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May 30, 2008
Dear Members of St. Ann’s Parish,
The parish council met at 7:30 PM on Monday May 26, 2008. The council voted unanimously on the following decisions:
#1 Accept the low bidder for the removal of the Cross, Steeple and the Bell.
#2 Accept the low bidder for the demolition of the remainder of the structure of the old church.
#3 Accept the organ offered to the Parish by the Hale family of Atchison.
The input of the parish was instrumental in the council vote. Last weekend on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ a ballot was passed out at both Masses. The choices were to either (a) to save the tower and incorporate it into a new church, or (b) to save the bell, cross and top of the steeple and build a new church. Choice (a) was selected by 21.35% of those who voted and 78.65% selected (b).
The Parish Council wants to remind the entire community that all meetings of the Council are open for observation. If any parish member has input or suggestions for the council, we ask you to please present them in writing to a council member before a council meeting.
On June 10th Leon Roberts, the Construction and Real Estate Officer for the Diocese, will be here to meet with the Parish Council to discuss our future plans.
As Pastor I would ask everyone to continue being patient and cooperate throughout this process. There are always a variety of opinions and strong feelings, but if we listen to each person with empathy, and share our understandings with each other it will be possible to achieve a consensus that will be agreeable to all. This is especially important as we enter the phase of selecting an architect and looking at the basic design of a new church. At this point we would like to receive suggestions in writing of favorite newer churches in the region which have features you would like incorporated in our plans. Especially important would be lighting and energy efficiency which are major concerns for the future.
In Christ,
Benjamin Tremmel, O.S.B., Pastor
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