Our Bell tower, as Father Boccaccio described to St. Philip Parishioners during the Masses of May 20/21, 2006

[NB: Bishop Lori presided at the12:30PM 5/21 Mass and confirmed 24 new members of our community!]

Because I want all parishioners to hear the exact same thing, this report will be read ... here goes!

            Well did you notice anything unusual as you gathered for Mass .... especially those of you who would normally use the Day Chapel and the France St. doors???? You noticed, of course, that entire section of the church building has been roped in, with a yellow tape reading CAUTION and orange cones stating “no trespass”!! Why, you might ask?

            As indicated in last week’s bulletin, a study was going to be conducted this week to investigate our bell tower, not only in terms of whether or not it was contributing to our constant roof leaks, but more importantly, because our bell tower had decided to eject two of its pieces .... like this one [sample was held up for all to see]. The other piece is probably twice this size and may weigh up to 10 lbs. Allow me to give a little background, first.

            As you know, our roof received a new coating about 8/9 months ago, costing us, in round figures, $40,000. Yet, the roof still leaked, especially in and around the Day Chapel side of our Sacred Home. A certified roof inspector, Marc Caputo was hired by the parish to see if there was any correlation between the leaks and the tower structure. He concluded his findings by saying, “yes”; and also, telling us that a more complete study of the tower should be made. Hence, the GLCapasso Restoration was recommend by Mr. Caputo to conduct an aerial study, which was accomplished last Monday, May 15, starting about 8:15AM. Once completed, Capasso provided even more startling and alarming information, namely, much of the cement has cracks, holes, etc, into which, of course, water is entering, freezing, etc.

            Capasso then strongly urged that we contact a Professor Donald Bearman of the Yale School of Architecture, the most nearby expert who can conduct the type of inspection needed for our tower. Prof. Bearman arrived on Friday, May 19, 2PM and was elevated literally onto the roof, and carried along the tower and around the large cement parapet, via the aerial truck supplied by Capasso. Dr. Bearman is preparing a report, with a detailed description of the issues that must be dealt with, and will send it ASAP – most likely in the next 2 weeks. In the meantime, erring on the side of caution, he unhesitatingly recommended that access to the church building from the tower side be restricted. Dr. Bearman has taken the other piece to have it studied and scrutinized in great technological detail.

            So why the orange cones and the yellow tape: Simply because no one’s safety is going to be jeopardized in any fashion. Does this restriction cause inconveniences ... of course. But I have no doubt that you agree .... an inconvenience is much more acceptable than anyone’s being harmed should yet another chuck of cement fall from the tower. Fortunately, the 2 chucks simply fell onto the ground. Time wise, this inconvenience of walking around to the main door will mean walking another 60 - 75 seconds .... earlier yesterday afternoon [i.e., Saturday], I literally walked the walk and timed it – carrying my bagged vestments and a box, no less!! Since only the Main door and as we call it the “St. Ann” door [located directly opposite the France St. door] can be used for the time being, I particularly want to express my concern and apology to those who need a “no-stair” entrance for baby carriages, walkers, wheelchairs, etc .... that type of access is offered by the two door entrances now closed! Depending on the next steps needed to handle the tower issue, a temporary incline will be built for the main or St. Ann door.[Dear Reader, please see question #1, below, as I learned of another handicap entrance.]

            You all are going to love the next sentence!!!!! Of course, I’ve been extraordinarily calm about all this!!!! Seriously, I have to thank Steve Bagnell, our Parish Administrative Director for his being on this project so totally. Our parish council was informed of the problem last Monday ... they, like the rest of you, are just now experiencing the consequences of Dr. Bearman’s advise.

            “Will we need to take our tower down?” is a question I am sure you all have. I do not want to speculate ... perhaps ... but let us all wait for the experts to help us further understand the steps ahead. And we thought it was just a leaky roof!!!

            Again let me tell you, I know it is an inconvenience to many of us, beginning with me – especially when I am leaving my office at 1 or 2AM to get into this building. But I also know that your understanding and cooperation and patience will be shown and offered this time, as you have so marvelously done so in the past. Stay tuned to the bulletin and/or the parish website; as soon as we know, so will you .... but as I mentioned results of the intense studies will not be forthcoming for another 2 weeks, at least.

            At this time, let me open for questions.

            As a result, these are my responses to the questions asked, some more than once ➔

            1.         Yes, indeed, I forgot ... there is a “no-stair” entrance by the Reconciliation Chapel! I entirely forgot all about that. So, YES, that will be used as an entrance for those who so need it. [For those not familiar with our building, the Reconciliation Chapel is adjacent to the bathrooms.]

            2.         No, the roped off side of the building will not effect the 7:30AM celebration of Masses and Communion Services .... those attending will have to enter by the main or St. Ann door. The Day Chapel will remain open and operative ... there is no danger therein.

            3.         We shall investigate every possibility in terms of insurance, warranty, etc. If we can hold anyone accountable, we shall also look into those possibilities.

            4.         Yes, there is an indication that inferior materials were used .... Dr. Bearman has already been able to state that the sand in the cement is not living in harmony with other elements that went into making the cement. In fact, in terms of a job not necessarily done well, or in an attempt to save money [which we know always means paying much more money later on] ... our cement has no flashing or metal covering to protect it somewhat from rain, snow, hail, etc. In other words, the tops of the cement have been exposed to the elements since 1969 .... the year the building was consecrated. Because this is a Sacred Place, I cannot tell you the words with which I exploded when I learned ... and of course, I “yelled” ever so calmly!!!!

            5.         Yes, there is clear indication that other parts of our cement building has holes, cracks, etc. Let me repeat: a full investigation will be conducted to safeguard our building and all who enter it!

            6.         Yes, the contracted agent who placed the coating on the roof last year observed that the bell tower looked damaged .... but we were told during the work, which he continued. And YES, we are placing some accountability on that agent.

            7.        Yes, the bells of  St. Philip have been silenced. The experts informed us that the less vibration the tower is subjected to, the better.