Dear St. Theresa Parishioner,

I'm writing to share with you some good news and to provide a few enclosures for your reflection. Today construction equipment began arriving at St. Theresa.... during the course of these next few months, we will all be witnessing some exciting improvements on our parish and school campus!

The most extensive construction work will entail the erection of security fencing and gates to enhance the safety of our campus for our schoolchildren during the day as well as providing additional security for parishioners and visitors to our campus after sunset. You will notice on the enclosed (gold-colored) illustration that the locations of the entry gates will still allow 24-hour access to the north parking area along Thomas Road (and consequently to the parish office, Father Feeney Hall, the convent and west entrance of the church)... while at the same time allowing us the ability to determine who will enter those areas of our property being used by the school students. All three vehicle and pedestrian gates will be open, of course, for Sunday Masses and access will be provided for evening meetings and ministries.

I hope that you will agree that the architects have done a good job integrating the design of the gates and fencing into the welcoming “look” of our parish and school campus (reverse side of the gold sheet). We're grateful to the various police and security consultants, the Phoenix Fire Department, and parish/school staff as well as parish committee members and school parents whose input has been vital in the planning process for this project. A generous designated gift, supplemented by budgeted parish and school capital funds, is covering the costs of this project.

In conjunction with the erection of our security fencing and gates, we are delighted to be moving into the next project funded through our Vision 2000 Capital Campaign - the renovation of our church baptistry. The new baptistry (rough sketch enclosed on the salmon-colored sheet) will provide a permanent, functional and liturgically suitable area for both infant and adult baptisms. The baptistry area, which will include an ambry (encasement area for the holy oils) has been designed to blend with the architecture of the church, conform to sacramental guidelines and provide safety and visibility for the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism.

Another project funded by the Vision 2000 Capital Campaign that is already in progress is the renovation of the McMahon Center Kitchen. Asbestos abatement was completed prior to the beginning of this school year; the renovation - including the upgrading the equipment as well as the plumbing and electrical systems to current codes & standards - will evolve over the coming months as design permits are obtained and contractors' schedules are solidified.

Work on the security fencing, gates and baptistry is expected to begin shortly after Labor Day and be completed in 90 to 120 days. During this time of construction and renovation, each one of us will be called upon to be patient and understanding (part of “the price of progress!”). The contractors have assured us that they will do all that they can in order to maximize safety and minimize inconvenience on our campus. Thank you in advance for your patience with the corresponding accommodations that we will all have to make as construction gets under way, such as the revised student drop off/pick up traffic pattern that St. Theresa Catholic School has already implemented under the guidance of the Phoenix Police Department. We're all in this together... and I know that the results of our efforts in the coming months will be well worth the accommodations we make!

Once again, know that I am very grateful for the generosity of our parishioners, school families and Vision 2000 donors who enable St. Theresa Parish to provide ministries, service and improvements to our community. May God continue to bless all of our efforts together to build up the Body of Christ here at St. Theresa!

In Christ's peace,

Rev. Charles G. Kieffer
Pastor