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‘Long and difficult process,' Pastor speaks on restoration efforts after fire at Catholic church
Restoration efforts are underway after a historic Catholic church caught fire last month.
>>PHOTOS: Smoke, flames pour from large fire at local Catholic church
As News Center 7 previously reported, a fire broke out at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein on May 29.
Father Ken Schnipke addressed the future of the church in his homily to parishioners.
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'While the damage is severe, the restoration specialists were also hopeful that more could be salvaged than what appears,' Schnipke said. 'They are also hopeful that, with the way the church roof collapsed inside and the spire tilted south, the integrity of the walls may not have been compromised.'
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Schnipke added it will be a 'long and difficult process.'
While the church is being restored, Schnipke said masses will likely be held at Precious Blood.
He voiced his appreciation for those around the country who have supported the church.
'In a way, we are reaching out to the ends of the earth as the ends of the earth reach out to help us. And as Archbishop Casey said, that makes us church,' he said.
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