After heavy rains this past season, we have found damage to our bell towers, choir loft and organ pipes.

The work will be a multi-month project to restore and repair the damaged walls of our choir loft and bell towers, repair our damaged organ pipes, and do some work to further enhance our music system.

The total cost of repairs is estimated to be in excess of $150,000. Scroll below for photo and video of the damage, and a breakdown of costs.

HOW TO HELP

On this year of our 85th Anniversary as a parish, please take time to consider your legacy – and the legacy of our Catholic faith.

A new Legacy Fund has been created to allow parishioners to make donations to help with specific current and future needs of the parish . The Legacy Fund is restricted to help our parish fulfill current unbudgeted needs and future improvements to our programs and facilities.

This will allow us to make improvements and updates to our buildings and grounds to keep them safe, secure and cared for. It will also allow us to grow and improve our St. Thomas community experience of providing a welcoming place where people can hear the Good news of the Lord and everyone can experience God's great love.

It also gives parishioners an opportunity to designate a donation for a specific purpose in the parish, or in the name of a loved one. Needless to say the current expenses for repairs to the towers and organ are at the top of the list.

We ask that you prayerfully consider making a Legacy Gift to our church that strengthens our parish for future generations or as we say, “pay it forward by giving back.”

Once we cover the current repair expenses we can add projects and programs that continue the legacy of St. Thomas the Apostle into the future.

For the most up to date information about funds raised and funds still needed, please check our weekly bulletin.

WHAT WILL OUR LEGACY BE?

Questions about the Legacy Fund? Please email the Business Manager or call the parish center.

FAQ’s About Repairs

Updated 9.12.2024

Many people within the parish have been asking questions concerning the tower work being done, and what is different from what they have done in the past, as opposed to what is being done now, in order to mitigate future problems. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers that can hopefully help those concerned out with understanding all of these incredible things happening at our wonderful church, and spiritual home.

“How much experience does Sky High have, working on brick buildings and towers like our church?”

Sky High is a well-known masonry and water proofing company that has been around for just over 30 years, based out of Clifton. They have worked on all types of church, school and industrial buildings. The two gentleman you see working six days a week, have close to 60 years’ experience between the two of them, with an additional helper on occasion whom has been doing brick and concrete work for about twenty years.

“What was done before, and why was it not effective?”

Previously, the repair methods used were known as “Tape and Grout”, that was used as the industry standard for years, in which the brick workers would tape the old bricks up to hold them in place, fill the cracks with grout and sealant, paint the bricks, then remove the tape afterwards, not replacing the bricks. Since the old bricks were solid pieces, it never resolved the issue of micro cracks, ice, and drainage issues, which in turn absorb water, and debris throughout the year, and freeze up and expand, causing the facing of the bricks, and the internal stone to crack again, and leak down into the church and the organ pipes.

The new method of repair is called “Tuck and Point”, which removes the old bricks entirely, re-cuts and mortars the new brick in place, pressure washes any old debris and grout away, then seals the brick face and grout with a product called Chem-trete sealant, which has an unprecedented track record in protecting brick masonry, concrete and natural stone structures from deterioration due to water and waterborne contaminants. Structures treated in the 1970s are still protected, and these results are documented by state, federal and private agencies.

Another major difference aside from the method, is the brick itself. As mentioned before, the old bricks were solid pieces, not allowing any space for micro cracks or any water or ice to exist without damaging the brick over time. The new brick contains core and weep holes that manage moisture by improving drainage and ventilation in cavity walls, non-weight bearing walls, suspended floors, and also helps prevent structural damage caused by rot, mold, ice, and mildew. Along with the new mortar and sealant, this will give the towers a significantly higher longevity than ever before.

Also being repaired and replaced are the stainless steel gutters which have dry caulking and need to be repointed, plus the louvres and any cinder stone, which most has been replaced as this is being written.

“Since the outside is being repaired, will there be additional repairs inside to also help prevent any more leaking and damage?”

Once Sky High is finished, another company, Guymar Construction (whom Fr. Larry has known for over 30 years and has used in the past for work in other parishes), will be finishing the repairs to the inside of the towers by cleaning what is called the copper cricket area, inspecting, replacing and repairing all copper flashing while also stripping in suspected seam areas with additional 6 inch EPDM Elastoform to prevent any further leaking. The stained glass windows, and internal tower windows all appear to be in good shape, and are well protected, so no further work is needed on them.

Guymar Construction has been doing residential, commercial, and industrial construction for almost 50 years, and is highly respected and regarded as one of the best in the business throughout the Archdiocese of Newark, and New Jersey.

While Guymar Construction is finishing up the remaining areas of the tower; artisan, and global expert painting and plastering company, Sumberac Plastering and Painting will begin repairing the interior plaster, paint, and crown molding in the choir loft and at the top of the tower stair case leading into the choir loft on both sides, along with the damage done in the gift shop located in the front of the church to the left within the vestibule. They have been in business for 38 years, with their main expert having over 50 years of experience, whom had learned his trade in Venice and the former republic of Yugoslavia. The regions are specifically known for their expertise in ornate statue work, church architecture and art work, around the world.

All companies involved are vetted not only at the parish level, but also within the Archdiocese of Newark for approval.

I hope this clears up any questions you may have, as we are being as transparent and open as we can be.

Thank you, and God Bless,

Damian Addis

Facility Manager of St. Thomas the Apostle Church