affecting 3 rooms. The building is leased to PACE Charter School. Work in Progress. Cost: $92,800. To be paid with rental income from PACE Charter School.
• Church Hall & Church Various work was undertaken by Storcella & Nocera Contractors, Hamilton. A fire retardant door was installed to adhere to code regulations. Two damaged wood doors were repaired. Damaged floor tiles were replaced in needed areas. Masonry work was needed to prevent water infiltration. Repairs to damaged plaster were made around the church’s stained glass windows. Work in progress. Cost: $11,380 paid in full through Summer Project & available funds.

PENDING PROJECTS

• Security Upgrades to both Campuses (2022 Summer Project) Preparations are underway. An application for government grant was also submitted for additional funding. Funds are also set aside from the 2022 Summer Project.
• Minor Roof Repairs to OLS School Gymnasium 
• Replacement of Phone System in School, Parish Office, & Rectory

      

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September, 2020

Elevator Repair at Our Lady of Sorrows Church

I am grateful for your understanding and patience as we address the need for a major overhaul of our elevator.

Arrow Elevators Inc. of Vernon, NJ, has completed its study of the work required and has submitted an estimate for the project of $78,000, exclusiveof parish costs for

• dumpster,
• update to the fire alarm system,
• painting or patching and
• updating any existing electrical items necessary to meet current codes.

The Bishop has given us the “green light” for this project and the contract has been signed. The company has assured us that the necessary parts for its “modernization” have been ordered, but we have not yet received a start date for the project.

Those requiring the assistance of an elevator are reminded that an elevator is available at Saint Anthony Church.

Msgr. Gervasio
 

March, 2018
Capital Projects Update

Installation of Solar Panels

The installation of solar panels on our school building will soon be completed. This is part of a diocesan-wide program to provide solar panels for parishes. This comes at no-cost to the parish and will realize significant energy savings for our parish. Special thanks to our diocesan Office of Real Estate and Construction for its help through the lengthy and involved process to realize this benefit.

Enhancing Lighting for the Parking Lot at Our Lady of Sorrows

We are looking into installing additional lighting for our parking lot for greater security and, of course, greater visibility.

Roof Repairs Slated for St. Anthony Church

A comprehensive study of the roof of the church was made by JD Cummins (Keyport, NJ) after detecting numerous spots of water infiltration. The report, reviewed by the Diocesan Office of Real Estate and Construction and our parish Finance Council, revealed the need for following repairs:

• Slate repairs on the main roof
• Installation of a snow fence on the main roof
• Replacement of all lower roofs
• Replacement of the portico roof
• Repairs around the Rose Window

All concerned agreed that the report recommendations be followed and repairs made. It is advisable to correct the problem now since deferring the project would only magnify the damage and expenses. The estimated cost of this project is $150,000. JD Cummins will serve as consultants to the work; specifications have been prepared and bids will be received soon.

Repairs to Front Steps at St. Anthony

Corrections will be made to defects in steps that pose a safety hazard.

 

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November, 2017
Capital Projects Update

Our Lady of Sorrows Campus

Solar Panels Installation
I am happy and pleased to report that after a long wait, solar panels will be installed on the school. This is part of a diocesan program and will greatly reduce our utility bills in the future.

Pavement Repairs
Repairs to the pavements leading to the church—part of our summer project—are taking place now. Work had been delayed due to the heavy work schedule of the contractor. This work is being undertaken to correct potential safety hazards.

Saint Anthony Campus

Church Roof Repairs
An inspection was made of the façade of the church and the interior wall as well as the roof. Plaster was damaged in the choir loft near the "rose" window. We are awaiting a report and estimates for the repairs.

School (S. Olden Avenue)
We are sharing the cost of necessary repairs to the front steps of the "old" grammar school building which is leased as a charter school (cost to the parish: $800).

Parking Lot Paving and Lighting
All approvals have been received for this long-awaited project. We have been placed on the work schedule of the paving company. Once completed, a financial report will be given.
 

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Summer, 2017

Capital Improvements on Our Parish Campuses

Many thanks to all who are so generous in their weekly giving and who contributed $34,867 to the Annual Summer Project. Your support has enabled the parish to make ongoing improvements to our buildings at both church campuses.  Each of the projects was endorsed by the parish finance council. Below is an update on the progress thus far:

Our Lady of Sorrows Church

• Replacement of AC units and deteriorated duct work servicing Church Hall:Completed
• Replacement of aged and malfunctioning garage doors (rectory):Completed
• Repairs to the pavements leading to church (correcting potential safety hazards):To begin in October

St. Anthony Church

• Paving the new parking area and installation of lighting:Scheduled for October (Report to be given at later date.)
• Pending Work: Repairs to church roof; plaster repair in choir loft (Estimates being received.)

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Work and Plans for 2016

OLS Campus

Our parish finance council has endorsed plans for a number improvements to be made to our elementary school.

Projects completed:

• Replacement of Roof
  Before any interior work we had the roof replaced on the school (excluding the gymnasium). This was also required for the eventual installation of solar panels.
• Air Conditioning
  All classrooms now have the benefit of air conditioning. This has allowed us expanded use of the school over summer months for religious education and various camps.
• Office Work
  New carpeting was installed and painting done in the school’s offices.

Projects in Progress

• Installation of New Windows
  New windows will give the school greater energy efficiency. Begun in August 2015, this work has been done in phases by Jammer Doors & Windows. The final phase of the installation will soon be underway. Badly needed shades have also been installed. Final cost: $273,500.

Projects on the Horizon

• New Flooring for Corridors
  New flooring in the corridors will provide the school with a bright, welcoming “look.” During the summer of 2016, asbestos abatement will precede the installation of new vinyl flooring for corridors and stair landings only.
• Bathroom repairs and upgrades
  Sorely needed repairs of fixtures and replacement of original stalls will take place during the summer of 2016.
• Flat Screen TV monitors We hope to eventually replace the dated “tube” TV in the classrooms with flat screen TVs phasing out the use of VHS tapes for DVD resources.

 

St. Anthony Campus

Projects Completed

• Demolition of the Former Convent /Haitian Center
• Expanded Parking Area 
  The area of the former convent and Haitian Center was developed into an expanded parking area.
• Drainage Corrections
  With the creation of the parking area, work was also done to correct the drainage system on the site. This will prevent water penetration into the Church Hall.

Projects in Progress

• Demolition of former Rectory / Convent
  The demolition of the building and its garage was completed by Vinch Demolition at a cost of $99,126, which included the work of asbestos abatement. The parish was able to salvage several items from the building before it was demolished.
  A plan for the new parking area is being finalized.
• Landscaping
  The new parking areas will have appropriate landscaping
• Painting and Repairs
  Parish volunteers have begun the work of painting in needed areas. Screens of church basement windows are also being repaired.

Projects on the Horizon

• Electrical Upgrade to Leased Building
  Work is required to maintain the electrical system at PACE Charter School that leased our building.