These projects were associated with our efforts to respond to Bishop Olmsted’s Together Let Us Go Forth, Juntos Sigamos Adelante campaign, through which 35% of our financial contributions came back to St. Anne to support these projects. Please allow me once again to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to the campaign, especially those of you who have fulfilled your pledges. I would also like to express our gratitude to those families who have made financial gifts for this project above and beyond the Together Let Us Go Forth campaign. If you would like the opportunity to fulfill your pledge, there is still time. Unfortunately, we have encountered a significant increase in cost due to the rising materials and labor costs. We welcome any assistance, both in prayer and financial contributions.
We will begin by removing all of the current liturgical fixtures starting February 21st, 2022, to clear the Sanctuary in preparation for the removal of the existing tile and baptismal font to make way for the extension of the lower altar step, which will include the realignment of the air conditioning register.
Mass will continue to be celebrated in the Church during this phase of work with some adjustments. The altar & ambo will be relocated to the foot of the Sanctuary for the duration of the renovation. We will remove the first two pews on the left and right of the center aisle to provide more room for the celebration of the Mass while also allowing us to maintain the current procedures for the reception of Holy Communion. These changes will be in effect beginning Saturday, February 26th, and through the duration of the renovation for both the weekend and weekday Masses.
We expect the artisans from Granda to arrive no later than March 5th or 6th. We will then begin installing the new marble tile, pedestals, statuaries, Ambo, Altar, etc. We hope to have all of their work completed in time for the celebration of Palm Sunday, at which time Bishop Olmsted will visit St. Anne to consecrate the altar and bless the Sanctuary! This will be a great time of celebration in our community for several reasons: First and foremost, the fulfillment of our collective efforts to present a beautiful sanctuary for the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass and, most importantly, for our Eucharistic Jesus, who resides in the Tabernacle of our parish home. We will also gather together as a family in faith to receive our beloved Bishop, Thomas J. Olmsted. He has recently submitted his letter of resignation per The Code of Canon Law ( Can. 401), which requires the Bishop to present his resignation at the age of 75. I believe that most of us can agree that we have been very blessed to have such an exceptional bishop for the last several years. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate this extraordinary event with our Bishop as he enters the twilight of his time as the head of the Diocese of Phoenix.
In addition to the renovation of the Sanctuary, we expect to begin the significant project of removing a large portion of the concrete slabs in the courtyards to make way for the installation of an updated drip system, several shade trees, and pavers, as illustrated in the rendering of our yard. We will begin working in the courtyard between the Parish Hall and the Church in front of the fountain. The work in the square will be done in sections, which will ensure that we do not create any residual issues that restrict our access to the Church or any other buildings on campus. We hope to have the work completed in conjunction with the renovation of the Sanctuary just in time for Holy Week!
In closing, I would like to provide you with an estimated timeline as a point of reference. Please keep in mind that there might be some adjustments with some work for unforeseen reasons.
Thank you for your continued support!
May God continue to bless you and your loved ones +