The House that St. Barnabas Built
Parishioners built the frame of a house as part of the St. Barnabas parish-wide mission project in the church parking lot on June 12. More than 200 people built the frame of a house for delivery to the Will County Habitat for Humanity, which will complete the house in Joliet.
The following letter is from The Gregory Family
“We came into the project with uncertainty about our abilities, unfamiliarity with the building process and distracted by all the daily concerns that busy families are faced with, but up for a challenge. Quickly our focus changed as we took on the work. Step by step, slowly at first, then as we met out teammates and confidence began to grow, we began to rely on each member for contribution and support, the work became almost effortless. As we under took the project, the kids pounded in nails (sometimes after having to remove several failed attempts), adults read blueprints, moms learned to "snap a chalk line" and team members came together to carry our finished walls to the "done" pile, ready to get the next set of drawings, even in the rain.
As the walls were erected and the house began to take shape, it became clear that all of our individual contributions came together to create a place that will serve as a shelter for a family, provide a comfortable safe place for children to grow and flourish and a gathering place for holiday celebrations and evening meals. The energy radiated from the group as the sun shone brightly on the new home.
This was one of the most inspirational days of our family life. We learned the value of working together as a family, as a community and as part of the body of Christ. We were all amazed at what we were able to accomplish together.
Whatever we gave today, time, effort, resources, was nothing compared to what we received. Thank you for the opportunity to witness firsthand the tremendous potential we have as a community for really being "the hands of Jesus" to those in need and experiencing the Sprit’s guidance into the unfamiliar.
The Gregory Family
Ed, Pattie, Bridget, Brendan and Quinn”
To see the video please click the link