Now that we have entered our newly renovated Church, I wanted to take a moment to go over some key elements. This renovation is not simply about updating areas that were in need of a refresh or better function, but to improve the space with beautiful architectural elements, and an increased focus on liturgical tradition.
New Entry Doors: Our beautiful new entry doors are handmade from oak, stained the same color as the stain on the altar. The 3 angled lines are repeated on these doors to reflect the triangle trinity reference found in our steeple, and all concerte columns. Bishop Kemme blessed these new doors on Oct. 4, 2023, at the all-school Mass in honor of St. Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day.
Window Tint: Also new to the foyer of the church is new window tinting on the outside windows facing east. This treatment lessens the intensity of direct sunshine and polorizes what does come through the windows, reducing heat, glare, and sun damage.
New Bathrooms: These new modern facilities are centrally located and more accessible to both sides of the Church, and keep the bathroom noises from flowing into the church during Mass. Ladies will notice at the back of their bathroom is another door, currently locked, that will connect to our new bridal room.
The Viewing Room: This room is formally called the “Viewing Room” as it was intentionally designed for parents with young children. The concrete wall is 18 inches high, allowing toddlers to to have a straight view to the altar, helping to direct their attention forward. The glass wall (which matches the architecture of the adoration room’s glass walls) and ceiling speaker allow parents to stay connected to the liturgy while keeping their child contained to a spacious room with a noise barrier. This room also has a cabinet to lay the various bags or carriers parents must tote with them; and it is also within feet of the main bathrooms for easy access back and forth.
Adult Ed./Gathering Space Entrance: This wall, which is currently closed for construction, eventually will be a double-door leading into a large Adult Education/Gathering Room. It will include a large room for gathering after Mass and for other ministry and parish functions. It will include a coffee section and a full-functioning kitchen, as well. This area will also have access to the new bridal room and to a smaller conference room. More details on this space to come at a later date.
Pray for Vocations: This will be a new devotional area dedicated to fostering vocations. A hand-carved statue of St. John Vianney will be placed in this space that can be seen from the main entrance to the Church. In this space will be purple votive candles (the color for penance and supplication), as well as a custom sign with the simple reminder, “Pray for Vocations. There will also be a prie deux (kneeler) here that will match the kneelers that will be placed in front of the statue of Mary.
Father Jarrod Lies, Pastor