• provides more reverence for the Eucharist
• includes 2 additional Reconciliation Rooms
• allows for more simultaneous liturgical / ministry activities and overflow seating
• gives the opportunity to redesign the Gathering Area
• 2024 cost of building shell estimate was $1 million; Pledges remaining to receive equal $1.3 million

What are the campaign priorities? 
 The list of projects considered in this campaign include:

• Priority #1 – Debt elimination for the ELC building ACCOMPLISHED 6/30/2026
• Priority #2 – Chapel – relocate chapel and tabernacle
• Priority #3 – ELC cafeteria/kitchen upgrade and expansion

These projects will be done in priority order. We will not incur any new debt.  
 

Why do we need a new chapel? 

The need for a larger chapel was driven by several factors, including its size, location, and overall functionality.  The current chapel is often too small for the number of parishioners wanting to pray, and the gathering area is often used as an overflow area for the chapel.  The larger chapel would allow us to celebrate daily Mass and smaller liturgies in a more intimate setting, while providing the flexibility and space needed for multiple liturgical celebrations.  

The current location of the chapel does not lend itself to proper reverence for the Eucharist.  During mass, after communion, the Eucharist would be placed in the new chapel tabernacle and would no longer have to pass through the gathering area on the way.  

The new chapel project will include a separate entrance, a separate restroom, add two new reconciliation rooms and allow us to update the gathering area space.   

When do we expect to start building the chapel? 

The chapel will be built without taking on any additional debt. We will start, as funds are available, to complete detailed designs for this project so that as the funds are collected/available we can begin construction. 

Why don’t we move the tabernacle to the Sanctuary?

Bishop John stated that the tabernacle must not be relocated behind the altar where the priest would have his back to the Eucharist during mass. Moving the tabernacle to a new chapel provides a location of reverence for the Eucharist. This is consistent with the direction from the Roman Missal.

Roman Missal – Arrangement and Ornamentation of Churches 315. 

      It is more appropriate as a sign that on an altar on which Mass is celebrated there not be a                                  tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved. 

         Consequently, it is preferable that the tabernacle be located according to the judgement of the

                  Diocesan Bishop.

Questions?  Leslie McGraw, [email protected] or 859-278-7432 ext 1493