St. Juan Diego Church Updates and More

Epiphany

2012-01-09T20:50:00.001-08:00

We placed a map of the world on the big bulletin board at the entrance of the church. All were invited to place a stick-pin on their country of origin so that we can visualize the cultural diversity of our families.

At the First Epiphany Jesus was revealed as the “Light to the Nations”. May the light of this season dispel cultural boundaries and draw us closer to each other in Christ.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

All decorated for Christmas!

Dedication Anniversary

2011-10-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

One year ago on October 24, 2010 we dedicated our parish church. The ritual was rich in meaning. I vividly remember when Janette Strand, our choir director, first greeted the standing-room-only assembly with the words “Welcome to St. Juan Diego Catholic Church!” Spontaneous applause erupted and I was overcome with emotion. I could barley sing the opening hymn because my voice was quivering. That moment was the culmination of so much hard work and sacrifice on the parts of way too many people to mention by name. But I need to acknowledge a few.

As we celebrate our first year anniversary this weekend I want to thank Kathy Yee, without whom I could never have been successful in my role as pastor. Her organizational skills and pastoral heart was integral in creating the parish and building the church. Brian Jackson and the building committee represented all the parishioners well as we worked with architects, builders and consultants. Brian’s architectural expertise, artistic talent, and his gentle-but-firm negotiating style allowed us to represent our interests in a respectful, Christian manner. Mary Jo Gregoire with Wanda Schwab and the Pastoral Council – not to mention representatives of all our parish organizations – helped us transition into the new building in a smooth and efficient manner.

Our liturgies and building procedures are so smooth and graceful now that I almost forget all the work it took to set up for Mass in a gym every Sunday. We had amazing liturgies there, but I (and the set up crew, sound crew, choir, etc.) am very happy those days are over. Praying in a beautiful space (designed by Merryman Barnes Architects with the advice of our Liturgical Consultant, John Buscemi and built by The Grant Company) has allowed for me, and all of us, to experience a richer liturgical spirituality.

All of the meetings – from daily Mass, to RCIA and organizational meetings – have moved from the rectory (my residence) to the church. Its nice to have a little more privacy, but I miss some of the personal friendliness that such a casual gathering space allowed.

This weekend we light our dedication candles and thank God for the gift of St. Juan Diego Catholic Church. May the Holy Spirit enlighten us to discern our mission for the future (which the Pastoral Council is currently discerning), may the life and love of Jesus flow through each person who comes to our church, and may our community be a blessing to the entire neighborhood.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. John Kerns

Parish Priest

The dedication candles were lit for the weekend Masses on the one year Anniversary of the Dedication of the church.

What's an anniversary without cake!

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi - Blessing of Animals

2011-10-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

This age-old tradition of blessing animals is celebrated on or about the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the Ecology, his Feast Day is October 4. St. Francis was known for his joyful preaching of the Gospel, often accompanied by singing. He is also known to give praise to God for the beauty of God’s creation. His love of nature and animals is reflected in stories of his compassion and care of all of God’s creatures. On his feast day it is traditional to bring pets to the church to be blessed by the priest.

After singing "All Creatures of Our God and King", Fr. Kerns blessed all the animals. There were lots of dogs, birds, a cat, a lizard and a frog.

The lone kitty.

Man's best friend.

St. Bernard puppies!

Gathering outside of church for the blessing of animals.

Fr. Kerns sprinkles holy water over the animals.

The Tabernacle

2011-08-17T14:15:00.001-07:00

The Tabernacle and Reverence

This weekend we dedicate our new, permanent tabernacle; a worthy home for the Blessed Sacrament. The tabernacle is a gift from St. Pius X Parish to St. Juan Diego Catholic Church. They raised $5000 to provide for it, and we are very grateful. It was designed and executed by master craftsman Gary Rogowski (www.northwestwoodworking.com).

During the Catholic Mass there are three primary foci: The altar (where Christ becomes present in the bread and wine), the ambo (where the Word of God is proclaimed, making Christ present), and the presider’s chair (where Christ is present in the role of the presider). All are easily visible from the pews (where Christ is present in the assembly, i.e. they are the Body of Christ). The two-fold purpose of the tabernacle, which holds the remaining hosts from the Mass, are (1) to have the Eucharist available to take to the sick and homebound, and (2) for adoration and prayer.

