A Courtyard Prayer Garden

 Father Jim Sauer, pastoral administrator of St. Matthew Parish in Mount Vernon, contacted The Message about a wonderful volunteer project created by a young parishioner.

 “Our parish council approved a request that Frank Simutis III submitted,” he said. “He sought permission to build a courtyard prayer garden at St. Matthew as his Eagle Scout project. He came up with the design and all of the plans.”

 Father Sauer said that another young parishioner will build and erect a metal cross as the focal point of the garden, and that he (Father Jim) will write an icon for outdoor display. The plan also calls for the installation of benches.

 “Many parishioners have volunteered time and talent to help Frank see this project to completion,” Father Jim said. “He is so excited.”