Update on Church Heat Pump Damage and Next Steps

Good Afternoon St. Rita’s Faithful Leaders and parishioners,

I’m sorry to be the bearer of unfortunate news, but I’ll keep this message as brief and clear as possible.

Issue:
We recently experienced vandalism at the church. One of the copper pipes connected to the heat pump was cut and removed, and there was an attempt to take the other copper piping, which caused additional damage to the adjacent unit as well.

Repair Costs:
Repair cost is included in the attached estimate (for 1 unit). You’ll notice an EPA disposal fee — this is due to the Freon, which is a regulated material.

The unit that did not have its copper line completely cut should function again once the copper piping is replaced. However, the other unit, where the copper was fully cut, may have sustained compressor damage if it continued to run for an extended period. This cannot be confirmed until after repairs are made, and additional costs may arise if the compressor needs replacement.

Age and Recommendation:
Both units are approximately 13 years old. Typically, HVAC systems last around 15 years — sometimes longer with light use and proper maintenance. My inputs, as well as input from two different Mercurio technicians and a Mercurio consultant, it’s recommended that we begin planning to replace these systems for long-term reliability and efficiency.

Please feel free to share this information with other faithful parishioners for discussion and discernment. I’ve intentionally left Fr. Tuan off this email so he can fully enjoy his vacation. I’ll update him once he returns on the 10th.

As a temporary measure, I’ve turned off the church thermostat, so it may be a bit cooler inside this weekend. We can use the emergency heat mode if needed, but the technician advised that it is not energy efficient. Please let me know if you have any questions or other suggestions.



Thank you for your understanding and continued stewardship of our parish home.

v/r

Thien Dinh

Director of Operation

Dear Friends,

St. Rita Church History Trivia; Last week's question: Who was the first person baptized at St. Riat?  Answer: There were two! Mary Teodoro Ramp was baptized at the new St. Rita of Cascia Parish in 1922 in the temporary church/chapel in the house purchased on the property where the current rectory now stands. Mary and her husband Georgewere active in ministry at St. Rira. Jene Teodoro Eakin is her niece and is one of our Saturday coffee hour hostesses.  Barbara Lavorato Bufalini was baptized in 1924 in the newly consecrated church where we currently hold prayer services and occasional Masses. Barbara sang in the choir and her husband Sam did much of the church basement remodelling and updating. Both Mary and Babara were active members all of their lives.

This week's question: St, Rita of Cascia Church was consecrated in 1924 thanks to the donations of the Jesuits, the Italian families in Pierce County and the neighboring businesses. Many gave of their need with the most common donation $5 each. What was the largest donation?  Answer in next week's email

lIf you have knowledge of St. Rita history, please send me a message with a St. Rita history question of your own that I can include in one of these emails.

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. I remember kneeling every October night with my family to recite the Rosary. There will be a Pray for Peace of the Rosary this Saturday, October 11, at noon in front of Rosary Church, 424 S. 30th St. or you can join us at St. Rita at 9:40 a.m. to recite the Rosary. There will be rosaries provided at Holy Rosary for anyone who needs a pair. All religions are welcome.

The Feast day of our parish patron saint, Pope St. John XXIII is this Sunday, October 12, at 9:45 a.m.with Mass at PSJXXIII. A procession will be part of the celebration. Please plan to attend to celebrate with Fr. Tuan and our fellow parishioners. 

PLEASE consider donating to our church. With no regular Saturday/Sunday Masses, our contributions are not sufficient to pay our bills each month. PSJXXIII has had to take funds from our savings for St. Rita to make ends meet. We are looking at possible ways to reduce expenses, but most are set expenses. So, we need to increase our contributions YOU can help!.

   Donate to St.Rita with a monthHe ly contribution. Bring to Saturday prayer services or take/mail directly to PSJXXIII and mark clearly for St. Rita's upkeep. The address is 

                                St. Rita of Cascia Church                 

                                c/o Pope St. John XXIII Parish

                                7025 S Park

                                Tacoma,WA 98408

Upcoming Events - We would LOVE to have more of you join us on Saturday mornings. We are usually done with prayer and coffee hour about 11:15 a.m.

Saturday, October 11, Rosary recited at 9:40 a.m.. Prayer Service at 10 a.m., including Anointing of the Sick  Coffee hour follows in the halll

           Rosary also recited at the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary at noon

Sunday October 12, 9:45 a.m. Celebration with Procession and Mass for the Feast Day of Pope St. John XXIII at PSJXXIII parish, 7025 S. Park Ave, Tacoma, 98408

Saturday, October 18, Rosary at 9:40 a.m. and Prayer Service at 10 a.m.  Coffee hour follows in the hall

Saturday, October 25, Rosary at 9:40 a.m. and Prayer Service at 10 a.m.  Coffee hour follows in the hall

Saturday, November 1, All Saints Day Rosary recited at 9:40 a.m. and Prayer Service at 10 a.m.  Coffee hour follows in the halll

St. Rita, Pray for Us

Fr. Sacco, Pray for Us

Fr. Baffaro, Pray for Us



  God Bless,

Francie Messina Jordan