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Current Fundraising StatusBy helping raise the thermometers, you are helping us
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  October 29, 2011: Bishop Thomas Paprocki blesses the grounds where the retreat center is being built. |
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Refuge Crown and Cross Donated!
Amen and amen! This morning a generous benefactor donated the cross and the crown that will sit on the very top of the Refuge of the Remnant. This was done in honor of her family.
The only large item left to be donated that is an integral part of the building itself is the front stained glass window depicting Jesus healing the woman (also pictured above). We would love to have five people contribute $3000 each for this stunning 120+ year-old window.
Call Debbie Pryor at 618-292-9852 to learn more and to be a part of this great tribute!!!Interior and Decor of the Refuge Being Planned
"Step out into the deep" and become a part of OSMM's biggest endeavor yet!
As construction rapidly continues, plans are now being finalized for many aspects of the building. Decisions are being made regarding beautiful stained glass windows, furniture and statuary. You can be a part of this process! Many people have already come forward with pledges toward items that will make this the holy and sacred place we believe that Our Lord and His Mother desire.
Use the links below to view some of the vintage stained glass, furniture and statuary that have been acquired from closed churches and convent chapels that could one day be a part of The Refuge. You may call Debbie Pryor at 618-292-9852 with any questions you may have regarding any of these items. Thank you for your support of this endeavor.
Update: February 6, 2012
Amazing construction progress on the Refuge continues.
The roof and siding is on, and temporary doors have been added to protect the electrical, heating / cooling, and sound systems that are being installed.
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Click here to see the latest photos as progress is made daily.
Update: January 7, 2012
Beautiful weather allows wall framing to be completed in just a few days!
Our construction crew is taking advantage of this mild Southern Illinois weather and making great strides framing interior and exterior walls. Your prayers offered for mild winter weather to allow continued construction are certainly working. Thank You!! Some of the pictures show the crew working without jackets. We have to remind them it is January!
The Refuge of the Remnant takes shape! Click here to share our excitement as we watch things progress daily.
Update: December 15, 2011
Construction is progressing quite rapidly!
Digging began on Tuesday, December 6th, with construction continuing throughout the day. Forms were put in place, and concrete was poured for the building footings on December 7th. J.B. Esker & Sons Concrete did great getting the job done! Frames were then erected to support the foundation walls as the concrete cured. Progress continued at a fast pace, with more concrete poured on December 8th for the below-ground foundation walls, which are deep for a sturdy structure. A backhoe arrived to fill and pack dirt to the foundation walls after the forms were removed.
The next step was roughing in the plumbing for water/drains. Water supply and drain pipes were put in place on December 13th. Loads of sand were then delivered and packed solid in preparation for pouring the floor. Thanks to Mars Plumbing for a great plumbing installation!
On Friday, December 16th, the concrete floor was poured for the Refuge. Above ground construction will begin when the concrete has cured. The concrete will be exposed to the winter elements for the next 2 weeks.
Debbie and Vanessa request fervent prayers for mild weather and protection of the concrete from any and all elements during the curing to allow for a beautiful unblemished floor for the Refuge. Thank you!
Click here to view more images from the ongoing construction.
Update: December 1, 2011
Ground has been broken!On Monday, November 28th ground was officially broken on the Refuge of the Remnant property. OSMM welcomed Vandalia mayor Rick Gottman and other officials to witness the cutting of the ribbon on the new retreat center. Several families joined us for this exciting event, and blue and white balloons were released at the end to celebrate the joyful occasion.
Click here to view more images from the groundbreaking ceremony.
Update: November 22, 2011
Work has begun! OSMM is thrilled to announce that construction of the new retreat center “Refuge of the Remnant” has begun. The building site, located directly behind the House of the Archangels, was blessed by Diocese of Springfield Bishop Thomas John Paprocki during our 14th Annual Conference in October.
After meeting with our contractors it was determined that the best course of action would be to tear down the House of the Archangels and start fresh with our new center. The demolition is now completed and the ground is being prepared to begin construction. We hope to have the building under roof soon so construction can continue throughout the winter.
Click here to view images of the demolition of the House of the Archangels.
