A historic Catholic church caught fire last month, and restoration efforts are now underway.
As previously reported by News Center 7, on May 29, a fire broke out at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein.
Father Ken Schnipke’s homily to parishioners focused on the church’s future.
“While the damage is severe, the restoration specialists were also hopeful that more could be salvaged than what appears,” according to Schnipke. “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.”
Schnipke added that it will be a “long and difficult process.”
While the church is being restored, Schnipke believes masses will be held at Precious Blood.
He expressed his gratitude to those across the country who have supported the church.
“In a way, we are reaching out to the ends of the earth, just as they are reaching out to help us. And, as Archbishop Casey put it, “that makes us church.”
