St. Anthony of
Padua Church

PO Box 98 - Hoven, SD 57450 - 605.948.2451

Saint Anthony’s is taking the Energy Challenge   head on by raising $300,000 in funds to go Geothermal.
Bless you for your interest and $upport.
 

                                                                                                                                 August 6, 2008

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

      Demolition of all the old pipes and radiators, (many of which were original, dating back to 1912 when the basement was dug out and built) was accomplished by parish volunteers and friends in July. The scrap metal was sold to area businesses and the proceeds deposited in the parish bank account.
      Drilling had begun at St. Anthony's over a month earlier than originally planned due to unforeseen difficulties at two other sites. The 80 wells have been drilled to a depth of 150 ft at the back edge of the rectory property to the east across from the hospital's helipad.
      The dirt and gravel from the wells has been spread to the southside of the Church to expand the gravel driveway. 
      16 holes have been drilled into the foundation of the Church basement to allow for the field pipes to be brought into the boiler room, which has been cleaned out and painted white by parish volunteers.

                                                                              July 24, 2008  
Another step in the geothermal project completed this week.

     About 50 volunteers removed the 96 year old heating pipes and radiators from the church. 15 tons of iron and cast were carried out of the basement and upstairs of the Church. The efficient crew of parishioners completed it all in two long nights. Tired and glad to have the project completed, describes their feelings.
     The radiators weighed several hundred pounds each and required several real men working together to get them moved out without any damage to the woodwork in the church. The radiators in the basement were ceiling mounted and required coordination of the men cutting of the pipes and bring the heavy radiators down the ladders to be carried out. The pipes and radiators contained thick black liquid gunk. By the end of the night, the workers had their arms, faces and clothes covered with the black liquid gunk.
     Many thanks also to the Mrs.'s, who helped clean up our messes!
No one was left out, Fr. Lance got his hands and clothes dirty right along with the crew. Much coordination was needed to hand carry the pipes and radiators out of the church.   Francis Karst, Ed Williams, Mike Seurer, Bill Rader & Jerry Hericks cut and carry the heavy pipes to be handed out the basement window of the church. The crew outside then loaded the pipes onto trailers and trucks.

                                                                                                                                            June 27, 2008  

Bishop Swain pleased with fund raising for Geothermal and approves immediate start of project.
     The first three weeks of the voluntary geothermal fund drive has netted over $168,000 in pledges.  This an encouraging start towards the goal of $300,000.  Contracts have been negotiated and are being signed for an immediate start.
     Shortly after the 4th of July, pipes in the basement and the radiators upstairs in the church will be removed to make room for the new units. In order to make room for the crew to install the geothermal pumps, clearing out the storage area around the boiler in the basement will also be one of the first projects.
     The Geothermal committee is encouraging those who have waited for the project to start, to now review their pledge letter.  In the event the pledge letter has been lost, it can be found on the geothermal link at     The Geothermal committee is very appreciative of the quick response of the initial pledges. We also pray that you will encourage others to send in their pledge as well.  May the good Lord reward you for your generosity!

 

Dear Friends of Saint Anthony’s,                                                                                            May 28, 2008 

     Turn down, Turn off, Travel less and Recycle is what energy conservationists are telling us.  St. Anthony’s Church, at the turned down level, is using 9000 plus gallons of fuel per year.
     World demand for energy is on the rise with China, India and other developing countries using increasingly more.  Demand is outstripping supply everywhere.  The devalued dollar is costing the U.S. more to import energy as well.
      The most recent government report states that Americans are not showing any signs of backing off at the fuel pumps.
      The projected fuel cost for St. Anthony’s Church for the coming year is $39,330.  This is an increase of $1.91 per gallon over the last year.
     Experts tell us that one unit of energy can be substituted for another unit of energy.  However, engineers tell us that one unit of energy can supply three units of energy by using geothermal.
     St. Anthony’s parishioners have voted to install geothermal in the church.  We, the geothermal committee members have researched the options and have recommended a $300,000 goal for a fund raiser to install the geothermal system.
     It will take an average of a $2,000 pledge per parish family to reach our goal.  We pray that some will see fit to pledge more to compensate for those who cannot pledge that much, or at this time. Perhaps some of you might be willing to make a personal loan of a minimum of $5,000 or more to the parish at an annual interest rate of 3 %.
     Pledges in kind such as grain and livestock sales, rent or interest income made out to the church are also welcome.  All donations are tax deductible for the individual. Perhaps your adult children and grandchildren might be willing to help us?
     Recently, the Diocese has contacted Fr. Lance with the following:
“The Priest Council has given overall approval for this project subject to a more detailed financial plan. The greatest concern is the assurance of a successful fundraising campaign. Therefore, the Council members request that there be adequate commitment by parishioners before contracts are signed so as not to jeopardize the financial health of the parish. Please work with Mike Bannwarth to provide this assurance to Bishop Swain.
No contracts can be signed until Bishop Swain has given final approval. In addition, please remember that any borrowing the parish might include in these plans will require separate approval from the Priest Council and the Diocesan Finance Council. You do have permission to be raising funds during this time.”
     Due to the Finance Council meeting next month, we are asking that if possible, you would please return your pledge form by JUNE 15th. Paid pledges of $2,000 or more by the June 15th deadline will receive a signed and numbered John Green print of our Church.
     Please pray about any assistance you can give by sharing your time, talents, treasure, energy and support at any of the church fund raisers.

Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Geothermal Committee

Click Here for a Donation pledge Form

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