St. Joseph’s Begins Facelift

When Father Gabe blows out the candles on St. Joseph Catholic Church’s 50th anniversary cake next year, it may be hard to recognize the place.
The church, located on Raoul Wallenberg Boulevard, recently finished the first phase of an enthusiastic capital improvements campaign. Most most noticeable has been the resurfacing of the entire 70,000-square-foot parking area.
To do this, 40 years of asphalt was removed, and the lot was further graded to accommodate better disability access to the church and its Family Life Center. Striping was lain down for 165 parking spots, as well as logos for disabled drivers.
Upcoming phases in the capital improvement campaign will be less noticeable, at least from the street. That will include future work done to the church itself and the center.
The church proper will get a new roof and new restroom facilities. The center will be the recipient of air-conditioning repairs and new adjacent storage area.
Leading the capital improvements campaign have been The Rev. Gabriel J. Smith, pastor, and Nolan Schwerin, who chairs the capital improvement committee.