New Assignment

Fr. Rolando has been appointed by Bishop Mark Seitz to lead the faithful at San Juan Diego Church in El Paso and Dell City’s Mission.  Father has also been asked by Bishop to become Assistant Vocations Director for the Diocese.  Please pray for a smooth transition.  On a different note, Bishop has appointed Father Esteban Sescon as Sacramental Minister for Marfa and Sacred Heart in Valentine.  Sister Margie Silguero will become the New Parish Life Coordinator for Marfa and Valentine.  These appointments will take effect on June 20th.

New Repairs completed

The Diocese did approve a bid from Tallent Roofing for $26,384.99 to continue with the renovation of the Church Building.   The scope of the restoration was as follows:

a. Remove old fascia along eaves;
 b. Replace fascia with a 1 x 12" cedar mill Hardie;
b. Paint and caulk along new fascia and soffit one color;
c. Scrape, caulk and paint gable ends (one color);
d. Replace 5 pieces of 3/8 soffit;
e. Replace one piece of 1 x 8 fascia with white wood.

This phase of the renovation of our Church was completed.  We have included some pictures for your inspection.  We are grateful to all of you who have helped us in this process.  More renovation is pending and we will continue to do our best to meet these new challenges.  Many blessings to all of you.

Fr. Rolando

Church East Side Before:

East Side After:

East Side After:

Trim North Side

Trim South Side

Trim West Side

Church in Need of Repairs: Interior

The Parish Council has set as a priority the church ceiling.  One of the concerns is the presence of asbestos and the health hazards that such element poses to parishioners. 

The stain glass windows also need especial attention.

Church in need of Repairs: Exterior

The Church also needs attention in most of its outside surface.  These pictures depict some of the damage that needs attention.

Church in Need of Repair: Second half of Bell Tower

The second half of the Bell Tower needs attention and repair.  There are some cracks where the water is still sipping in into the adobe which will continue to weaken the structure is something is not done about it.  You can zoom in to appreciate the details of these pictures.

Our Church in Need of Repair: Confessional

The following pictures are from inside the Bell Tower, First half, where the confessional is located.  Water had sipped into the adobe and had caused damage to the confessional.  The first half of the Tower was renovated but the confessinal needs a makeover.  The second half of the Tower still needs to be worked on.

A little bit of History

Altar Server Camp 2012

The West Texas Ministry in collaboration with Fr. Rolando Fonseca,  and St. Mary's Parishioners organized an Altar Server Camp to recruit new Altar Servers.  The exciting news is that Sr. Margie Silguero  and Sr. Luz Doñez worked closely with the present Altar Servers who are born leaders and coordinated the week end event.  Many Parishioners, especially parents got involved in preparing for the exciting camping experience.  Tents were set up on Friday evening, when gusting winds of 65 miles an hour, just snatched them to the ground.  As Altar Servers arrived Saturday morning , they and their parents rolled up their sleeves to start all over building the tents.  Something awesome that happened is that the only tent that stayed up was the "Prayer Tent".   God blessed all our efforts and we began the day.  Children were very excited and looking forward to lots of dynamics for leadership skills, and water games,  and other learning experiences, the most important was Prayer!