Facilities Committee

Our Facilities Committee consists of parishioners with relevant skills to advise the parish on campus facilities issues on an as-needed basis. Relevant backgrounds include but are not limited to: architects, general contractors, commercial real estate, trades, etc. Click below for the latest on our current major projects:

Our church has shown signs of water damage for decades and some of the city’s the top rated teams of engineers continue to find the cause elusive. We continue moving through the list of probable and contributing causes, including replacing an undersized chimney flue during the boiler replacement project in late 2023, conducting a Property Condition Assessment and a more investigative Church Façade and Interior Condition Assessment in 2024 using infrared technology and drones to view the church inside and out. Our next step is to address the roof this spring: replace missing clay tiles and flashing, clean the gutters, enclose the open portions of the downspouts and inspect known problem roof areas. In late February, the Parish Finance Council approved funding and the archdiocese is coordinating with contractors to set a date (after Easter), to minimize cost and maximize use of the specialized lifts that will be necessary.

Three of our school buildings are in need of roofing repairs. In March, the Parish Finance Council approved funding for the first phase - to proceed with repairs over on the two zones most in need. The project scope and RFP were approved by the archdiocese and contractor bid walkthroughs were scheduled the week of 3/24/25. Our goal is to complete repairs this summer and address the third (gym building) roof in a second phase as funding permits.

Water is seeping into the tunnels and boiler room beneath our church, forming puddles along the walls and through the foundation near the park and patio. The grading from the park visibly slopes toward the church, contributing to the issue. We are currently evaluating waterproofing solutions, including the installation of drain tile along the east (park-facing) and south (Belden) sides of the building to help divert water away from the foundation. We need to resolve this issue before moving forward with any phase of park renovations that involve ground work near the church.

 

In February 2025, a plumber was called onsite to investigate the pipes to the city sewer under Belden for obstruction, cracks or collapse. Upon opening the manhole cover, we discovered over 9 feet of packed mud, preventing camera exploration. Additional equipment was called to vac & jet the manhole then run the camera.

 

In March, jetting the pipes and vacuuming the debris revealed several feet of rockpile in the catch basin blocking the sewer pipe. Another crew was called onsite to remove the large rocks and sending green dye in a water run to ensure a clear path the the street sewer. Fortunately, our line was intact and clear! Waterproofing options are currently being discussed and priced.

Phase 1 includes installing a secure fence and improved lighting around the Park. This project was the selected beneficiary of our Unity Gala 2025 Fund-A-Cause. Watch the video (click on the photo) for more details. Our newly formed Park Redevelopment Subcommittee is working on permits, zoning and meeting with design architects to finalize the plans and award a contractor. In March, we held an architect RFP Bid Walk-through. Bids arrived the first week of April and are under review.

You can writing a check to St. Josaphat Parish and drop it off at the school or parish offices. If you are a St. Josaphat school family you may also donate through FACTS. Please contact [email protected] for details. If you would like to donate with a Donor Advised Fund, or donate with Stocks, please contact [email protected]  Thank you!