Our church is designed so that when one enters the sanctuary the baptismal font (through which we enter the Church) and the altar/table (where we are nourished) are lined up with the Tabernacle (where Christ is truly present). Then, after one genuflects toward the tabernacle and sits in the pew, the altar becomes the focus of attention because the pews centered on the altar.

At Mass the ministers (priest, deacon, lectors and servers) genuflect toward the tabernacle upon entrance and while departing. Then, during the liturgy, the altar becomes our focus where Christ is soon to be made present. Therefore, during the liturgy we bow to the altar when we pass by. There are exceptions: the Eucharistic minister genuflects to the tabernacle during Mass when retrieving the hosts before the Communion Rite and, again, genuflects after placing the remaining hosts in the tabernacle after communion. Additionally, those carrying items like candles, cross or the book of the gospels do not genuflect or bow, but simply pause as others genuflect. And lastly, if one has bad knees, a bow can suffice in lieu of genuflecting. It is best either to genuflect or bow, rather than do a kind of partial bow/genuflection hybrid.

Eventually, we will have designs for a presider’s chair and ambo for which we already have donors. As you know, Mr. Rogowski also designed and built the Easter Candle stand, which was donated by Roger Mach’s family, and designed the altar, which was donated and built by our contractor, Mike Grant.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. John Kerns
Parish Priest

Vacation Bible School

2011-08-16T15:04:00.001-07:00

Beachcomber Roger was a big hit with the metal detector. In science this year they made sand candles, played with slime and learned about metal detectors.

The opening and closing were full of fun songs. We especially liked singing "J-E-S-U-S."

The children brought in over 600 pounds of food for the food pantry. They also got tours of the pantry.

We had a great time at our SonSurf Beach Bash VBS this year with 35 children and 15+ youth volunteers! Thanks to Richell Chiu for taking these pictures on Wednesday.

Camp Howard

2011-07-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

This year, we had families sign up to send their children to Camp Howard during the same week. We had a get together where we did tie-dye t-shirts and then the Sunday they left for Camp we had a blessing at the end of Mass. Fr. Kerns and Bridget Becker went up to visit the children on Thursday, July 28. Here are a few pictures from the Camp Howard activities.

Blessing for a safe and spirit-filled week up at Camp Howard.

Group picture taken after Mass before they left for camp.

Fr. Kerns with some of the St. Juan Diego campers.

This is a view from where they have campfires at night. As one of the workers at Camp Howard said "How can you not believe in God when you see all this beauty?" AMEN!

Here's our own C.I.T, Cormac Connolly (in the red shirt). Counselor in Training.

Dinner up at Camp Howard. They learned a different grace each day and one of them very excitedly told me "We get dessert at every lunch and dinner!"

Who is that getting a cougar award?

and another cougar award for St. Juan Diego! Way to go, Mike!

Couples Bunco Night

2011-07-28T09:37:00.001-07:00

On July 22, we had our first ever Couples Bunco night. Great snacks, friends and fun!

Jerzy had a lot of fun ringing the bell even when he didn't have a Bunco!

And the prize for the most losses goes to Mike and Kathy. Hmmm... "Out of Order". A great piece of St. Juan Diego memorabilia from the men's restroom at PCC.

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

2011-07-28T09:22:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, July 16th, the staff hosted a picnic to thank all the volunteers. This included choir members, Faith formation catechists, money counters, greeters, and many more ministries (too many to name). We love our volunteers and wanted to show some appreciation for all the time they give to our parish!

Who's watching the church?

The water balloon hand-off.

No, it's not rain. It's a water balloon that burst in mid-air.

Every picnic has to have a water balloon toss!

Go Beavers!

The Choir Boss!

The chefs!

Food, friends and fun!

A few more pictures from the Dedication

2011-06-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Anointing of the altar by Archbishop John G. Vlazny

A brazier is placed on the altar and incense lit by the Archbishop.

The altar is prepared and dressed. Flowers are brought forth to decorate the space.

Pictures taken by Gerry Lewin from the Catholic Sentinel.

Corpus Christi

2011-05-19T09:04:00.001-07:00

In the narthex and in the back of the sanctuary there are two different models of the image of Christ that, eventually, will be cast in bronze as a greater-than-life-sized sculpture and will hang in our sanctuary near the west window above the tabernacle. Tomasz Misztal, the artist (www.tomaszmisztal.com), was born in Poland in 1957 and currently lives and works in Portland. He earned his Fine Arts Ph.D. from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, Poland. His works are on display in private collections and museums internationally, most notably in the Vatican. He recently completed installations for the new Catholic Charities Building in Portland and the new St. Francis Church in Bend.

