November 20, 2011

Can you put the Risen Christ near the cry room and just have the crucifix on the front wall? Could it go outside of the church? Could it go on the south wall of the sanctuary?

The Risen Christ is 11 feet square so it would not fit by the cry room. It is made of fiberglass, weighs about 120 lbs., and would not last outside. It could fit on the south or north walls of the church.

Why don’t the numbers add up?

With the exception of the flooring, the numbers do not include installation labor. For example, the stained glass windows each cost $7,000, but cost $600 each to install. So the difference is an estimate of labor costs.

What will happen with the existing chapel?

The Chapel will be divided in half. The front half will be additional seating. The west half will be a new sacristy. The counters and closet will be removed from the current sacristy and made into a room where a family can gather before a funeral or a bride before her wedding.

Could you explain some things in the picture? Why isn’t there a piano? Is the processional cross changing? Why isn’t there a chair for servers?

The picture was an attempt to show some of the changes. We have no plans to change the processional cross, the chairs or the piano.

During construction, where will we have Mass?

Masses will be in the Social Level.

St. Joseph Parish in Springfield is willing to host some weddings, if needed.

Is there a relic in the altar now?

No.

Can there be a relic in the altar?

Yes. We have spoken with the Chancery to obtain relics to be placed in the new altar.

Why a round altar? How well would it work?

There is no final decision on the type of altar we will have. This was an early suggestion from the architect, which is in keeping with a Celtic spirituality of the symbolic idea of the eternal nature of circles.

Why don’t you put the tabernacle under the cross behind the altar?

Much time was spent discussing this, but the desire is for people to have an intimate place to pray with the Blessed Sacrament in private prayer. This would not be possible if it is in the center behind the main altar.

Wouldn’t tile on the floor be slippery? How would it work for people with a walker or crutches?

We have checked with other churches who have tile and they said it is possible to obtain tile that is not slippery. There are some concerns with noise and winter conditions that still need to be addressed before a final decision is made.

December 11, 2011

Where can I get a pledge card?

There are pledge cards at all of the entrances. In a mailing about the proposed changes, some of the envelopes were attached with too much glue. Some of you have mentioned that you did not receive the mailing, so if you did not get a mailing from us, please let Deacon David know in the Parish Office at 402-339-3285.

What is the time frame for making pledges?

We hope most parishioners will turn in their pledges by Christmas. Based on the pledges made so far, we are looking at designs for the altar and ambo.

We will continue to accept pledges through January. At the end of January, the pledges made by you and your fellow parishioners will determine how much can be done at this time and a plan will be put together. We will then be able to have a time frame for construction. We will not spend above what is pledged. We will also do our best to avoid weddings and other events scheduled in the church.

While we are doing everything else, can we fix the sound system?

People have been urging us to look at this and we are. There are some places in the church where you cannot hear the sound system. Computer analysis is being done to see if we can modify the current system to improve it or if we need to purchase new equipment.

What is a clerestory?

Clerestory is an architectural term that historically denoted an upper level of a basilica or church, the walls of which rise above the rooflines and are pierced with windows. It commonly refers to high windows above eye level. In our case, we are talking about the area where we will be installing stained glass windows. We have committed to six windows to be installed to let us see how they will look. The company making the windows may be able to get them installed before Christmas.

What feedback have you gotten on the artwork to the north and the south of the crucifix?

Although opinions vary, most people are supportive of the idea to move the Risen Christ to the space above the choir.

There is a wide spectrum of opinion about the design of the art work to be displayed above the tabernacle. Some have suggested we have something from the beginning of Christ’s life like the Nativity, the Annunciation or the Baptism of Christ. Others have suggested we do something like the Last Supper. It has also been suggested that the tabernacle itself would provide enough balance and there would be no need for art above it. We are awaiting architectural designs for an enclosed area around the tabernacle creating a “chapel area” before we finalize the art work to be placed near it.

What are the biggest misconceptions about this campaign?

The plans have not been finalized. Parishioners may think their feedback isn’t needed, but these decisions will not be made by Fr. Damian alone. He desires that everyone in the parish have an opportunity for input. For example, the final designs for the altar, ambo and crucifix have not yet been approved and are still in process.

What should I do now?

After making a pledge, we ask for your prayers. Prayer is very important for the success of this campaign. We truly believe this is the work of God and we need his help to make it a complete success.

Can I pay my pledge through an EFT?

Yes, pledges can be paid using EFT by filling out and signing your pledge card stating the monthly or quarterly EFT amount. You will need to attach a voided check with your pledge card. We have not established credit card donations for this project because of the cost involved.

Read the Brochure

Source and Summit Brochure