Thursday, February 21, 2013

What's Happening: 2/21/13

Hello, friends. I haven't posted an update for awhile so here we go. No big smashing news, just a progress report.


- The Fundraising Committee is devoting most of its energy right now to preparations for our parish campaign. We've just mailed an introduction letter to all registered households (if you don't get a letter, please call the office at 269-3318!). The campaign, Raise the Bells, will be our principal source of funding for our new church.

- The Building Committee has begun an exciting new phase in cooperation with Cram & Ferguson Architects. Ethan Anthony, our principal architect, has visited once to begin program development and will return Monday evening (2-25-13) for another step in our design process.  Over the next few months there will be a lot of back-and-forth as we contemplate options and make decisions. Very little is set in stone at this point, but I can share some priorities that are under consideration:

  • Use of the surviving St. Joseph's altar... possibly in modified form so that Mass can actually be said on the altar, with the reredos (= the ornamental piece rising up from the altar) behind it.
  • A high steeple! Please note, these are expensive. Just something to keep in mind when you're holding that pledge card in a few weeks!
  • A covered drop-off at one entrance to the church.
  • A connection to the gymnasium.
  • A choir loft with additional overflow seating.
  • A gathering space (narthex) of substantial size at the main entrance.
  • Your ideas are welcome and wanted! We can't do everything that everybody wants, but parishioner input is absolutely making a difference in our decisions. Why not add yours?
- The Diocesan Art and Architecture Committee will be joining us on 2/25 as well. They are delegated by our Bishop to advise and review projects like ours. We'll be working with them closely as the design process unfolds.


Sunday, February 3, 2013

Cram and Ferguson selected as the architects of St. Kateri Church

The Building Committee and I are delighted to announce the selection of the firm of Cram & Ferguson, of Concord, Massachusetts, as the architects who will design and oversee construction of St. Kateri Church. Their previous work, and some of the firm's history, can be viewed here: www.cramandferguson.com

We are most grateful to the other firms who have invested time, money, and interest in our project. From here, we will be working closely with principal Ethan Anthony and his excellent staff as our project begins to take shape.