A few things to note about the sculpture:

Christ is crucified, yet triumphant. There are many images depicting Christ in this state, most notably the “San Damiano Cross” popularized by St. Francis. These acknowledge the suffering of Jesus and, at the same time, his victory over death. I have always thought that depictions of the risen Jesus say too little about his suffering, and images of Christ in death do not say enough about resurrection. Yet all depictions have their proper place.

Since the sculpture will have the large west window behind it, the art committee realized that it will be viewed as a silhouette some of the time. To incorporate a cross shape would only block the key features of the body of Christ when there is a western sun. Therefore, no cross beams will be included. Additionally, since silhouettes can sometimes look “spooky”, it is necessary to avoid that impression. When the sun is in the east the face needs to appear compassionate and timeless in order to lead the viewer to a deeper relationship with Jesus via this sacred image. The artist accomplished these issues masterfully.

Furthermore, the Building Committee decided early on to work with local artists for the church appointments in the interest of sustainability and supporting the local economy.

The cost of the mock-up versions was $7000, all paid through donations in honor of my silver jubilee, and I am very grateful to all who contributed. This stage was necessary to make sure the depiction is what we truly want. But when it comes to the final greater-than-life-sized sculpturing that includes bronze casting, transportation, engineering to manage its weight, and final installation, the cost will be in the neighborhood of $70,000. It will also be the only one of its kind in the world.

Funding has yet to be determined, but it was important to let parishioners know of the long-range plans for this preeminent image of Jesus for our church.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. John Kerns
Parish Priest

Good Friday

2011-05-09T13:29:00.001-07:00

Behold the wood of the Cross

on which hung the Savior of the world.

Come let us adore

Photos taken by Steve Swoboda, used with permission.

Holy Thursday

2011-05-05T13:22:00.001-07:00

Sandra, one of the Candidates for Full Communion presents one of the oils to Fr. Kerns.

Fr. Kerns accepts the oil.

Deacon Dennis is then handed the oil to place in the Ambry.

The Ambry was also blessed at the Holy Thursday Mass.

Washing of the feet at Holy Thursday Mass.

Our new sacred vessels were presented during the offertory and then blessed.

Easter Vigil 2011

2011-04-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Easter Vigil Mass begins at dusk, when it is dark. The fire is started outside and the Christ candle is lit. "Christ our Light" is sung while all the candles are lit, which guide our way into the church. Much thanks for the beautiful pictures which were taken by Richell Chiu, parishioner.

Everyone has a candle that is being lit from the flame of the Christ candle.

Light fills the church from all the candles.

Deacon Dennis carried the Paschal Candle this year.

The baptismal font is up and running with water flowing over the west side of the font into the immersion pool below. You can see the Elect in the purple garments lined up near the far steps of the baptismal pool. They will be the first ones baptized in this immersion pool!

Thomas Aguilar is baptized with the flowing waters by Fr. Kerns.

The new Paschal Candle stand was delivered Saturday around noon. This year's candle is bigger and heavier than our previous candles; it is now 3 inches in diameter. The center wood section was taken from a tree off of the church property meant to resemble the wood pillars inside the church.

This picture provides a better view of the new candle stand. We also blessed new sacred vessels at the Holy Thursday Mass seen on the altar in the above picture.

If you'd like to see more Easter pictures taken by Richell Chiu, please visit her website.

Drinking Fountains!

2011-01-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

The drinking fountains in the Narthex have been installed along with a bulletin board displaying the artwork from the Faith Formation classes.

The Ambry is almost complete. The Ambry holds the sacred oils used for Anointing , Baptisms and Confirmation.

Our St. Juan Diego Icon has a home

2011-01-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

Our St. Juan Diego Icon has found a permanent home in the narthex and was beautifully adorned for Christmas. More Christmas pictures coming soon.

We have a piano now!

2010-12-17T15:18:00.001-08:00

The piano was delivered today, Friday, December 17, 2010. Just in time for Christmas!

Work is also being done to raise the edges of the ramps on the sides of the altar plinth. These new edges will be finished with wood similar to the altar plinth.

Fr. John playing the new piano shortly after it was delivered.

The cross has been mounted on top of the church

2010-11-17T16:50:00.001-08:00

The electricians working on the wiring for the lighting of the cross.

