June 14, 2006

The fourth in a series of “new church” instructions was held at the Parish Hall on Wednesday,
14 June, 2006 @ 7:00 p.m. The following lay persons were in attendance:

Anderson, Patriot D- Hittle, Sherry H- Murray, Don
Bechen, LaDean B-F- Kallin, John B-D- Newquist, Ken
Bengford, Ed F- Lansink, Allen ** D- Nulle, Kevin
B- Blanco, John Lansink, Bernard B-F- Parks, J. D.
F- Burns, Jean ** H- Lansink, DarleneAnn ** B-D- Patera, Diane
Drey, Raymond Lansink, Judy D- Redenius, Dave
F- Forbes, Donna Lansink, Karen Schnuckel, Tyler
B- Godbersen, Jill Lansink, Leila B-D- Sinnott, Leneé
B- Goldsmith, Peter Lansink, Richard B-F- Stover, Mike
Heath, JoAnn Lansink, Tammy D- Thompson, Stacey **
Hittle, Mike ** Lohmeier, Judy D- Wunschel, Theresa **

B = building committee......D = demographic committee.....F = finance committee......H = history committee

The meeting moderator was Father Brian Hughes, with our own Father David handily assisting.

Father Hughes opened the meeting on a jovial note, comparing RAGBRAI (we understand RAGBRAI !!) as an event where one could take the easy route between the rivers, Missouri to Mississippi; namely, to drive it within hours. But that is not the fun or the point – it is the total involvement (a lot of fun over the course of a week in this case) of getting from one side of Iowa to the other. So, too, should the journey be one of total involvement for the construction of the new church. This “church-trip / journey” would be (and is being) done over an extended period of time.
Father emphasized that we should NEVER VOTE. Do not have a vote on the new church or any part of its building progression, as it only tends to divide the people. Have a consensus and the resulting agreement should be more acceptable for the majority.
To keep all informed, Father suggested that a “Church Building” website would be a wise idea. Since Father David already has a website, we just need to add this segment / link and be sure it is maintained and kept current; including a Q & A would be a valuable aid.
Then Father Hughes had those in attendance divide into six sections, each with a secretary (** denotes the secretaries) and a chair, with that being the youngest member of the group (no arguments were overheard!!) Once in their appointed seating arrangements, three papers were handed out with questions to be considered and answered. When these sessions timed out, the secretaries presented their reports. There was not time for much discussion, nor did all the replies get revealed at this gathering. Considering this, all the notes from the proceedings were put together, resulting in the papers you are currently reading and deciphering.
Father Hughes did conclude the evening’s program with a limited Q & A. The seating capacity of our new church briefly came up and it was noted that there certainly isn’t any population boom in northwest Iowa with most of us only too aware of that. In that same vein, it was stated that in taking the attendance count at Sacred Heart, we do have parishioners going to our cluster parish, OLGC. Father Hughes suggested there be survey forms at BOTH Sacred Heart and OLGC for parishioners of both parishes since some from there do attend here. These would ask the people which Mass they currently prefer...any Mass time changes they would like...why they attend Mass at a certain time...if they go from here to Holstein to Mass at 4:00 p.m. because they plan to follow it with an early evening out...if they go up there to Mass at 10:00 a.m. because they want to head out for Sioux City or points elsewhere, etc. It would assist us with our count here knowing why some folks prefer Holstein and vice versa.
Negative attitudes were brought up as it does affect our parish count and the ability to raise funds. For some folks, they will never change but we do need to build up the people...FIRST the people (the CHRIST church), then the church, as in the BUILDING. Yes, too, there is a Diocesan Building Commission to oversee that all is done properly even though individual parishes can and may differ. Along with raising funds, it was noted that once the architect is hired and starts his / her work, we as a parish begin to incur expenses. The money currently in the “new church” budget would fund the initial payments. Average fund-raising fee ranges from 8 – 9½ %.
It was brought up about the additional expense we would be incurring when the old church would be demolished noting that it could “cost us thousands”.
One question from one of the discussion groups never answered due to lack of time: “Do we have a say where on these grounds the new church is built?”
The activities of the evening closed with an impromptu prayer by Father Hughes.
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The following is the compilation of notes taken by the six groups at the meeting. There were many doubles and triples; it is impossible to keep them all to a one-time mention. There are areas where it is necessary to repeat; otherwise, the observations of the participants would be significantly ignored.

Which aspects of the educational presentations did you find most interesting or challenging?
Architectural implications...history of the church building and the reasons why they are as they are. How important it is to start at ground zero. Was informative, as it had not been totally evident that there were so many church styles available (as viewed from the slides shown), even one actually being a barn; another example given was the Galva Methodist steel frame church. Noted that the history of the church, along with the presentation, needs to blend with the architecture. When you first walk into the church, you should feel like you are really IN a church. There is the challenge to carry on the tradition...to consider long-range function / size of the church facility. It was deemed necessary to learn how we can and should incorporate our history here at Sacred Heart with the new, modern architecture.

