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Landscaping and Environment Ministry Members Eager to Work
The COVID-19 restrictions may have brought a halt to the work of the Landscaping and Environment Ministries at the Sacred Heart, St. Michael, and St. Theresa campuses, but the ministry members are eager to begin work once again. Although there are currently no plans for any new projects, this will change as spring progresses and summer arrives. Throughout the year, the members have offered their time and talents in stewardship to make sure the church properties help reflect the glory God has given in the beauty of the area.
Tom Foster works with Matt Pfeifer at Sacred Heart Parish in keeping the church campus in shape. He recalls that when the committee began, funds raised at the parish allowed them to make improvements in the church at the former Greeley Catholic School that houses the parish offices and small chapel, as well as religious education classes.
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“In the school, we did all new windows and tore out the radiators, and replaced those with a more efficient heating and air conditioning system for the first and second floors,” he says. “In the church, we put in new carpet and repaired the concrete in front of the church. We also installed an underground sprinkler system for the church.” For Tom, he is able to use his talents and experience in the construction industry to benefit the parish.
“It’s knowing what to look for, especially structurally, and what is the best remedy for problems, such as the concrete area,” he says.
The Sacred Heart group can always use additional hands, and the extra help has been appreciated during the winter’s heavy snow.
At St. Michael’s in Spalding, the Landscaping Ministry has worked on beautification projects at the church, Spalding Academy, and St. Michael’s Parish Center. Projects include weeding, trimming, mulching, and painting inside of the grotto grounds, as well as weeding and trimming under the marquee signs at the church and Spalding Academy, and St. Michael’s Parish Center.
“Anyone can participate in this ministry,” Nancy Esch says. “All of our children have participated, regardless of their age.”
The ministry members find that serving in this way has allowed them to grow spiritually. “Getting involved in parish life leads to connecting with others, and it also gives our children an example to follow,” Nancy says. “St. Michael’s campus, which includes the Dominican center, Spalding Academy, St. Michael’s Church, and the rectory, is beautiful. It is easy to see God’s work while you walk or drive by this area.”
Rob Ita coordinates the ministry at St. Theresa Parish. The five members in the ministry had been working on the landscaping around the church, but that work was halted by the pandemic. The group is looking at making some exterior improvements at the church once work can resume.
“It feels kind of scattered right now,” Rob says.
Anyone who is interested in joining the ministry at Sacred Heart may contact Tom Foster at 308-440-8604; at St. Michael, by calling St. Michael’s at 308-497-2662, or email Nancy Esch at rnesch@gpcom.net; at St. Theresa, by calling Rob Ita at 308-497-2547.
