ArchdioceseOne Monthly Update

Thanks to your sacrificial gift, progress is underway to repair the Cathedral of St. Raphael, our Mother Church in the Archdiocese. As you may already know, water damage causing structural issues, accessibility concerns, falling exterior bricks and more warrant immediate attention.

A ditch was dug to help divert excess water away from the church.

As Archbishop Jackels explains, “One of the  bigger problems is not only water coming from above, but that the water flows down into the basement of both the Cathedral and the rectory, and of course that also creates water damage with the footing, the foundation.”

The first phase of repairs is addressing one of the most dire issues – water damage to the foundations of the rectory and church.

The construction phase being conducted right now is that of creating a drainage system to re-route water during heavy rains, which flows down from the upper parts of the city above the bluff, as well as water from the sizable roof system. Monsignor Tom Toale, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Raphael, details the progress that has been made so far to mitigate water damage on the campus. “A major storm sewer system has been installed to redirect the water away from the structures,” Msgr. Toale explains. “This included extensive excavation along Bluff street, beside the church and rectory, as well in the parking lots, installing curbing. The main parking lot should be able to be used again, hopefully by early November.” This work is essential to prevent water future damage to the Cathedral. 

These culverts will be used in water mitigation efforts at the cathedral

Monsignor Toale also describes the feelings of Cathedral visitors and parishioners, saying, “There is an air of excitement that issues are being addressed and the end result will be very positive.”

After this phase of repairs is completed in November 2021, in Phase 2, the church roof will be replaced. Phase 3 includes interior repairs of water damage and parishioner facilities, addressing needed improvements in accessibility, seating, and restrooms. 

Jim Prochaska has been a member of the Cathedral of St. Raphael for almost 15 years, and is currently serving on the committee overseeing the renovation as well as on the building and grounds committee. He credits the sacrificial gifts of Archdiocesan members like you for maintaining the Cathedral in the years to come.

“I would personally like to thank the donors for supporting the Mother Church of the Archdiocese,” Proschaska expresses. “I think preservation (of the Cathedral) is very valuable for future generations. People come not just for the liturgy or the music, but to experience the artwork and the architecture.”

Your support for the Cathedral of St. Raphael and the ArchdioceseOne appeal is not only addressing the immediate needs of our faith family and community, but is ensuring its prosperity for future generations. If you would like to see more updates about the work being done at the Cathedral, visit https://cathedralstpats.org/projects.

When the ArchdioceseOne Special Appeal launched on the Feast of the Archangels in 2019, it would not have been fathomable to imagine what was in store for our world in just a few short months. Over the course of these past two years, we have experienced unimaginable loss and new challenges. Due to the pandemic's effects, the full launch of ArchdioceseOne in parishes was put on hold.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels on September 29th including celebration of St. Raphael, the patron saint of the Cathedral and the archdiocese, we thank you for your contribution made during the past two years. It has helped to build a strong foundation of giving for a successful appeal!