DEAR CLONMELIANS,

Summer is going by faster than I would like and I’ve not experienced the slower pace often expected during this time of year. We are quickly approaching the end of July, meaning we are headed into that time of preparing for the start of school. I am grateful that this year will return us to many of our usual experiences of community and school.

Many of you submitted feedback last weekend on the renderings of the new church building. I am grateful for your feedback and they have led the building committee to review certain elements of the design. One of those is the desire for a choir loft. We are working with our architect to explore the costs and design of how to accommodate that addition. We would also like to invite you to participate in voting on whether or not you would like to have a choir loft in the new church.

Would you like to see a choir loft added to the design of the new church?

Yes, of course

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No, I don't think it's necessary

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I'm unsure, the cost of adding it is concerning to me

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I'm comfortable with or without a choir loft

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Responses to Feedback

Choir loft – A loft would provide an ideal placement for our musicians for the sake of sound. The loft would also provide space for additional storage. The addition of a choir loft is something we discussed at our most recent Building Committee meeting and have asked the architect to show us what it might look like and what the additional cost might be. Further feedback is welcome from you on the potential to add a choir loft to our new church.

Outside Stone relief – On the exterior renderings, there is an Irish cross stone relief. Several asked if that could be a stained glass window. Without a choir loft, it would be above the ceiling of the gathering space and would need to be backlit. If a choir loft is added it would be visible at the back of the loft and would let in natural light. It is possible to make this change without much difficulty and is one we will consider moving forward.

Special needs seating – Seating for those with special needs is placed throughout the building. There are spaces for wheelchairs or padded chairs at the center back of the church, in the middle sides of the church, and at the center front of the church. We can also accommodate those with special needs in either transept of the church.

Adoration chapel – The is an adoration chapel in the transept of the church, behind the baptismal font. The plan is to make this chapel accessible 24-hours a day with seating for approximately 12 people. There will be designated parking near the chapel entrance. This chapel will have a restroom attached that will also serve as the restroom for the cry room. Dual-use here prevents us from having to add another restroom.

Stained glass – We are planning to have stained glass in the windows of the church. We have not made a determination as to what Saints or scenes will be in the windows but will be seeking the input of the parish when the time comes. The addition of these windows will bring a lot of color to the church that is not depicted in the renderings. We have six windows in the main body of the church, three more in the music transept, and two up high in each transept. If you have preferences for what should be depicted in these windows, you are encouraged to share your ideas with the committee.

Fr. Joe