FOLLOW-UP TO PATRONS OF HOLY CROSS CHAPEL FROM THE DIRECTOR REGARDING DAMAGE, PROGRESS IN REPAIR AND EXPENSE TO THE CHAPEL

September 25, 2025

Dear Friends and Patrons of Holy Cross Chapel:

I want to provide you with an update on the ongoing repair efforts at the Chapel, following the damage incurred on August 12 from the malfunction of the sewage pump.

As you've witnessed, the carpeting on the ground floor outside the chapel area was removed, and extensive clean-up and disinfection work took place, followed by a reapplication of paint. We will now proceed with the installation of new flooring.

What might not have seemed of obvious necessity is an installation of new flooring within the chapel area itself (i.e., the main room, specifically in the nave and pew areas). Nevertheless, this has been the categorical recommendation of the insurance carrier. During the day or so in which this work is being done, we expect to have Mass on the second floor.

Fortunately, all the work described above is covered by our insurance policy (subject to the usual deductible).

What are not covered under the policy are the major expenses associated with: (i) the repair or replacement of components to the sewage pump in the basement (as the float switches and check valves in the pump were overwhelmed with a back-up of sewage water, which triggered the damage); and (ii) the necessary replacement of the pipes leading to Main Street. The plumbing and pipe replacement are not covered under the policy, inasmuch as they are deemed "repair and maintenance" by the carrier, which could have been obviated by periodic inspections of the pipes (although from our perspective it certainly didn't appear as a foreseeable issue of inspection of the pipes, especially since accessing the pipes requires opening up the basement ceiling).

We expect these non-covered expenses to be around $50,000. While the Chapel has funds to defray these costs, any additional financial support you might consider toward these unexpected and significant expenses will be much appreciated.

Your continual support—financially and through your prayers—is always appreciated. Please know that I and the staff here are deeply grateful of your generosity! Thank you so much.

I expect that we should be back in normal operation (with new flooring and iron pipes below!) by the end of October or so. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience as we manage a while longer with the bare concrete floors!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jerome L. Jung

Director