What began as a quiet whisper from the Holy Spirit many years ago has now blossomed into a sacred
space of peace and prayer at our new Church of Saint Mary Outreach (COSMO) Center—thanks to the
perseverance of the faithful and the heart of an Eagle Scout.
Years ago, while developing the blueprint for the Outreach Center, Director Jackie Fusco felt a clear
calling from the Holy Spirit: there was to be a grotto. She included it in her building plans, but when the
proposal reached the building committee, the grotto was not accepted as part of the building structure
plans. Though she complied and revised the plans, the image of a grotto never left Jackie’s heart. She
knew God had asked for it—and trusted that, in His time, it would come to pass.
Two years later, Jackie received an unexpected call from parish Business Administrator Jennifer Wood. A
grotto had been gifted to the church. “Would the Outreach Ministry want it?” Jennifer asked. Jackie
immediately knew this was the grotto—God’s design unfolding. But who would build it? With no funding
in the building budget and no clear builder, the plan remained on hold. After prayer and reflection, the
thought came that it could be an Eagle Scout project. Unfortunately, no active Eagle Scouts were part of
the parish at the time and it wasn’t an option.
Four years passed. The Outreach Center had opened, but the grotto still waited. Then, in God’s perfect
timing, Eagle Scout Tommy Buckley approached Jackie. He was seeking a final project to complete his
journey toward his Eagle rank. She was excited and delighted to share God’s vision—and Tommy proudly
said yes.
Over the next ten months, Tommy, under the guidance of his Eagle Scout Advisor and a longtime Church
volunteer, Mark Wollmershauser, brought the grotto to life. Together, they assembled the grotto with the
help of other scouts and friends, they landscaped the area, carefully tiled a mosaic backdrop, and installed
a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, purchased specially for the space. The result is a peaceful,
sacred garden—a true spiritual refuge for all who visit the Church of Saint Mary Outreach (COSMO)
Center.
Thank you, Tommy Buckley, for your faithful heart and dedication. Thank you, Mark Wollmershauser,
for your tireless support: Jackie Fusco, Building Committee, Jennifer Wood and the anonymous donor for
trusting in the Holy Spirit’s gentle voice and guidance. Because of faith and obedience, God has once
again moved a mountain.
This grotto is more than a project. It is a story that will be shared for generations to come. It is a testament
to faith, perseverance, and the truth that God’s plans are never denied—only delayed, for His perfect
purpose.
