In April of 2022, St. Jude Chapel embarked on a three-month project to repair the stained-glass skylight and Stations of the Cross windows and upgrade to LED lighting. The skylight windows were replaced, and two new HVAC systems were installed. While we were working on these projects, we made note of all the additional repair work and upgrades that need to do be done for the chapel. PROJECT 55+ is our initiative to help address this extensive list of interior and exterior repairs. We are pleased to provide you with an update on our Project 55+.
To date, we have raised $143,224.84 which includes a grant from The Catholic Foundation in the amount of $42,000. Here is a breakout by year starting with 2023 when we began Project 55+:
2023 $51,909.40
2024 $40,572
2025 $9,484 (through May 18, 2025)
Here is a list of what we have accomplished:
Additional projects that have been put on hold but are part of Project 55+ include:
We chose the name Project 55+ as the chapel celebrates its 55th anniversary this year 2023 and as stewards, we feel it is our right and duty to make sure that great care is taken now for the chapel's next 55 years.
Thank you for your consideration, support, and ongoing generosity.
“The good we do lives on after us and it must give you [Mr. Hughes] much satisfaction and pleasure to have realized a long held dreame [SIC] at last.” John Kebrle to Monsignor Arthur Hughes May 21, 1968