Too often overlooked, especially in cash-strapped communities, a faith community has to look to the long term and not cut corners on basic maintenance. Liturgical items often overlooked: musical instruments, including pipe organs, and baptismal fonts.
§ 219 § The design process will include planning for the long-term and short-term maintenance of the new or renovated building. The beauty and utility of a place of worship can be sustained only by an ongoing, careful attention to its upkeep through regular maintenance. Therefore, funds for both general maintenance and capital improvements should be anticipated in every future parish budget.
§ 220 § Durability and maintenance expenses are critical factors in the selection of building materials and of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Decisions made on the basis of short-term economy can be very costly when viewed from the perspective of long-term expenses. A well-thought-out plan for maintenance that includes a financial component is necessary in the case of existing structures. In addition, special attention may be needed when the maintenance of historical buildings is at issue.
Even during a building project, it is vital to get good information on upkeep from the start.
All texts from Built of Living Stones are copyright © 2000, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Catholic Sensibility 