What were the most outstanding ideas that the educational sessions emphasized?
History, structure, details of planning of the church – where everything is placed, i.e., baptismal font. Must be practical, meet the needs of the people and still follow the liturgical needs. Be a WOW!! Church, stand out (“like a farmer – ‘out standing in his field’ “). Location / placement of items within the church...areas of the new church such as a possible cry room, fellowship area, etc. Types of activities and appropriate areas to accommodate these activities. Various fixtures and furnishings. That the people / community are the church and form must be in line with function.

What were some of the architectural implications of the educational sessions?
Interesting, but not all of it seemed to pertain to us. More emphasis on certain items, like the baptismal font than in the past. The division between the altar and the people, separation of the tabernacle from the remainder of the church. Right and wrong designs for a church to give a spiritual “feel”. Some churches have the baptismal font in the middle where those ahead of it could not view the baptism...this would indicate that their baptisms were held during Mass. Example of an in-the-center-of-church baptismal font would be at St. Michael’s in Leeds / Sioux City. The size and style of baptismal font would be up for discussion as how it would be incorporated into the church...maybe a separate setting. Shape of the building...in one particular group, fan-shaped was definitely preferred. Private prayer areas, the stations, statues, seating area. Everything went more to the centralization of the altar. When you look at the church from the outside, it should depict a spiritual place of worship.

Which aspects of the church’s theological / architectural heritage should be most emphasized in your new church building?
Warm and friendly, feel as if we belong HERE. Not have everything on one level...be able to see, incline of pews going downward toward the altar versus having the altar being higher up. Set up of the pews in the new St. Rose of Lima, Denison, parish was noted. That the old items from the present church be put in the right places in the new church...that the diamonds in a new setting be set in correctly. That a chapel be built, possibly behind the main altar using the same tabernacle having openings on opposite ends. Have it for some forty or so people for weekday Masses and private prayer...this would definitely save on utilities. The design of St. Martin Parish at Odebolt was noted for some of its positive aspects. Gathering room could double as an overflow room, depending on its location. Emphasis should be God-centered and a devotional area should be visible to all. Some of the cross-shaped churches have areas where the view of the altar is not the best, namely, the side stretches making it seem like three different groups of worshippers. Be sure it is a holy place. How and where the hall would be connected to the church. Be sure to design for proper acoustics. Needs to look like a CATHOLIC church. Incorporate into the new what we can from the old.

What are the characteristics / qualities of the present Sacred Heart Church that are most attractive to you?
High altar...stained-glass windows...high-peaked vaulted ceiling (though everyone realizes this is not energy-efficient)...choir loft...front of the choir loft should be preserved and find a place in the new church where the choir more than likely will be situated in the front...windows above altar... balcony...statues...Stations of the Cross (reframe / embellish)...preservation of the communion railing (find a place in our new church even if it is in the gathering room)...bell tower...ornate woodwork. Above all, our present Sacred Heart is church-like...has the feeling of a church...has a holy atmosphere, remembering that the church IS the people.

What are the elements of the present Sacred Heart Church that you think should be preserved for...
The new Church?
Stained-glass windows...in this regard, it was brought to our attention that rather than having these actually installed as outside windows (they are not very energy-efficient) that we come up with a plan to embody them in an area of the gathering room...in this regard, a plan would have to be devised and we could have something unique in our midst. The round rose window in the choir loft. The statues...especially those with the most meaning: Sacred Heart, Mary, Joseph, Infant of Prague, the angels...their placement would need to be discussed. Clavier (piano). High Altar.
An historic display?
Communion rail / rail kneelers...windows...donor’s names from stained glass...old organ... bell... balcony woodwork...Stations of the Cross...side altars...baptismal font...light fixtures... confessionals. On a lighter note – the red shag carpet!!
For some future purpose? There were no recorded replies.

Which aspects of the present Sacred Heart Church are most troublesome and need to be avoided in the new Church building?
Heating / cooling system needs to be improved...everything needs to be handicapped-accessible...good riddance of the wheelchair lift and steep narrow steps in various areas of the present church...need extra areas for special events (no specifics given)...a hall and kitchen with much better functional capacity (took note that we do sometimes need to use the Lutheran Fellowship Hall due to lack of needed facilities of our own)...comfortable fellowship hall...a kitchen designed totally different from the one we now have...better accommodations in the restrooms including additional stalls...lack of private bride / bridal dressing rooms...lack of a cry room...placement of the choir...a GOOD sound system (no offense to Father and his efforts)...the present style of the confessional booth...the present sloping sidewalk...NO basement (keeping in mind, though, that we live in ‘tornado alley’ and should have a ‘safe area’ – bringing to mind St. Patrick’s in Iowa City – they did retreat to the basement in the rectory and we do have that available). It was stressed that there is a need for PRIVATE confessionals even though the trend is toward Reconciliation Rooms.

