The reopening of Saint Patrick Church in Hubbard has been delayed due to the church still needing certain key materials.

21 News previously reported that the church was going to reopen in the fall of 2023, but Father Michael Swierz tells 21 News that can no longer happen due to shipping delays and some materials arriving damaged.

"It's been one thing after another and through it all, we just smile here," said Father Swierz.

Father Swierz tells us that the church ordered 40 doors, but when they arrived, around 87% of them were damaged. The church is still waiting on replacements for these doors.

In addition, the church is experiencing shipping delays on various materials including handrails for the stairwells and brackets to attach those railings to the floors and the walls.

The delivery date for an elevator, which was supposed to have arrived already was pushed back to December 1, so the church still needs to wait on that and install it once it arrives.

"It's frustrating," Swierz explained. "Not only for me but for our contractors. Even our local tradesmen. Everyone depends on one another."

Swierz said local tradesmen and vendors have been very efficient with their services but the delays come with "out of town" companies the church is expecting shipments from. "They're the ones we wait for," Swierz added. 

Swierz said the St. Patrick's community is beyond patient. They continue to hold services next door to the church at the Parish Community Center.

"Our parish has become stronger because of this fire," Swierz said. "We gathered here and we made this into a church just in a matter of a day after the fire. So, we had a place to worship, have funerals and the baptisms of our children."

At this time, Father Swierz says there is no definitive reopening date due to the unknown dates of when these crucial supplies will be delivered, but hopes that things will be back up and running by January 18, which is the anniversary of the church's founding.

Patience that comes with a reward. Father Swierz says the renovations will build on the church's original glory and be even more beautiful when completed.

"During this time of Thanksgiving, we still come and we're giving thanks because we're all together," Swierz said. "The church community is still here. It's very vibrant. It's very alive. No matter what setback we have, we still give thanks. That's the message we have for all of us."

In the meantime, masses will still be held in the church's Parish Center.