Projects funded by IHM Donations

Immaculate Heart of Mary in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, has graciously raised funds to help with the infrastructure needs at Punta Gorda Catholic Church. The funds will address electrical issues, plumbing in the priest’s bathroom, broken fans, a leaking roof, and more.

The people of Punta Gorda are very grateful for the kindness shown to their community.

Updated October 23, 2023 – Cross Build in the Ocean in front of the church

This is me doing my best, in Spanish, to tell the church about IHM’s kindness…

Updated July 11, 2023 – PLEASE WATCH VIDEO FOR ALL OF THE HIGHLIGHTS

What an amazing 2 months of work!

The finalized list includes:

  • 2 bathrooms remodeled
  • electrical work, including replacing 3 fans and adding a light outside
  • removed all fans and sanded/repainted
  • huge amounts of soil and trees removed
  • water drainage system in the back and sides
  • fence was built and installed
  • Cement floor on the side area
  • Iron window frame behind the altar was replaced
  • All the iron window frames were cleaned and painted
  • new microphone system
  • cleaned, fixed, and painted pews
  • a few tiles were replaced, and new cabinet in the small room
  • fixed the ceiling in the small room
  • fixed the roof in a few places
  • Cleaned up the front garden area
  • Built a new table for a new tabernacle that was also purchased

Updated June 21, 2023

The team continues to deliver big results! The changes made are going to have a long-lasting effect on the structure of the church.

  • Concrete drainage systems in the back and side of the church were installed
  • Small side area from the church to the restrooms was all dirt, it is now flat concrete
  • The cabinet was installed in the ‘priest’ room
  • Ceiling in the ‘priest’ room fixed
  • More tree removal and dirt removal
  • Stripping and painting of the window bars continues
  • All of the pews are being repaired for stability
  • A new Tabernacle was ordered
  • A new table for the Tabernacle is being built
  • New microphone system was installed

Updated June 8, 2023

Tons of earth moving going on in Punta Gorda! The crew is putting in hours of hot, tiring work moving tons of dirt and debris, which will help stabilize the church for years to come.

  • Bathrooms are completed and being used
  • Dirt continues to be removed from the back of the church to help with storm protection
  • More electrical work was completed
  • Fence was built and completed
  • New wireframing for main window was built and installed
  • Drainage system is being built at the back of the church
  • Discovering the need for roof improvements

Updated May 30, 2023

The team continues to work hard!

  • The bathrooms are pretty much completed (a few beautification items left)
  • Tons of dirt, rocks, and debris were removed, and the tires were rearranged to create a wall of protection from big storms
  • More ceiling fans replaced
  • The walk area between the church and the restrooms has been flattened
  • Materials purchased to build a fence
  • Several walls were painted inside the church
  • Microphones purchased (will take a few weeks for delivery)
  • Wire framing on a broken window has been ordered

Updated May 23, 2023

A ton of work has happened over the past week!

  • A couple of fans have been fixed, along with electrical work that was shorting out other fans.
  • Lights were replaced in the church, making it noticeably brighter
  • Toilets, sinks, plumbing parts, paint, electrical needs, and doors have all been purchased for the new bathrooms, and work has begun. These should be completed this week.
  • Tile has been replaced in the ‘Priest room’
  • Trees, rubbish, and mounds of dirt are being removed behind the church that has been causing many issues when heavy rains come
  • Outdoor paint in needed areas

Updated May 17, 2023

The electrical work on the church is the primary concern at this time. The work has begun on making the needed improvements.

The bathrooms at the church are important as the priest usually drives 30+ minutes to celebrate mass. Giving them (2 priests on the island) a chance to freshen up before mass is needed.

A tree and other plants need to be removed from one of the side structures.

Other projects are being prioritized.