What descriptive words would you use to describe that “experience” that you would most like your new Church building to convey?
Holy...sacred...”love is here”...comfortable...homey feeling – like you belong ... humbling ... inviting ...intimate...warm / warmth... spiritual ...welcoming ...want to be awestruck...inner peace...able to feel the Lord’s presence... inspiring...friendly...tranquil...pleasant color scheme...musical....”Catholic”.

Please name two or three church buildings...(old or new) that you have visited that you feel are especially beautiful or meaningful.
In Iowa:
Albia...St. Mary -- Ames...St. Cecelia -- Cedar Rapids...St. Pius X -- Danbury...St. Mary * -- Denison ...St. Rose of Lima * -- Dyersville...St. Francis Xavier Basilica -- Earling...St. Joseph -- Johnston...St. Mary of Nazareth -- Manilla...Sacred Heart < -- Marshalltown...St Henry + -- Milford...St. Joseph -- Mount Carmel ...Our Lady of Mount Carmel -- Moville...Immaculate Conception -- Odebolt...St. Martin *< --Sigourney ...St. Mary -- Sioux City...Cathedral of the Epiphany -- Sioux City...Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ -- Spirit Lake...St. Mary -- Storm Lake...St. Mary * -- Wall Lake...St Joseph -- Washington...St James ~~ --West Bend...Grotto of the Redemption / Sts. Peter and Paul -- West Des Moines...St. Francis of Assisi * ^

Also, the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove.
Outside of Iowa:
AZ...Sedona...St. John Vianney ---- FL...Sanibel Island...St. Isabel ---- MN...Chanhassen...St. Hubert ---- MO...St. Joseph...St. Francis Xavier ---- MO...St. Louis...Requiem Chapel in Christ Church Cathedral ---- NE...Creighton...St. Ludger ---- NE...Fremont...St. Patrick * ---- NE...Omaha...St. Cecelia ---- NE...Omaha ...St. Margaret Mary ---- NE...Omaha...St. Vincent de Paul ---- TX...Bedford...St. Michael
[ [ No offense to our sister – parish, OLGC, for not being mentioned. ] ]
An asterisk (*) denotes that this church was mentioned more than once. + = the gathering room with its “mailboxes” was a distinct feature. ~~ = the baptismal area was of special interest. < = the placement of their halls was discussed. ^ = the holy water fountain (and it is a fountain) had its good and not-so-good points; also noted about this parish – their acoustical problems.
Going back to session three, there were several parishes in western Iowa whose specific architectural styles were mentioned; these being at Remsen...St. Mary ---- Roselle...Holy Angels ---- Stuart... All Saints (sadly, this one was the victim of a fire).

What are some elements / aspects that the present church lacks that the new church should include?
Room in which to celebrate the Sacraments (no specifics given)...gathering room...cry room...accessible restrooms...room for ALL parishioners (but can’t be built for the Easter / Christmas crowd)...ground level facilities in general...private family room especially suited for before and after weddings and funerals...secretary’s office just off the gathering room area...be sure there is a flow from one to the other as in hall to gathering room to restrooms to church, etc...allow enough space per person to sit comfortably (more than 14”!!)...economical...the music rocks (!!) and should be good...should schedule a Polka Mass...holy water fountain/s properly placed... drive-thru canopy (for dropping off mothers and their young ones especially in inclement weather; likewise, bringing the elderly and handicapped)...gathering room with “mailboxes” (for the parish support envelopes, bulletin, parish newsletter, financial report, Altar Society programs, Religious Education and Vacation Bible School papers and notices, etc., parish directory information, various schedules placed in the appropriate box for ushers, lectors, Mass servers, Eucharistic Ministers, etc.) Handouts at church would be kept to a minimum. Ushers, for example, would be free to actually usher and greet people.

In a few words, describe the vision that you have for the new Sacred Heart Church building.
A place of worship which will accommodate the parishioners and guests.
Warm... friendly... inspiring...feeling of love making people want to come and participate ... interesting for our young ones so they will continue in the Faith (and probably pay for it – the new church, that is)...the “WOW !!” factor.
To create a peaceful, spiritual place of worship for all people to praise God. To motivate and educate our youth for a lifetime of faith, hope, charity and love.
A dynamic, warm, prayerful worship space inviting to all ages with a timeless design that will look appropriate for future generations. A larger, sound structure that will be a pillar in the community.
A Christ-centered building, where families, friends and strangers may all gather together to share Christ’s love and presence. The new church should give us the same feeling as our present church.
A building that represents our Catholic traditions yet incorporates liturgical needs, both present and future. It should blend the architectural elements from the present church, connecting the past, present and future. We want a church that is welcoming and conveys holiness and intimacy.

May this provide you with a better understanding of the happenings and thoughts of those who attended the meetings. Most everyone present had been to all four of the scheduled instructions. Amen