Worship Space Renovations

A Renovation Committee consisting of Father Mike, our deacons, parish staff, and parishioners have been meeting periodically for four years planning a much-needed facelift to our church worship space. With the guidance of an architect experienced in church design and with the approval of the Diocesan Committee for Liturgical Design and Bishop Boyea, we are ready to begin renovations at the end of June.
The committee was guided by the following goals:
  • Consistent design throughout with emphasis on visually incorporating the north addition with the older worship space
  • Emphasize elements of beauty and devotion already present
  • Enhance the welcoming nature of both the worship space and the main entry
  • Provide additional areas for devotions and reflections

WEEKEND MASS

Weekend Masses will be held in the Wilson Center Auditorium, half a block west of us at 101 Cass St. There are accessible entrances at the northwest corner to the auditorium and at the back of the Wilson Center.
 

OTHER CELEBRATIONS

Weekday Masses will be held in the Youth Room, which will be converted to a Day Chapel. This room is in the school building and is entered from the parking lot north of the church. Note: there is one step down when you enter the room.
 
The Day Chapel will be our weekday home away from home. The Blessed Sacrament will be reposed there, and you may stop in during the day for private prayers. The sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation will also take place in the Day Chapel.
 
The Youth Group will meet in the church basement. One of the meeting rooms has been converted into a temporary home for them.
 
Funerals will be held at the funeral homes.
 
Weddings Most Holy Trinity Parish in Fowler will host us for wedding liturgies.
 

 PARISH BUSINESS

The parish office will still be open for regular office hours, and the basement meeting rooms will still be used. The church basement will be accessible from only the two north entrances to the church. The rest of the church building will be closed.
 

Preview of what is to come

  • Light-colored porcelain tiles to replace       the wood paneling on the walls.
  • New altar, ambo, and tabernacle stand.
  • Ivory and tan color scheme with                   accents of blue and metallic gold.
  • Special paint treatment with gold                 motifs on the wall behind the                       tabernacle.
  • Medium-brown woodwork and pews           with additional spaces for wheelchairs         and walkers.
  • A devotional alcove
  • New frames for the Stations of the               Cross.
  • Statues of North American saints for           various corners and nooks.
  • Special lighting of the stained glass             windows at the front of the extension.
  • New carpeting
  • More space for gathering
  • Weather-tolerant entry doors with               windows.
We’re sure you have plenty of questions.  Here are some of your answers.
Can I stop in to see how the work is coming along? Our contractor asks that you refrain from stopping by to see the changes. The church will be a hazardous construction site when asbestos is being removed, lead paint is disturbed, and subcontractors are working on the ceilings and walls. We will try to keep you updated with photos on our website and Facebook page.
 
How long will this take? The contractor estimates that we could be out of our church for six months. The pew manufacturer anticipates seven to eight months.
 
How are we paying for this? The majority of the project is being funded with a parishioner’s bequest, the Witness to Hope capital campaign, and funds raised through the hard work of our former Altar Society members. We will also use our Building Fund and general savings account. This plan was recommended by our Finance Council to the Diocese and was approved by their Finance Council and College of Consultors.
 
We are fortunate to not have to raise money for this project. If you would like to help us, though, please make your donation to the Building Fund using the gray envelope in your packet or by choosing the Building Fund in Online Giving.
 
Why are we getting rid of the church pews? Couldn’t we just refinish them? Yes, we could refinish them, but we were pleasantly surprised at the relatively small difference in cost between refinishing our creaky, laminated pews and purchasing new, solid oak pews. New pews will also allow us to incorporate spots for wheelchairs and walkers and to make some of our walkways a little wider.
 
Why haven’t I heard about this before now? Our initial plan to repaint the church was part of the Witness to Hope capital campaign rolled out to all parishioners in the first half of 2017. In the spring of 2019, two “town hall meetings” were held for everyone to learn more about the proposed changes and to offer feedback. During 2020 and most of 2021, progress was on “pause”, but periodic articles in the bulletin have referred to the project.
 
How can I help? First, pray for the success of our project. Second, be patient and understanding.
 
 
For updates, watch the bulletin, the stjoecatholic.com website, and our Facebook page.
 

Renovation Prayer

St. Joseph, patron of craftsmen, through your intercession may the Holy Spirit guide all who work to renovate our worship space.
May God provide them  the grace to safely transform our historic faith  home into a lasting, beautiful, and welcoming place of worship.
St. Joseph, patron of families and our parish, be with us as we undertake this journey together.
 
Amen