5 minute read
Celebrating Our Church Enhancement Project at St. Joseph
To ring in the 50th year of the current St. Joseph building, Fr. Timothy O’Connor wanted to do something really special. In 2017, preliminary planning began on a large-scale enhancement project. Formal planning began in early 2018. The project is now complete, and no one could be more excited than Fr. Tim.
“Everything turned out better than expected,” Fr. Tim says. “But we’d still like to raise another $500,000. This would put us in a good place to not have any debt from the project.”
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From an expanded gathering area to an enhanced music area, Fr. Tim is proud of it all. He is thankful to the many parishioners who have been so generous in their contributions to the project. He is also thankful for the great work and vision provided by Ziska Architecture and John G. Johnson Construction, which serves as the construction manager.
“One example of an area that turned out better than I expected is the music area,” Fr. Tim says. “The former music area was on a flat level. We have added risers to make our choir sound even better. People will be happy with what they hear and what they see.”
Fr. Tim was the driving force to get this project started. He reflected back to his first Mass at St. Joseph about five years ago. When the organist visited with Fr. Tim before Mass on a bright summer day, Fr. Tim said, “I think someone forgot to turn the lights on.” He was surprised to find they were already on.
“It was always such a dark church, even on a summer afternoon,” he says. “I think people got used to the darkness. To have the place illuminated, you can read the hymnal, see the sanctuary.”
So, light is another one of the many enhancements at St. Joseph Parish that Fr. Tim is so excited to reveal.
“The lighting is one of the best enhancements,” Fr. Tim says. “With better lighting, people can see better and with a better sound system, people can hear better.”
July and August included many finishing touches like completion of the sound system; padding on the pews; reinstallation of statues, Stations of the Cross, furnishings in the Reconciliation area and a deep cleaning.
Many of the most exciting enhancements involve ensuring that St. Joseph is more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Those with hearing devices can sync to the sound system and adjust the sound on their own. In addition, there are also cutouts in pews so that people using a mobility device can sit with their families. The sanctuary is also raised, which helps everyone be able to see better.
“We have a cross section of ages at St. Joseph, but we do have a high concentration of senior citizens,” Fr. Tim says. “We want to give gratitude to our senior citizens. That is one reason we now have a larger gathering area and a canopy with a dropoff area.”
Parishioner and Pastoral Council Chair Dan Bullock is excited about the ADA enhancements. He believes
hospitality is so important for a vibrant parish, and making sure everyone can experience the Mass is an important part of the equation.
“This has been an amazing undertaking,” Dan says. “Just like when you have a house that is 50 years old, you are going to have some upgrades you want to do. People are going to be amazed when they see the work that has been done.”
“When people who have not as yet made a pledge-gift see the completed project,
I think that they will want to contribute and be a part of this,” Fr. Tim says.
Fr. Tim is so pleased with the marble in the sanctuary and the tile work. He just thinks everything looks so much more beautiful.
“Like any parish campus of our age, there is plenty of work still to be done,” he says. “As funds become available, our continuing improvement will be ongoing.”
Fr. Tim has also been pleased with the work Ziska Architecture, the John G. Johnson Construction Company, and the skilled team of trades and professions that enabled this project to take place so smoothly.
“I also want to remember Tom Ziska, the father of Rick Ziska,” Fr. Tim says. “Tom passed away on 14 October, 2019. He was a big part of this project. Rick has picked up this project with his whole heart. Our construction team is also marvelous.”
The more that Fr. Tim talked about enhancements that could be made, the more parishioners began noticing areas for improvement. In particular, Fr. Tim is excited about the expanded platform around the altar and the overall design, among other things.
“Everything was so well thought out,” he says. “The whole church is so much more beautiful.”
As with any large project, there were a few setbacks, but these were easily managed. There was a gas line that had to be moved. Workers also found a storm sewer line and sanitary line that were not reflected in the planning documents. The City of Amherst helped work through the issue and two sewer lines had to be relocated. Fr. Tim is appreciative of Mayor Mark Costilow for his help with the issue.
The precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic also set the project back a bit. Worker numbers had to be managed and personal protective equipment had to be obtained. Some of the construction items were also delayed because of the virus.
“In God’s own providence, things were slowed down a bit due to COVID-19,” Fr. Tim says. “This gave us time to think through things. With no dedication set, we could take our time on finishing touches.”
Dan realizes this is a financially and mentally challenging time for some people. He would like to ask parishioners to consider a gift toward the project when their burdens have lifted.
“It has always been about whatever you can give, and God will return that a hundredfold,” Dan says.
When churches can allow full occupancy, Fr. Tim would like to have a large opening and dedication ceremony.
“I am so glad with how this has all come together,” he says. “People will be very proud of it.”
