Alot has been done, but more $ is needed!

As the end of the year comes to a close, please don't forget the R & R fund as a possible tax deduction! Donating money to such a worthy cause would be a great way to end your year. We started this project out with a 2 year time frame. We are already very close to obtaining our goal in just a little bit over a year. Please continue to help us move forward and keep this project rolling! Here is a list of the work we have completed so far with your wonderful donations:

1. Painting of entryway, priest's scacristy and cry room
2. New drywall below the choir loft
3. Painting of the reconciliation room and south sacristy
4. Sanding and painting of the Stations of the Cross by local artist Travis Norville
5. Alteration of the high altar and altar of sacrifice
6. Opening and fixing the alcoves to accomodate the St. Mary and St. Joseph statues
7. Painting of the Holy Family statue and placing in reconciliation room
8. Construction of a ramp onto the altar
9. Attic completely insulated
10. New roof on steeple and southside of church
11. Painting of the lourves on the steeple and new gutters on the church
12. New lighting installed for the sactuary
13. Repairing of old baptismal font and affixing it on the altar

As you can see, Holy Trinity has had quite the facelift. However, there are still a few more needed repairs we are still in the process of making and still need the funding for. Those future changes include:

1. New flooring throughout the church
2. Repair of exterior windows
3. Holy Trinity mural
4. Placement of new crucifix
5. Fixing foundation

The R & R fund continues to ask for your undying support in this project and to remember us as a convenient tax write off ! :)

Many blessings in the new year!

Christmas comes to Holy Trinity

The reredos was finished recently and ready for Chrismas decorations in the form of Poinsettias! The final top coat has been applied and all the gold leaf is complete.

The newly revamped baptismal font has been placed back in its orignal spot on the altar. It was salvaged from an undisclosed location and repaired and repainted to adorn the altar. The font helps to connect the old pieces with the new improvements at Holy Trinity.

Decorating the Christmas tree, parishioners Ethan Walsh, Maddie Unser and Jack Curtin string the lights.

R & R member Kate DeClerk sets up candles and greenery in the windows. Also, the painting of the wainscotting has begun. Kevin Autenrieb and crew are sanding, recaulking cracks and applying a primer before the final coat is applied.

December R & R Minutes

The Repair and Refresh committee held a meeting on December 7, 2010 discussing the current and future improvements being made to Holy Trinity. Here are some of the highlights from the minutes:

1. It has been decided to paint the wainscoting in the body of the church instead of stripping and restaining it. Estimated painting costs are $3,800 compared to estimated refinishing costs between $13,500-$15,000.

2. The estimated cost of refurbishing the exterior windows for the church would cost anywhere between $10,000-$20,000. It was also noted the church foundation is in much need of repair. It was decided to handle these 2 projects in the spring.

3. A recommendation from Kevin Autenrieb is being reviewed by the committee to make a floor extension in front of the baptismal font. This extension could be a 2-3 feet out from the main Sanctuary. This extra space would allow for easier movement and more space around the font. It will also bring a more balanced look to the altar.

4. The final paint colors chosen for the interior walls were named officially: Sand and Plum.

5. The estimate for kneeler repair came in from Sauder's in Vandalia. New foam will cost $1,600 and vinyl $920 for 60 kneelers. The cost of labor has not been included in that price. A few parishioners have volunteered to repair the kneelers, although it is unknown at this point if the labor will be too intensive. The new vinyl will be a light beige color.

6. The committee also decided that the pews are not in bad shape and therefore do not need to be professionally cleaned and stained. Volunteers will instead clean the pews with Murphy's Oil after all renovations are complete as to avoid staining the carpet.

7. Also, 36 inches from the front pews on each side along the main aisle will be taken off to accommodate for wheelchairs and allow more room for funerals.

8. The flooring bid from Taylorville Home Source to carpet the balcony and body of the church was approved. The original bid will be reduced due to the Sanctuary not being carpeted.

9. Six new chairs for the Sanctuary will be ordered to seat the musicians, servers, and lector. The chairs will be foldable in a nice, stained wood and will match the other Sanctuary furniture accordingly.

10. Track lighting has been installed in the church. Kevin Autenrieb recommends bulbs that produce a bright, but soft light to be placed in them.

Also, a highlight of the meeting was the reporting of a letter and contribution from the State Bank of Blue Mound. They wrote a note with their sizable donation to the R & R fund complimenting Holy Trinity's efforts and dedication to this project.

