As I announced last weekend, our parish has received some restricted funds (donations given for a specific purpose) for the interior renovations of our Church. All restricted funds are either spent for their intended purpose or we risk the requirement of returning the money to the source of the donation.
As we move forward with these interior upgrades which we anticipate being comprised of adding a stonewall feature to the center back wall of the sanctuary, a new altar, ambo, presider’s chair, and tabernacle table, the addition of two large icons depicting Saint Catherine of Siena and the Holy Family, we will also hope to paint the interior of the church and expand the sanctuary floor. Working with an architectural firm with expertise in Catholic Church renovations, we will be able to offer to the parish-at-large renderings illustrating the design upgrades. I am working with a committee of parishioners to review the work proposals and make suggestions. It is my hope that we will spend approximately $120,000.00, of which nearly $90,000.00 has been donated already. Once we are closer to a solid figure and official design plans, I will list some items in the bulletin that parishioners who are able to may wish to memorialize in the name of loved ones.
It has been decades since the interior of the church has been given any attention and we are in need of some work. However, we do not need to proceed with idea of creating a “Cathedral-like” structure. Saint Catherine of Siena Church is beautiful in its simplicity, and the work we will do will maintain that beauty—with a focus on the magnificence of God’s creative work as seen through our windows. I hope you agree.
Be on the lookout for drawings on our proposed ideas coming to an atrium near you!