After many years of wear and tear, one can often look around the church and find things that need maintenance or repair. St. Peter is blessed to have many parishioners who come together to use their talents and willingness to serve to help with these repairs and maintenance.
The Maintenance Support Team consists of parishioners of all ages who help maintain the church and the grounds around it. Terry Mitten puts together a list — typically based on the Stewardship Renewal — of parishioners who are interested in helping out around the parish. When a project arises, Tom Maas reaches out for help from those on the list.
“I was blessed with skills in woodworking, metal work, and machine shop my whole life,” says Tom, who has been involved at the parish for over 20 years. “When I was in grade school, and my father worked in my parish, we were up there working for the good of the parish. I grew up doing this, and now I am trying to continue to do it.”
Tom shares that while there are members who have skills and knowledge that help get the work done, this group is open to anyone willing to work.
“You don’t need any special talent,” Tom says. “We show them what to do. If people want to work, we will find work. I like it when there are more people involved.”
Some of the projects that the group has worked on include remodeling the office and putting in a bigger, handicap-accessible door; repairing the kneelers; landscaping; trimming or cutting down trees; setting up outdoor Christmas decorations; and keeping the handrails clean of rust.
“It is less about money that we are saving the parish and more about fellowship and friendship,” Tom says. “We come together and work with our talents to serve our parish. Sixteen years ago, the pastor asked us to repair the kneelers. We got together and figured out what needed to be done. Twelve men helped on the project and we developed deep friendships that have lasted to this day.”
Many of the members who are active in this group are retired — however, Tom shares that the group needs young people who can come and help out. Tom would even love to see a younger person who is willing to gather a group of people and run a project.
“We are living out our Christian faith,” Tom says. “To me, it is our duty to use our talent, time, and treasure for the good of our church — and that is what being part of this group has allowed me to do.”
If you are interested or have questions about the Maintenance Support Team, contact Tom Maas at 217-885-3322 or juliamaas@att.net.