The R & R committee invites everyone to attend Christmas Eve mass at 6:30 p.m. this Friday. A majority of the scaffolding should be down, displaying all the beautiful work that has been completed thus far.

Merry Christmas!

Financial Report

The repair and refresh committee held a meeting last night with discussion centered around work estimates, fundraising detail, decorate and design decisions and maitenance with regards to lighting and electrical work that has been done. Complete, detailed minutes of the meeting will be posted as soon as they are available. However for now, here is the current financial report for the R & R project.

Efforts from the fundraising sub-committee total $9,901 as of December 7, 2010. Here is a break down of that money:

-Past Fundraisers $446
-Pancake Breakfast $331
-Fish Fry $923
-St. Patty's Day Dinner $1015
-Chuck Wagon $2783
-Pulled Pork Dinner $1563
-Rada Knives $524
-Cards $520 (28 still available for sale)
-Calendars $620 (35 still available for sale)
-Banks (loose change in church piggy bank) $101
-Sale of Blender (via ebay) $75
-Sale of St. Bonafus Statue $750
-Wedding/Funeral Fees $250

Contributions from families and individuals total $113,477. That number reflects active and non-active parishioners, along with non-parishioners as well. The R &R committee would love to see all donations, no matter how little, from all Holy Trinity members. We would love for everyone to be apart of this extraordinary project!

Our checkbook currently reads a balance of $85,360.32. We still owe Kevin Autenrieb a balance of $15,000 that remains on our contract, which leaves an available total of $70,360.32. The committee has discussed other possible additions to interior work that have an estimated cost of $30,185, canvassing at an estimated $2,500, pew work at $7,071.88, replacing basement windows will cost $575, carpeting everything in the church except the sanctuary has an estimated cost of $12,500, and track lighting at $1,849.00. The committee will soon recieve a check from the ARS for $2,000 to cover the cost of the new crucifix. With all of these costs and credits tallied together and subtracted from the check book balance, estimated funds remaining stand at $17,679.48. The R & R project still needs to factor in the costs of exterior window repair, which is greatly needed and also very pricey, and also the needed updates to the bathroom, like wheelchair accessibility.


It is still very important to reach our $130,000 goal. Every little bit helps!

November's Repair and Refresh committee meeting minutes

On November 21, 2010, the R & R committee held a meeting right after mass concerning the latest progress and decisions being made concerning the decorating of Holy Trinity. The meeting was attended by many non-committee members, as was welcomed. Here is a small review of what was discussed at the meeting:

-The scrollwork on the Sanctuary ceiling will have a dark background and the walls will be a sand color.
-The reredos will have a top coat finish in an ivory color.
-The lettering on the face of the Sanctuary ceiling facing the body of the church will be legible and painted on a canvas in a deep wine color and applied to the surface with an adhesive.
-Kevin Autenrieb presented a crucifix to adorn the Sanctuary that matches the new color scheme.

The next R & R meeting, which is open to all parishioners, will be held after Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception this Tuesday night (December 7) at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity. The meeting will begin directly after mass.

Progress continues...

Here is some detail work in gold leaf that will adorn the alcoves that hold the St. Mary and St. Joseph statue on each side of the Sanctuary.

This picture shows off some more ornate detailing work that is being completed around the Sanctuary.

The Reredos has been completely primed and 1/3 of it has already recieved its top coat of paint.
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The R & R project is moving right along as Holy Trinity undergoes much needed changes and improvements. Here are the current updates as the 'repairing and refreshing' continues:

1. The bases for the St. Mary and St. Joseph statues have been completed which will now allow them to sit at the proper height in each alcove.

2. The Reredos is completely primed and 1/3 of it has already had the top coat applied. Once all the top coat is finished, the gold leaf will be applied.

3. The walls surrounding the sanctuary are finished with priming and painting. The only painting left is detail work.

4. All of the old light fixtures in the church have been taken down and rewired to allow for a brighter, but softer light to illuminate Holy Trinity.

5. Track lighting in the body of the church has been installed, but not yet fully completed.

6. The Sacred Heart statue has arrived from Chicago and a base of proper height is now being made to accomodate its measurements.

7. Two parishioners are currently working on the Altar of Sacrifice, constructing it from scratch.

Although Kevin Autenrieb and crew are working diligently, the interior work is behind schedule due to all the needed scraping. However, all painting should be completed before the Christmas holiday which means the scaffolding is expected to be taken down by Christmas Eve service, which starts at 6:30. Even though the flooring and some minor improvements still won't have been made by this time, everyone is still encouraged to attend the Mass celebrating our Lord's birth and witness the new beauty of Holy Trinity!