Update: November 19, 2011
God has asked us to step out of our comfort zone and step out into the deep. With total reliance on Divine Providence, OSMM is stepping out in a big way. It begins Monday, Nov. 21st when the House of the Archangels will be demolished and the land prepared for the new Refuge of the Remnant.(Click here to view images of the demolition.)
We ask all members of OSMM servants and family and all of our friends to join us at Noon on November 28th for the official groundbreaking with the mayor of Vandalia, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and our building contractors.
Following the will of God always takes careful discernment and this refuge has been in the making for over two years. Many priests, spiritual mentors and signs have pointed us to this endeavor. With all things that involve a major commitment and a large amount of money there has to be tremendous trust in God. OSMM has endured for 14 years because the final basis for all decisions has always been “Are we doing what God wants us to do?” We believe this Refuge is ordained by God. We are called to build it to prepare for what is coming. This past weekend we were strengthened by the tremendous graces received when we hosted Fr. Tim Byerley, Geo Bianchini and his many family members who came to promote the messages given to Maria Esperanza. Betania, Venezuela and Vandalia, Illinois could not be more different, but we found out how intertwined we really are. Betania means Bethany, the same name given to OSMM’s retreat house. The message of Betania is reconciliation. OSMM is a ministry of healing and reconciliation. Both ministries are devoted to Our Lady: Betania to Our Lady, Reconciler of All Peoples and All Nations and OSMM to Our Lady of Sorrows. Both ministries seek at their core to bring people closer to our Lord; Mary, our Mother, the Church and ultimately, to salvation. They are intertwined and Divine Providence brought these two families together to work to save souls for the Kingdom of God.
Step Out in the Deep, Come and Walk with Us… Debbie and Vanessa
Update: October 30, 2011
Our bishop, Most Rev. Thomas Paprocki, visited us on Saturday at our 14th annual conference, giving an insightful talk related to our conference theme: "The Real Freedom of Choice: Heaven or Hell". He then led a procession to the area behind the House of the Archangels and blessed the ground where the "Refuge of the Remnant" retreat center will be built. We are very grateful for the bishop's presence and for his blessing. We are also very grateful to the many conference attendees who over the weekend gave so generously to support this cause!View a Video Clip from this exciting event!
In order to build this special retreat center, we are requesting one-time donations as well as commitments to ongoing monthly donations in order to meet expenses. Please prayerfully consider assisting us with this effort, and contact us to make a one-time or monthly donation.
Urgent Appeal: October 15, 2011
Dear Friend of Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry,
As we look forward to hosting our 14th Annual Conference, we share the following information with you. For many years, our ministry has been able to hold our events at the Mother of Dolors Parish Center. We have recently felt that OSMM is being called to construct a venue within the ministry property for future events. New construction of a building behind the House of the Archangels is being planned. (The construction crew has determined that the House of the Archangels must be razed and the new building placed more in the center of the lot to avoid continual drainage and elevation issues. The house will come down on Monday, November 21, and groundbreaking for the new building is at noon on Monday, November 28.)
Many of the holy priests that are friends of our ministry have confirmed this endeavor, actually naming the new center, "Refuge of the Remnant". This is a formidable task in tough economic times and we certainly realize that this will not be possible without a firm commitment of continued support from those who have come to love and believe in this Catholic Healing Ministry. Many exciting and informative events have already been planned for the coming year. It is our intention to continue holding healing retreats uninterrupted, but we are in need of your help.
We ask you to prayerfully consider how the loss of Our Lady’s ministry will affect those who God has sent, and will continue to send to OSMM for hope and healing. Here is where they encounter Him in a special way. Please contact us with an amount you would be willing to pledge as a contribution towards the monthly mortgage for this endeavor. We look forward to hearing from you very soon, as decisions must be made quickly. You may email Vanessa at osmm@sbcglobal.net or call Debbie at (618) 292-9852.
Under the Mantle of Our Sorrowful Mother,
Debbie and Vanessa
OSMM has encountered many challenges over the years, and we are confident that this is simply one more placed before us that will be resolved. As God's plan for the building unfolds, we patiently say: "Jesus, I Trust In YOU!!"