at St. Joseph’s Mission Church in Cholla

Great progress has been made since workers broke ground for the new rectory at St. Joseph’s Catholic Mission Church in La Cholla last month. The ground floor walls and stairwell are complete and the second story construction was well underway at deadline.

It is expected that the second floor and roof will be complete before this issue is off the presses. Then, in Phase II, the shell will be finished with stucco, plaster and paint, and fitted with windows, doors, electrical and plumbing fixtures, flooring, appliances, heating/AC units and cabinetry.

Bob Keller, sexton at St. Joseph’s said, “We are hoping to get some items donated. Many people are doing remodels these days. The cabinets and appliances they remove still have a lot of service life left. Practical donations like that could help us keep the cost down and get Padre Marco into his little house much sooner.”

Pastor Marco has a goal of being in the rectory by November when he is hosting a group of priests for a conference in Puerto Peñasco.

The project was blessed with a $10,000 matching funds pledge. In late August, that fund raising goal was reached and the additional $10,000 made it possible to complete construction of the shell. At least another $20,000 will be needed to bring it to turn-key status.

Those who would like to help are reminded that donations are tax deductible. Checks payable to St. Joseph’s Mission Church can be sent to Bob Keller, P.O. Box 297, Lukeville, AZ 85341. Donations can also be made through PayPal, Zelle or by attending the bilingual Mass on Sunday morning at 8:30 in La Cholla.

To reach St. Joseph’s, take the road past the Sandy Beach resorts and the dirt road past Wrecked at the Reef. As you wind toward Cholla Bay, the church is on the right and clearly marked. If you have questions, contact Keller at 928-706-6928.

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CUTLINE:

The shell of the new two-story rectory at St. Joseph’s Mission Church in La Cholla was nearly complete at deadline for the Times. The goal is to complete Phase II and III by November.