Many areas recieve fresh coat of paint

The orange is slowly disappearing from around the interior windows!

The altar in the midst of priming and painting.

This picture shows the purple that will adorn each 'corabel' in the church. The gold trim will also help to accent Holy Trinity.

Latest Changes and Updates

The repairing and refreshing of Holy Trinity has been in full swing the last couple of weeks and according to Kevin Autenrieb, work is right on schedule. The contractors have completed all the scraping and are now working on patching and repairing the walls. Also, more notably, the color scheme has been chosen for the interior of the church. Due to time constraints and other various potential problems, the colors were chosen by the Decorate and Design committee and the R & R committee co-chairmen. It was decided to go with a soft tan color that Kevin calls "sand." All of the different painting options were very subtle. A soft purple will lightly accent the church near each window. Also, the carpet for the entry and body of the church as been chosen and a large sample will soon arrive so the congregation can view it. The decorator assisted in picking out the shade of the carpet, which cordinates very nicely with the painting scheme. Here are a few other highlights of the latest R & R happenings:

1. Chris Kupish is beginning work on the Altar of Sacrifice this week.

2. All of the Stations of the Cross are being stored in the Reconciliation Room until construtction is complete.

3. Track lighting will be installed to highlight certain areas of the Altar, specificially the Altar of Sacrifice, side altars, baptismal font and mural.

4. The Sacred Heart statue has been chosen. It is coming brand new from Chicago and Kevin will paint it in the same shade and tones as the St. Mary and St. Joseph statue that are on the altar already.

5. The Altar and Rosary Society ladies are paying for a new crucifix and cross to adorn the reredos (the back altar).

6. The rediscovered baptismal font has been repaired and is now awaiting a fresh coat of paint.

The R & R project is making great strides. We welcome everyone to come and experience the fresh beauty and excitement that is radiating from Holy Trinity!

Scafolding taking over Holy Trinity

Kevin Autenrieb and company are still hard at work, preparing Holy Trinity for a much needed face lift. Much of the church is now covered in scaffolding, enabling the workers to start chipping the paint off the church ceiling. In a few weeks, Kevin will paint a small section on a wall with various paint samples allowing parishioners to see some possible painting options for the church. The congregation will then hold a meeting after church on a chosen Sunday and vote on the best look. The date of the paint decision will be posted as it is decided. Everyone is invited to attend this important viewing and the decision meeting afterwards.

Even though work has started, all the necessary funds for the 'repairing and refreshing' of Holy Trinity are still not in yet. Please continue to show support by donating to this project. Also, the holidays are just around the corner and the R & R committee is still selling Rada knives, card sets and calendars as a fundraiser. These are great gift ideas that also support a beautiful cause! If your interested, please contact Bev Henn at 217-454-2967 or email at holytrinity@consolidated.net. Also, another opportunity to show your support will be this Sunday, October 31 at the Halloween Breakfast. This yummy meal will consist of pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, orange juice, milk and coffee. The event is from 7:30-11 a.m. and is open to the public. Donation is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 10.

Few more pictures from Saturday's dinner...

Nancy Mateer, Jim Unser and Tony House watch over the pork Saturday afternoon before the dinner.

Tony House, a neighbor of the Unser's who has volunteered his services at past Holy Trinity events such as the Steak Dinner and Fish Fry, helps Jim Unser out with roasting the pork. The 2 men worked from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. making sure the Autumn Dinner was a success!

Stirring the finished product, Nancy Mateer and Bev Henn prepare to serve the pulled pork.

Keeping the tables cleaned up and cleared off, bus boys Jack Curtin, Will Walton and Carter Walton volunteer their services at the dinner.

Autumn pulled pork dinner held last Saturday night

The Autumn pulled pork dinner was held last Saturday, October 16 at the hall. Many parishioners, along with their friends and family, managed to come out and support the R & R project by means of a tasty dinner.

Pulling apart the pork, several men of Holy Trinity worked tirelessly to make the meal a success. Standing left to right are Dale Mizuer, Rob Holthaus and Brian Henn and sitting towards the bottom right is John Enlow.

Several ladies of the parish also put forth a hearty effort to pull off the scrumptious dinner. Nancy Mateer, Lori Roethemeyer, and Beth O'brien served up the pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans and applesauce. It was decided that the few leftovers that remained from the dinner be saved for Kevin Autenrieb and his workers as next week's lunch for a few days.

