The Phase I structural work is complete on the new residence for St. Joseph’s pastor Marco Lopez and Phase II began early last month when Santana Glass installed eight windows which they custom made to fit the architect’s design.

A few days later, the contractor’s crew began setting the floor tiles which are sand colored ceramic with a subtle wood grain look. Visitors have generously donated toilets, bathroom sinks and faucets as well as the kitchen sink and faucet.

Once the floor is finished, the workers will begin tiling the shower walls, then the cabinet maker can build bathroom vanities and install the fixtures.

Still needed are exterior and interior doors, lighting, heating and air conditioning units and appliances. After the size of the appliances is determined, the craftsmen can build custom cabinets for the kitchen.

“We feel blessed and grateful to all who have contributed so generously to get us this far,” said sexton Bob Keller. “We have managed to stay ahead of the contractor with our fund raising but much is still needed.”

The goal is to have Pastor Marco Lopez in the new residence by Easter Sunday, April 17. For now he continues to rent an apartment in Puerto Peñasco; but when the new residence is complete, the money going to rent will be used for support of the parish and those in need.

The Easter season begins with Ash Wednesday on March 2. Distribution of ashes will be at 4 p.m. in the church. On March 20, the church will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a blessing of all fathers and step-fathers during Mass.

Bilingual Mass is celebrated at 8:30 each Sunday and on the second Sunday of the month, Father Marcos does an anointing/blessing of the sick during the Mass.

All are welcome. To reach the church, take the paved road past the Sandy Beach Resorts and the dirt road past Wrecked at the Reef. As you wind you way toward Cholla Bay, the church is on your right and clearly marked.

If you have any questions about services or sacraments at the church, contact sexton Bob Keller at 928-230-5844, by e-mail at bob@keller.net, or by mail at P.O. Box 297, Lukeville, AZ 85341.

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Cut lines:

Workers from Santana Glass install the first of eight double-pane windows in the new residence being built behind St. Joseph’s Mission Church in La Cholla.

(R-L) Builder Julio Valenzuela and sons Jesus and Oscar set the ceramic tile in the new residence at St. Joseph’s.