The cross is very heavy and required a crane to move it to atop the church.

Moving the cross into position to be lifted up and placed on top of the church.

Pictures from the Open House

2010-11-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

The Open House Committee did a great job noting what all the items are in a Catholic Church.

More signs with descriptions of important items in our church.

This picture shows the backside of the altar where you can see the aperture where the relics were placed. The enshrining of holy relics is an ancient custom within the Catholic Church. This practice hearkens to a time when persecuted Christians in the early church would celebrate Mass in the catacombs near the remains of martyrs. Our relics are of Saint Philip of Jesus, Saint John Vianney and Saint Flavia Domitilla.

I wide view of the church during the open house. Acoustical curtains have been hung in the back of church to help absorb sound and provide space for storage.

At the Open House, there were tables set up with descriptions of each of the Seven Sacraments and some of the symbols associated with each sacrament.

A couple more Dedication pictures

2010-11-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

The Archbishop really pours chrism on the altar! The picture above shows how well the he anointed the altar. A brazier is placed on the altar after the anointing and incense is lit by the Archbishop.

The dedication stone was taken from the same stone used to make the baptismal font.

More work to be done

2010-10-28T09:59:00.001-07:00

Detail of face of Our Lady of Guadalupe tapestry.

Close up of Mary's left eye.

Detail of Angel below our Lady of Guadalupe.

Baptistry having tiles installed.

Kathy Marshall and Cliff Yee assembling podium for Children's liturgy of the Word. Notice storage area behind acoustical curtains.

Kathy Yee and Peggy Brice finally have an office after hours of hard work.

More Dedication Pictures

2010-10-27T19:56:00.001-07:00

This is the view through the windows on the west side of the church. The sun was shining on and off throughout the day on Sunday as you can see in this picture taken before the dedication. This is a temporary tabernacle. The construction blog will continue to be updated for many more weeks and months as there are many things yet to come.

A view of the altar and church before the dedication on Sunday morning.

Up close view of one of the dedication crosses and candles. There are four of these crosses and candles in the church. The candles were lit during the Dedication and will only be lit on special feasts such as Christmas, Easter and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Catholic Sentinel St. Juan Diego Church Dedication article

Dedication Pictures

2010-10-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

What an amazing day. Here are some pictures from Almira Ko, parishioner and photographer.

Dedication Day Pictures.

We have a sign... it's official!

2010-10-22T17:54:00.001-07:00

The sign on 178th has been installed! We're official now.

Since we will have a tabernacle, we need a sanctuary light. This is the holder for the sanctuary/tabernacle candle. This candle will be lit for the first time when the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the tabernacle during the Dedication Mass on Sunday.

The altar has been delivered.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2010-10-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

The primary image of Mary in our new church will be a tapestry of Our Lady of Guadalupe, by the artist John Nava. His most famous works are the tapestries in the Los Angeles Cathedral (one image of which is St. Juan Diego; another image is of St. Bridget of Sweden). Fr. Kerns had admired a similar tapestry at the Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lafayette, Oregon, which inclined him to procure this one for our church.

A closeup of the tapestry.

Don Farnsworth putting the finishing touches on the tapestry.

Links:
John Nava's tapesteries at the Cathedral in Los Angeles

Trappist Abbey (Our Lady's picture is right at the top of their homepage)

5 days until the dedication!

2010-10-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

The stations of the cross by mosaic artist Ruth Frances Greenburg are ready to be set in place.

Baptistry is ready for tiles to be applied.

The altar platform is shaping up. Notice in the background all the handrails are in place.

Kathy Yee is piously testing out the prie dieus.

Pews are being installed

2010-10-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

The painting was completed with the dark trim.

Doors are being hung like this one to the office.

Plumbers installing the baptismal circulation system.

The ambry will be completed after the dedication, but one can see the wood template on the left that will guide the fabrication of a metal cross.

Pew being put together before installation.

The hardwood floor being installed at the altar plinth.

Handrail at the ramp next to the presider's plinth.

Panorama of the pews set in place before they are bolted to the ground.

This stained glass window was in our cathedral before the renovation in the 1990s. Fr. George Wolf gave it to Fr. John Kerns for the new church. For now it will be in the chevron winow over the entrance.

The pews are here! The pews are here!

2010-10-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

The truck delivered the pews on Thursday morning.