More dinner pictures

Parishioners of all ages enjoyed the meal, along with all the delicious, homemade desserts!

Not only was the dinner delicious, but the decorations further accented the Autumn theme. Orange placements and fall flowers as table centerpieces really set the tone for the fall dinner.

Collecting the money at the entrance Doris Mizuer (center) assists Fran Eson (left) buying a raffle ticket. Church secretary Bev Henn (right) helps with the transaction.

Enjoying the meal, Elizabeth and Ben Curtin take a break from eating to pose.

The Holthause family also poses after finding a seat.

Scaffolding set up

Over the last week, Kevin Autenrieb and his crew of workers set up much scaffolding throughout Holy Trinity in preparation for painting and plaster repair. Although the church is now officially under construction, mass will still be held regularly. Extra chairs have been set up in the back of church to accomodate for a few pews that have been squeezed together so the scaffolding can be set up properly.

This is the view of the scaffolding set up from the front of the altar. The bottom picture is the view from the balcony of the church.

Construction has started!

The day we have all been waiting for is finally here! Kevin Autenrieb began interior work on Holy Trinity Church yesterday. Scaffolding was set up over the weekend and church services were still held, as they will be throughout the entire construction process. Work is estimated to take anywhere from 6-8 weeks, therefore the interior of Holy Trinity should be finished just in time for the advent season. What a precious Christmas gift that will be for everyone who helped make the Repair and Refresh project a reality! Keep checking the blog for pictures and updates of the construction as it takes place the next several months!

Also, do not forget about the Autumn Pulled Pork Dinner that is happening this Saturday, October 16 from 5-7 p.m. in the Hall. The R & R committee will be serving pulled pork (with or without the bun), baked beans, 'steak dinner coleslaw,' homemade desserts and drink. Come out and enjoy the delicious pork that will be roasted over charcoal grills the day of the dinner. YUM! Bring your friends and family--this event is open to the public. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children and under the age of 5 eat free. The R & R committee hopes to see you there!

Even though the major phase of redecorating Holy Trinity is taking place, the committee is still in need of more donations. Please continue supporting this amazing cause and pray that God will continue to guide and bless this project until its completion!

Pet Blessing Pictures

More Pet Blessing Pictures

The circle drive of Holy Trinity was filled with all kinds of canine critters and even a couple furry felines last Sunday. Parishioners from the 3 churches brought their favorite pets for a blessing led by Father Hunter and Deacon Dan. After the short ceremony, owners walked their pets around the churchyard and gathered for walking tacos, cookies and drinks. Take a look at the great pictures above!

Come furry, feathered friends!

Mark your calendars this Sunday for a pet-friendly celebration! Holy Trinity will be the sight of a tri-parish social event on Sunday, October 3 at 4:30 p.m. There will be a pet blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi on the circle drive behind the church. A pet parade will then follow the ceremony along with refreshments afterwards. Holy Trinity will provide walking tacos, St. Mary's will bring cookies and St. Rita parish is providing drinks. Plan to come in your Sunday best...and that goes for the pets, too! There will be a contest for cutest pet/owner look-a-like! Everyone is invited to enjoy this one-of-a-kind event...even if you don't own a pet!

We have a start date!

The Repair and Refresh comittee is happy to announce that the start date for Kevin Autenrieb to begin interior work at Holy Trinity has been set for Monday, September 27! An alternate start date of October 4 has been set in case anything unforseen comes up. The contract will be signed this week so work can commence as soon as possible. Kevin's plans are to plaster and prime the walls first, and then he will present the congregation with various paint options after mass one Sunday. That date will be announced at a later time so all parishioners can be sure to attend. The painting is scheduled as an 8 week project. As major work begins, it is still very important to keep donating to this project!

Also, the R & R committee recently held their monthly meeting on September 15. Here are some of the highlights:
1. The Chuck Wagon is no longer in operation. It has made a profit of $2,844 with expenses still pending.
2. A Pulled Pork Dinner has been scheduled for October 16 from 5-7 p.m. Meals will cost $8 for adults and $5 for chidren under 10 and free for children under 5 years old. Stay tuned to the blog for more information.
3. Travis Norville has started on 2 more Stations. There are still 2 more stations that need to be sanded and primed for Travis before he can begin painting them.
4. Bids are still out for window repair and tuck-point work on the church foundation.
5. Appropriate lighting is being discussed for all the changes around the Altar of Sacrifice, Reredos, and statues in the Sanctuary--which will require moving or adding additional electrical wiring.

