The following has been taken from the video description of the above youtube video.
Photos: Various Holy Cross Parishioners
Message from Father Mark Stec – Pastor of Holy Cross Parish
Dear Family and Friends of Holy Cross Church, Monday, April 24 the church suffered from considerable fire damage. Though the State Fire Marshall may not determine the exact cause of the fire, the fire engulfed the organ counsel and a large portion of the choir loft. The flames, heat, and smoke also left considerable damage to the rest of the church. The insulation in the crawl space between the ceiling and the roof also smoldered which required the fire department to spray water throughout this space and thus water damage occurred to the ceiling and the walls of the church. Though the damage is significant, the walls of the church are still standing as well as the sanctuary and the beautiful rerodos which we are so proud of. It may seem difficult to see any good from such destruction, Let us be thankful that a passerby took the steps to contact the fire department after noticing smoke from the choir loft. Let us be thankful for the many of our area fire departments and fire protection districts responded in a quick fashion and tackled the fire. Let us be thankful that no one was hurt or God forbid killed. Let us be thankful for the community that came together to support these first responders. Today, we begin the process of clean up, repair, and rebuilding the interior of the church. PLEASE, PLEASE: I know that many of us may want to see the damage of the church for ourselves. As we struggle with the reality of the situation, we need to rely on our own senses. I hope that you understand that we cannot allow anyone in the church. At the moment, the church is not safe. There is the danger of falling debris from the ceiling of the church as well as particular matter in the air due to the burning of the insulation, wood, plastics etc. I will try to get pictures of the interior and make those public online. Through the Diocese of Belleville, we have insurance through Catholic Mutual for the replacement cost of the damage minus a $5,000 deductible. I was contacted last night about creating a go fund me page, please hold off until we can assess the need. Finally, thank you for all your concerns and prayers, Bishop McGovern assures us of his concerns. Please be aware that we will be unable to open the doors of the church for viewing and please do not consider us rude that today, the office staff may keep any conversations short in order to allow important phone calls to come through. I will be sending out another email/text once I know when help is needed to assure that mass will be celebrated this weekend, most likely in the parish hall. Fr. Mark Stec
