ON SUCH AN IMMENSE PROPERTY WITH EQUALLY IMMENSE STRUCTURES, THERE IS NEVER A TIME WHERE ONLY ONE PROJECT IS BEING COMPLETED.

This past summer at the Oratory tuck pointers were called upon to clean and repoint all of the mortar joints on the eastern most bay of the south nave wall.  Over a period of several weeks workers stripped out old mortar from the joints and replaced it with fresh material, thus sealing this part of the Church from further water infiltration.  Leaks and water damage are some of the most dangerous enemies to any structure, which is why we went ahead and executed this project.

A substantial crack had developed over time on this part of the church, spurring Canon Luke Zignego to have it investigated while he was general manager at the Oratory.  Called to Rockford to become rector at St. Mary Oratory in 2019, he was unable to see the project to completion.  Thanks to economies made in the Oratory Budget for the 2019 fiscal year, we were able to effectuate this important project.

Going forward, our entire church building will need to be tuck pointed in time.  Further projects of this specific nature will be determined by the urgency of the repairs as well as the availability of restoration funds.  Similarly, the rectory, school buildings and gym will be tuck pointed according to the same criteria.  Already, brick repair and tuck pointing projects have been effectuated on the main facade of the high school building and the rectory.

The rector sincerely thanks all of those friends of the Oratory, whose many financial gifts permit us to preserve this important church and property for the Church and the City of St. Louis.  Further details concerning the tuck pointing may be addressed to the Rector at St. Francis de Sales.