There are many up and coming events planned at Holy Trinity. Keep checking the blog for all the latest information!

Chuck Wagon moved to Stonington

The Holy Trinity Chuck Wagon switched Saturday locations. Instead of setting up shop at the Farmer's Market in Taylorville, the Wagon took it even more local to Stonington and fed the villagers lunch on September 11. Deciding on chips, Mary Curtin took an order from a hungry traveler.

The Chuck Wagon was set up outside of the Fire Station in hopes to get business from the farmers taking grain to the elevator. Unfortunately, weather caused the farmers to stay out of the fields in the morning. But other hungry patrons still made it out. Anita Myers serves lunch to workers from J May Electric.

Bev Henn takes money from another customer. The Chuck Wagon served up hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, cookies, chips and drinks last Saturday.

Brian Henn, Kathy Callen, and Anita Myers prepare a sandwich in Stonington. The Chuck Wagon will be in operation on selected dates in Stonington outside the Fire Station. Check the blog regularly for dates and times!

St. Francis' Pet Parade

In honor of the feast day of St. Francis, who is the patron saint of animals, Holy Trinity has teamed up with St. Mary's of Taylorville and St. Rita's of Kincaid for a special pet blessing on Sunday, October 3 at Stonington. The ceremony will start outside the hall at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and parishioners from all 3 churches are encouraged to bring along their pets for a special animal service. Fr. Hunter will hold a small ceremony and pet blessing for the animals. A pet parade around Holy Trinity will then follow. St. Mary's and St. Rita's are graciously providing food, such as Walking Taco's, and drinks for the gathering. The celebration should last around an hour and a half. Everyone attending should feel free to linger with your pets afterwards for a time of fellowship and fun! This special service and blessing will be a great family and church community event!

R & R updates...

Holy Trinity is about ready to get its much anticipated face lift! Kevin Autenrieb's estimated start date is mid-September for major interior work. The contract has yet to be signed still, but as soon as it is, the R & R committee hopes to get an accurate estimate of the work from him.

Here are a few updates of happenings/changes and events that are slated to occur with the R & R fundraiser:

1. Nancy Mateer has the name and number for a company that provides the filling and vinyl for kneelers. Pat Beck, who has volunteered to repair all of the kneelers, will begin work on those soon.

2. There will be a Harvest Lunch on Saturday, September 11 at the Stonington Firehouse. This lunch is open to the public and will feature pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks. (NOTE: The Chuck Wagon will no longer be serving at the Farmer's Market at Taylorville.)

3. Bases will be needed to raise the St. Mary and St. Joseph statue to fit properly inside their alcoves. It has also been decided that the alcoves should have some subdued lighting fixtures to showcase them.

4. New kitchen windows will be installed in the basement by Tim Parks of Glacier Hills Construction.

5. A Halloween breakfast is being planned for Sunday, October 31 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Hall. The Altar and Rosary Society is planning the event with all proceeds benefitting the R & R fund.

Keep checking the blog regularly to see pictures and descriptions of work as soon as Kevin Autenrieb begins!

Temporary Altar of Sacrifice in place

A few more subtle changes have taken place this week with the Repair and Refresh Project. A temporary Altar of Sacrifice has been put in place while parishioner Chris Kupish builds a new one for Holy Trinity. The temporary altar came from St. Mary's Church in Taylorville and will be replaced with the new one as soon as it is finished. The old Altar of Sacrifice was divided up into 2 equal halves and now adorns either side of the altar as the pictures above show.

Also, keep checking the blog for some major changes to start taking place. Interior decorator Kevin Autenrieb plans on beginning inside work in mid-September and we will post all the changes and updates as they happen. The R & R project still needs donations to keep these renovations happening. We ask that all donors keep being so generous and we thank you for all your support and interest in Holy Trinity thus far!

Updates in the Reconciliation room

The Holy Family statue now sits atop a hand crafted base by Keith Curtin in the Reconciliation room.

The new base was actually constructed out of the old presider chair that Fr. Hunter used to sit in on the altar. The R & R committee is striving to keep as many original pieces included in the new updates and additions as possible.

This votive candle stand was recently repainted by Nancy Mateer and also resides in the Reconcilation room next to the statue. The votive candles in the stand are actually battery operated ones for safety purposes. However, if parishioners do not like the new candles, original wax burning votives can easily be switched out.