Florence rectory to be given away
Holy Family Parish is offering to give away the Florence rectory (priest home), but it must be moved to another location.
According to parish pastor Father Hien Nguyen, the house is no longer needed for the parish ministry. It hasn't been lived in as a residence for years, although it has been used for religion classes.
Whoever takes the house must agree to move it and provide liability insurance for all aspects of the moving process.
"We're hoping a needy family can use this house for themselves," the priest said.
The brick home has four small bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and two bathrooms. It also has an attic room with a half-bath.
The Florence rectory was built in 1952.
"Years ago, there was a priest in every town, so a house was built for him," Father explained. "Now, there are fewer people in the county and fewer Catholics, so they need only one priest."
The church congregations at Pilsen, Marion, Florence, and Tampa were brought together as the Holy Family Parish. Father Nguyen resides in Marion.
In past years, other church properties have been sold, including the Tampa rectory and convent houses in Pilsen and Florence.
Currently, the parish owns eight buildings: two in Florence, three in Marion, two in Pilsen and one in Tampa.
Anyone interested in the Florence house may make an appointment to take a tour by calling the parish office in Marion at 620-382-3369.
Father Nguyen said if there are several people who want the house, the decision as to who will receive it will be made by the Holy Family Parish Pastoral Council.
"It's a good house, and we hope somebody can make good use of this house," Father Nguyen said.
