FAQ's

Why don’t we just use the current altar, ambo, tabernacle stand, and saints stands in the new sanctuary design?

Considering our two project goals: to make the sanctuary more accessible and to create a unified and liturgically beautiful design: The current tabernacle stand extends too far into the sanctuary, limiting access for a priest to celebrate Mass at the altar. The tabernacle stand, the main altar, the ambo, and saints stands are different styles and stain colors. This does not communicate a unity of design and style, but instead presents conflicting styles. Order and harmony in design communicate the order and harmony of our faith, of nature, and the God who is revealed through them.

What will happen to the current sanctuary furnishings? (i.e., current: altar, ambo, tabernacle stand, stands for the saints)

Great care will be made to reuse and repurpose the wood of these items in other areas of the Church. Our chapel, the confessional area and other potential saint statues may present a need for these items to be reused or refashioned. In the meantime, these would be saved in storage and not discarded.

What will the new sanctuary furnishings be made out of?

The Ambo, Altar, and Altar of Repose will be made of carved wood with moldings, bezels, and gilding. The sanctuary floor will be porcelain tile and will meet the industry standards for safety and slip resistance.

Will removing the carpet in front of the sanctuary make the area a slipping hazard?

Places designated for distributing the Eucharist are to have flooring that is solid and non-porous. In the event that the Eucharist is dropped, the recovery of consecrated particles as well as the purifying of the area with water is a lot safer and easier. Luxury vinyl tile will be used here and will also meet the industry standards for safety and slip resistance.

Will this project cause our parish to go into debt?

No. The project will be funded through a capital campaign. Parishioners will be asked to make a 3 year pledge to cover the budget for this project. The last campaign the parish engaged in was about 26 years ago to cover the building of the PLC, which cost $1.1 million. Sanctuary project budget is under $250K, which is less than our yearly offertory income. We would only begin construction on the project when we reach our 3 year pledge goal AND when more than half of the pledge goal donations have come in.

Have you considered doing this project in stages? 

This was something we did discuss, but it was not recommended by the Diocese, our finance council, or the Architect. The reason is that when projects are done in stages, people experience campaign fatigue. In addition, costs continue to rise, and if you delay a part of the project, you wind up paying more for less. The only reason there would be need to break this project up into stages is if we failed to reach our campaign goal.

Will the renovation of our sanctuary create added costs for maintenance and upkeep?

It is not projected to add any significant cost to our parish maintenance budget. Actually, switching to hard surface flooring should reduce some costs to our budget, as hard surface floors last longer and are easier to clean. The removal of the chemical lights and replacing them with LED spotlights will also reduce our energy costs.

Are the current designs locked in and final?

No. While the designs have received approval from the Bishop and have gone through many revisions, there are elements of the design that can be adjusted or altered before the construction phase. This is why your ideas and feedback are important to the steering committee. While final design decisions rest with the Bishop and the Pastor, your suggestions will be considered.

When do you anticipate the project being completed?

We aim to complete construction in 2028. 2029 is St. Mary’s 150th parish anniversary and we would love to have it completed before the anniversary year.