By MICHAEL MARESH

Staff writer

Parishioners at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen have seen a lot of construction at the front of their church.

Construction crews last week removed soil from where front stairs to the church were. When weather gets better then will pack dirt to where the stairs were,

The stairs were removed where a tarp covers the opening.

Stairs leading to the front end of the church will be replaced and a new ramp installed along with them.

Recent rain slowed down the project. The Wichita Catholic diocese does not have a completion date.

Work on the entry has been talked about for some time.

Matthew Vainer, director for the office of communications for the Catholic diocese, said the Church would not close during construction.

“The project will improve accessibility for those with mobility needs and provide appropriate access for caskets during funeral liturgies,” Vainer said. “This work is part of the parish’s broader capital campaign initiative to enhance safety, accessibility, and hospitality for all parishioners and visitors.”

In honor of Veterans Day and the 75th anniversary of Father Emil Kapaun’s service in the Korean War, the church is planning a Mass celebrated from a Jeep Nov. 8.