For a number of months now we have been saying the prayer for our new church during Mass. And yet, I am aware that there are some of us who do not join in the prayer either during Mass or privately. I'm sure this is due to the fact that these parishioners love our present church so much they don’t want to lose it or they don’t feel the need is there to warrant building a new church. I can understand the love and attachment they have because our present church is beautiful.

Before we all head off for summer vacations and long needed rest filled with family time and barbeques, I wanted to give you a brief update on the progress of our new church building project. We have settled on a site plan for the new church property which includes planning for a future catechetical center and gym as directed by the Archdiocese of NY. We will submit the site plan for a ten year approval from the town of Southeast so we have plenty of leeway for future building plans.

DCAK Architecture is the firm that has been chosen to design the new church of St. Lawrence O'Toole. Their compnay presented a wonderful design based on the parish's requests. The firm was formed in 1971 and over the years have grown and acquired areas of specialized expertise. They are located in Nyack, NY and have worked on many projects in conjunction with the Archdiocese of New York. Some nearby projects include St. Martin de Porres in Poughkeepsie, St. Francis of Assisi in West Nyack, St. John the Evangelist in Pawling and Sacred Heart Church in Monroe.

Parish Consensus Tally
A -287, B -105, C -57, D -146, Other -25,
Total = 620

Finance Committee Consensus
The most significant indicators were the results in the initial polling of members, where 9 of 10 members preferred “A.” On the categories of cost, people and flexibility, “D” was rated 1. “A” was rated first in Catholic liturgical understanding and technical capability to build a Catholic church. Overall, “A” was preferred.

Beginning this weekend and going through November 30th, the proposed designs for our new church are on display in the hall. Please take time to study them and share your input. Every parishioner age 14 on up is asked to participate. We are working to design a beautiful House of God that reflects who we are and is comfortable and easy to use.

TEENS – YOU CAN HELP CHOOSE THE DESIGN FOR THE NEW CHURCH. CHECK OUT THE DISPLAY IN THE HALL THIS WEEK!

Next weekend, November 21/22, the New Church Designs will be on view in the parish hall and will remain up until November 30th. The four designs are not final plans, but initial concepts that will be developed to meet the needs and expectations of our parish. Every parishioner 14 years and older is asked to take a good look at the designs and select the one that best meets your expectations. Your comments are encouraged, too. Response forms will be available. Members of the committees will be in the hall to answer your questions and help explain the various drawings.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

GENERAL INFORMATION

Subject of RFP: To provide Architectural and Engineering services for the design of a new site master plan for St. Lawrence O’Toole parish. The master plan will include the locations for a new church building, rectory and parking. The details of these items are outlined in this RFP.

Owner: St Lawrence O’Toole
31 Prospect Street
Brewster, NY
(845) 279-2021