Webcam for the new Saskatoon cathedral construction

 — Aug. 6, 20106 aoüt 2010

[by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, adapted from an earlier news release]

Construction began last winter on Holy Family Cathedral and Pastoral Centre, the largest project in the history of the RC Diocese of Saskatoon, and the first Catholic cathedral to be built in Canada since St. Boniface cathedral in Winnipeg was rebuilt after a 1968 fire. A webcam is now available to view the progress of the construction. The image updates every 30 seconds.

Construction on the 65,000-square-foot project in northeast Saskatoon is expected to take about two years. According to Leah Perrault, director of pastoral services for the diocese, “This new building is much more than a structure. It represents the growing and vibrant Catholic community in the diocese of Saskatoon. It represents the presence of God among us.”

“As a Catholic community, we have a long history here of serving those who are sick, those who are in need and those who look to us for an education. This Cathedral and Pastoral Centre will be the home of our ministry and our service for the next 100 years.”

The parish, which includes some 1,600 families, has been waiting for several years to begin construction of a much-needed replacement for its overcrowded building in Sutherland. Holy Family parish committed itself to raise $16 million for its new home, while parishes from across the diocese are raised $12.5 million for the Cathedral and Catholic Pastoral Centre through the Uniting in Faith campaign.

Building committee chair Jim Nakoneshny has described features of the building, which “will be a place where we can all gather for major diocesan celebrations and other liturgical events; a new centre that will provide leadership and support for over 40 programs throughout the diocese.” He notes that the new building will house the office of the Chancery, which includes the offices of bishop and chancellor; offices for parish and pastoral centre staff; residences for both parish and visiting diocesan clergy; meeting and conference facilities; a library and secure archive facility; areas for private devotions; and a banquet facility and community centre. The cathedral hall will be named Bishop LeGatt Hall in honour of the former bishop, who played an important role in launching and leading the project.

“The most distinctive feature of our cathedral is the soaring spiral roofline and the large central cross, which reaches to a height of over 175 feet. The cathedral’s design is inspired by the traditional hymn ‘Lift High the Cross’ with the building proudly proclaiming itself as a house of God,” Nakoneshny said. “In the main body of the church, curved hardwood pews will surround the low sanctuary, providing for an intimate seating arrangement. Seating capacity is around 1,200, yet no one is further than 70 feet from the altar. When using overflow seating areas, we will be able to accommodate over 2,000 people for Christmas masses or special diocesan celebrations,” he described.

“The main aisle, as well as the stone wall on which hangs the cross, will be laid in Jerusalem limestone, shipped to us from quarries in Israel. This physical connection to the Holy Land gives us a link to our spiritual beginnings and is a constant reminder of the significance of our faith journey.”

Bringing in plenty of natural light was an important part of the building design, he added. “One item of great importance in this project is the issue of environmental stewardship. Our design team has worked to implement sustainable and forward-thinking design principles wherever possible. Special care has been taken in the design of the heating and cooling systems, windows, and insulation. Overall, this will be a very green building,” he said, adding that the environmentally sensitive site will also be protected. “Our landscape architects will also work to ensure that the natural prairie landscape developed by the MVA (Meewasin Valley Authority) and St. Joseph High School is respected and maintained.”

See also:
Dec 19, 2009 • Ground officially broken for new diocesan home: sod-turning held Dec. 17 for Holy Family Cathedral and Catholic Pastoral Centre in northeast Saskatoon
Nov 19, 2009 • New diocesan Cathedral and Catholic Pastoral Centre project goes to tender Nov. 13, Uniting in Faith campaign nearing conclusion
May 13, 2009 • Understanding of baptism mirrored in architecture says RCIA coordinator Fr. Michael Koch, reflecting on how design of new cathedral will make meaning clear
Apr 13, 2008 • Frequently Asked Questions about the Holy Family Cathedral and Catholic Centre project
Feb 2, 2008 • Diocese of Saskatoon moves forward with Catholic Centre / Cathedral project

Posted: Aug. 6, 2010 • Permanent link: ecumenism.net/?p=633
Categories: NewsIn this article: Catholic, Saskatoon
Transmis : 6 aoüt 2010 • Lien permanente : ecumenism.net/?p=633
Catégorie : NewsDans cet article : Catholic, Saskatoon


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