Father Paul Connolly, a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport, steps out of the new elevator at St. Vincent Center in Davenport Feb. 19.
By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — Retired priests living on the second floor at St. Vincent Center now have a safer way to get upstairs to their apartments. On Feb. 19, Bishop Dennis Walsh blessed the new elevator in the south wing that connects the first and second floors where priests reside and gives diocesan personnel easier access to storage areas in the basement. The Diocese of Davenport’s Upon This Rock capital campaign covered the elevator’s cost.
“For many of our residents, these stairs have become a challenge. This new elevator opens doors — literally and figuratively. It allows greater freedom of movement and encourages participation in community life and reduces the risk of falls,” Bishop Walsh said during the blessing ceremony, which the resident priests, diocesan staff and Catholic Messenger staff attended. “More than that, it signifies our respect and gratitude for the years of service these priests have given. It’s a tangible expression of the benefactors’ commitment to the well-being of our senior priests in their retirement.”
Bishop Walsh prayed, “Lord, we ask your blessing of this elevator. May it function safely and reliably for all who use it. May it be a source of convenience and comfort, enabling our residents to move freely and participate fully in the life of this community. Bless all who worked to build it. Bless those who have generously contributed to it. And bless all who will use it in the years to come.”
After prayers of intercession, the bishop sprinkled holy water on the elevator and cut a ribbon that resident priests Father Paul Connolly and Father John Stecher held in front of it. Father Michael Spiekermeier had posted a sign inviting the gathering to ride the elevator to visit his apartment.
“I love the elevator. I live on the second floor and I use the elevator several times every day,” Father Spiekermeier said. “I appreciate the Upon This Rock capital campaign, which has provided the elevator.” Just steps away from his apartment, it “brings me down near our chapel and dining room and exits to the parking lot and garages.”
Father John Stecher uses the elevator several times a day. “I love it. I thank all the donors who made this possible,” he said.
The capital campaign also provided funding for the seminarian fund, Priests’ Aid Society and parishes. For every dollar a parish raised, 20% is returned to that parish for parish projects. Parishes that exceeded their goal received an additional 80% per dollar over the goal. Some of the projects include:
- St. Mary Parish-Solon: Replace aging church sound system with advanced technology. Some funds also will go toward St. Mary Cemetery upkeep.
- St. Mary Magdalen Parish-Bloomfield: general maintenance work and future projects, such as an air conditioner or concrete work on sidewalks and parking lot.
- St. Joseph Parish-North English: the parish plans to increase accessibility with a chair lift. Additional funds would go toward future parish expenses and general parish projects.
Jennifer Praet, diocesan director of Stewardship, said pledges have exceeded the capital campaign’s $28 million goal. However, some pledges won’t be fulfilled due to death, unemployment or other reasons. Catholics are encouraged to continue their payments. Newcomers to the diocese and others who would like to contribute or give more to the campaign should contact Praet at
praet@davenportdiocese.org or call 563-888-4252.
