By Elsa Baughman
JACKSON – Members of St. Therese Parish are setting plans for the construction of a building to house classrooms for religious education classes and offices. Ben Mokry, president of the finance council, explained that when St. Therese School was closed in 2015, its facilities were sold to a company to open a charter school. The parish could continue to use the building until March 2018, which is now less than a year away.
Msgr. Elvin Sunds, pastor, presented one of two proposals at a recent meeting. “Now, it’s time to start planning for the future of the parish,” he said. “Let’s try to envision together where we want to be in the next five, 10 or 20 years considering our current and future needs for our children and the whole community.”
The floor plan presented to the community included 10 classrooms, offices and other facilities. Gathered in groups, the community discussed the pros and cons of the design.
The spirit of those present indicated a desire to work together for the good of the whole community. All showed enthusiasm for continuing planning for the future. At one moment, someone in the crowd shouted, “That is what makes us great,” referring to the multicultural community at St. Therese.

JACKSON – Ben Mokry, president of the St. Therese finance council, presents a building proposal at a recent parish community meeting as Msgr. Elvin Sunds looks on. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)