Today we discovered that the sewer pipe in the rectory was leaking into the basement.  At the time, there was a considerable amount of water seeping into the basement since one of the priests was showering upstairs.  To resolve the issue we placed a call to Victory HVAC in Bellingham (508-966-9858) to ask for a service call.  We have a ten year service contract with the company as part of the installation of the equipment in the church and have subsequently contracted with them for service for all of our parish property.

We were refused service since we have an outstanding balance of over $17,000 for the various service calls between the church that continues to malfunction and other issues over the winter. Last week, a check for $9,000 was mailed to Victory and cashed, but has not yet cleared the bank.  Until it clears, they refuse to provide us any service, as is their policy.  

As a result, our priests cannot flush a toilet or shower in our rectory.  While well meaning parishioners might be generous to offer their space, the charter from the bishops would not permit  us to shower in a parishioner's home without violating that rule. As a result, after over a half a million dollars paid without delay or default, the timing to clear a check for less than $10,000 means our priests cannot shower or use their bathroom facilities in the house that the parish provides for them.  

Four people from our parish have called today to question the ability to send a service technician.  Each has been told emphatically and definitively that because of their policy they will not allow us to access service, no matter how important or critical it is to our health and safety, until the bank clears the check - for less than $10,000 after we have installed equipment from them and paid in full more than a half a million dollars!  Until the check clears, they will not even schedule the service and then we are told we will need to take our turn.  So, there is nothing our parish can do, except to be responsible and inform you of their business practices as it effects our parish in case you are considering hiring them.