April-October 2020
Preparing of Land for Building and for Walking Trails
In 2020, 5-6 months were spent clearing approximately 150 acres that were assigned to Patris Corde Hermitage. Land was also cleared for some of the walking trail system.
Progress to Date
April-October 2020
Preparing Building Site for Chapel
During the same 5-6 months in 2020, we also cleared the land for the stone chapel that will be modeled after St. Francis's portiuncula.
April-October 2020
Preparing Building Site for St. Francis of Assisi / Msgr. Michael Glenn Hermitage
In 2020, we cleared the building site for the Saint Francis of Assisi Hermitage pictured on the left, dedicated in memory of Monsignor Michael Glenn.
April-October 2020
Preparing Building Site for Saint Ignatius of Loyola / Fr. Raymond Gawronski Hermitage
In 2020, we cleared the building site for the Saint Ignatius of Loyola Hermitage pictured on the right, dedicated in memory of Fr. Raymond Gawronski, S.J.
February 2021
Approval of Special Use Permit
In February of 2021, our Special Use Permit was approved by the Commissioners of Grand County - something we had formally worked on with them for almost a year.
Spring and Summer 2021
Roads
During the building season of 2021, we completed work on most of the roads.
Spring and Summer 2021
Parking
During the building season of 2021, we also completed work on the parking area.
Spring and Summer 2021
Completion of Water Treatment and Storage Facilities
During the building season of 2021, we completed work on water treatment and storage facilities.
Spring and Summer 2021
Septic Lines Completion
During the building season of 2021, we completed work on the septic lines/cleanouts and wastewater treatment infrastructure for the first 6 hermitages.
Spring and Summer 2021
Septic Field Completion
Spring and Summer 2021
Septic Tank Completion
Spring and Summer 2021
Power Infrastructure
During the building season of 2021 and in the spring of 2022, we began and will complete work on all electric power systems and infrastructure for the first 6 hermitages.
Spring and Summer 2021
Gas Infrastructure Completion
The completed gas infrastructure included the burying and installation of three 1,000 gallon propane tanks, as well as gas service infrastructure to the stone chapel and the first 6 hermitages.
Spring and Summer 2021
Pouring of Foundation Footer
During the building season of 2021, we began and will complete the footer, foundation walls, and concrete slabs for both the Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Ignatius of Loyola Hermitages, including underground plumbing, water and radiant heat installation.
Spring and Summer 2021
Insulated Foundation Walls
Spring and Summer 2021
Pouring of Foundation Walls
Spring and Summer 2022
Construction of 2 Hermitages
In April of 2022, we began construction of the first two hermitages, Saint Francis of Assisi Hermitage and Saint Ignatius of Loyola Hermitage.
Spring and Summer 2021
Completion of Inground Septic and Piping
Completion of inground septic and piping for Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Ignatius of Loyola Hermitages.
Spring and Summer 2022
Chapel Foundation
Thanks to the generous support of many donors, the chapel foundation was completed in the early summer of 2022 and awaits building in 2023.
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Spring and Summer 2022
Land Preparation
In the spring and summer of 2022, we continued clearing ground for the walking trail system.
Summer of 2022
Construction of First 2 Hermitages
As of October, the first two hermitages are nearing completion, with roofing and final exterior trim in progress. The final steps will include flooring, interior trim, plumbing, and electrical. These building sites are pictured at right.
Spring and Summer 2022
Solar Power System
In the fall of this year, we completed the power building and installation of the solar system that will power the hermitages of Phase I in addition to the well and septic pumps. This system included batteries, inverter, and backup generator as well as additional gas infrastructure.
Prayer Request: Legal Process to Obtain Water
As noted in our spring newsletter, we ask you to continue praying with us as we work to complete the legal process to obtain water for the retreat center hermitages and open to the public. We began the legal process to obtain water more than a year and a half ago, and as of September 1st we have completed and submitted all requested engineering reports with the hope of completion in the next months. The water needed for these hermitages is smaller than the equivalent residential well use, but because there will be retreatants staying overnight, we are required to submit and approve a use plan in order to apply for a commercial well.
We are thankful for the experience and expertise of the legal and engineering firms that are helping us. As the opening of this retreat center is contingent upon this approval, please pray for a quick and favorable resolution!
