Project 55+

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:

1. Currently, if you have been in the chapel over the past few weeks, we are in the process of switching out our 105 fire sprinklers throughout the chapel. Seventy-one one of them were painted or plastered over before 2021 which was not acceptable to the Fire Marshall. Add to that that the majority are older than 56 years, we thought it best to replace them all. 
   • Upon completion of this project, we will patch up the ceiling and paint.
2. The lighting in the lobby has been switched out and upgraded and the spotlights in the sanctuary on the brown column and in the lobby on St. Jude statue have been upgraded. 
   • Infant Prague statue will be placed on a shelf in front of the brown column (where the spot is waiting for it).
   • There are two additional “spots” in the ceiling facing the altar east and west side that will be upgraded within the next two weeks.
3. The organ has had its final large pipes repaired. Wolf Organ came onsite to make the repairs. The entire organ has been repaired, touched up and tuned.
4. The outside sidewalk has been repaired.
5. Outfitted two sets of doors for automatic entry for guests dependent on wheelchairs and walkers or who might have a stroller.
6. Modified three pews in three sections to accommodate wheelchair seating (or strollers).
7. Put two return ducts in the upstairs hall to help with the humidity and circulation throughout the chapel.
8. Repaired the exterior wall and then cleaned and painted it. We also painted the underside of the mural and removed the outdoor speakers.
9. Expose the skylight window in the front stairwell and outfitted with a sleeve that matches the stairwell (this provides more light for those using the stairwell). We have also had the stairs filed and evened out, so it is not a trip hazard.
10. Repaired the transitions in the back stairwell to prevent any tripping. We also replaced the emergency exit carpet with a new carpet (also to prevent tripping). There were also a couple of more transitions that were upstairs that needed to be finished out.
    • Because of the three floods we have had since August 2021, we have decided to take out the carpet and put in a luxury vinyl flooring. This will happen in June 2025.
11. The AED has been hung in the lobby with care behind the statue of Pope John Paul II. Be sure to familiarize yourself with where it is and how to get to it just in case.
12. The two vents in the upstairs restrooms have been replaced with working motors.
13. The interior lights of the chapel have been switched out for newer more efficient LED bulbs and the bulbs at the statues and mosaics have been switched out for bulbs that fit the fixture (no more bulbs that stick out)! You may have also noticed the lights on the ambo(s) that have been outfitted with different bulbs and moved to provide more light for the readers and cantors.
14. There were a couple of light fixtures that needed repair as there were electrical shortages (Infant Prague and the Sacristy). And the lights in the sitting room were fixed. 
    • The lighting fixture in the confessional was changed so as not to be so harsh.
    • The lighting tapes around the
15. Our water fountain was adjusted for ADA compliant height and outfitted with a water bottle dispenser for those guests who bring their own container.
16. And as mentioned in the opening statement, two new HVAC systems were purchased in 2022 before the campaign was created and the stained glass that was in need of repair was repaired – glass on the exterior window, skylight window and stations of the cross – and all lighting upgraded to LED (again, this project was done before the campaign was created).

Additional projects that have been put on hold but are part of Project 55+ include:

• Our Pews – our pews need repair. There are several that show signs of wear and tear with rotting, loose or broken kneelers and other parts that need repair. We would also like to take some of our pews and shorten them so that we can make these sections for our guests who are in the service of a wheelchair or a walker. It will also be convenient for parents to put their stroller in this new space. This will be extremely in the event of an emergency as nothing will be in the aisles.
• Lighting of the Mosaic (Exterior), Sign and Cross – in 2017, the interior and exterior mosaics were repaired. Since the exterior mosaic is such a unique aspect of the chapel and efforts were made to restore and repair it, we have decided that the outdated lighting needs to be upgraded. Currently the type of light fixtures used create shadows that project onto the mosaic in the evening. We would use grant money to upgrade the lighting and upgrade the lighting on the white curved wall facing Main Street to complement the mosaic lighting upgrade. 
  • The St. Jude Chapel sign will need to be given a good cleaning, and the lighting checked. 
  • The Cross will also be cleaned, repaired, and given a paint treatment that will complement the Mosaic. 
• The Lobby Millwork – We are planning to update the fixtures in the lobby to be more modern while solving the problem of providing display opportunities as well as storage room. 
• Altar Marble and Railing – The railing over the years has become extremely loose and needs repair. There are also sections in the marble railing and altar that were repaired poorly. We plan to have a marble expert look at both to get an assessment and make the repairs. 

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