Each pew is set on the ground in its proper location. Footings will be placed on the sides and they will be fastened to the floor.

View of pews from the presider's plinth. Notice that the altar plinth is ready for hardwood floor installation.

New Holland pew manufacturers threw in 4 prie-dieus as part of the deal.

Screens that go in front of the first pew in each section.

Pre-drilled bolt holes will hide the attachment mechanism.

Automatic door mechanism.

Machinery for automatic door.

Bicycle Parking

2010-10-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

Bicycle parking in front of the church.

Patio area outside the west window.

Dedication crosses

2010-10-13T14:52:00.001-07:00

Greg Madden, our parishioner, is fabricating the dedication crosses.

The parts for the dedication crosses.

The stand for the sanctuary lamp that Brian Jackson designed to tie in with the dedication crosses, which were designed by Ken Klos.

The grates over the Baptistry pool

2010-10-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

The grates have been installed. These grates cover the Baptistry pool and can be removed for immersion baptisms.

Sacred Vessels

2010-10-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

These new sacred vessels will be blessed this weekend at Mass (October 16-17) and then used for the Rite of Dedication Mass on October 24.

The presider's chalice pictured above is a gift from the First Eucharist Class of 2010.

Starry lights!

2010-10-11T19:17:00.001-07:00

This gated area is being built to conceal garbage cans and recycling.

The ring of lights over the altar area is like a halo of stars.

A similar ring of lights is over the baptistry. My 13 yr. old nephew, John, would love it that we have something in our church (below) that looks like a Transformer.

Our painters, Carlos and Robert, are putting a clear finish on the pillars.

The rose in the narthex.

The rose at the foot of the altar.

Sinks in the men's restroom. Plumbing for the baptistry is also being installed.

Sinks in the women's restroom lit by the sola tube. The little boxes below the sink are individual hot water heaters that heat the water as it is drawn, eliminating gallons in a hot water tank. Another sustainable practice.

The driveway has been paved!

2010-10-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

The church from 178th.

Our new entryway has been paved!

The porta-potty will be gone before the dedication.

View of church from plaza. Painting almost complete except for the trim.

Looking from church to 178th Ave.

Narthex siding complete and ready for clearcoat.

Lighting in the narthex on North wall.

Lighting on south wall of narthex.

Lighting up the ceiling to show rich wood textures.

Duct work is all closed in.

Scaffolding has been removed. Floor coverings will be taken up, then lights will be adjusted.

Ambry nearing completion near baptistry.

The wood grain will show the pillar's natural beauty.

The roses

2010-10-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

The rose motif is a symbol of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Roses play a key role in the story of the miraculous image on the tilma of St. Juan Diego. This rose motif can be found in the narthex of St. Juan Diego Church, at the place of honor in front of the altar, and near the tabernacle. The rose motif reminds us of the encounter of Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin and the Virgin of Guadalupe on Tepeyac Hill.

Rose motif in front of Tabernacle area with surrounding protection.

Photographer Almira Ko went up in the lift to get this dramatic shot.

Project Manager Roman Giberson, Fr. John and Site Superintendent Dave Kirk examine rose.

More light.

2010-10-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

The "up" (recessed) lights on the inside of the church.

Interior lighting.

Exterior painting completed.

Staining for the roses in the sanctuary are starting with an undercoat.

A time for planting and a time for painting

2010-10-06T12:57:00.001-07:00

Native plants are being used in the landscaping.

More painting on the outside of the church.

Nice refrigerator donated for St. Vincent De Paul.

A fresh coat of paint and a beautiful ADA compliant ramp system this week for St. Vincent De Paul.

Details of the altar

2010-10-06T06:58:00.001-07:00

Mike Grant and his dog at Mike's shop in Mount Angel where our altar is being built.

Detail of the altar.

Getting down to the details

2010-10-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

Driveway sidewalk being prepped.

Driveway sidewalk rebar.

New driveway and church in background.

New sidewalk in front.

Electrical room. Power is now through out the property.

Lights are being hung. Notice the metal ring in the foreground over the baptistry upon lights will be placed.

Electrician working on light cables. The white light fixture to the right will eventually run the length of the beam.

Painting clearcoat on the ceiling that extends from inside to outside. Cables hanging down will hold a halo of lights over the altar.

Covers for duct work being set in place.

Baseboards being installed.

Access from parking area for the disabled.

Plants ready to be planted.

St. Vincent de Paul building painting prep.

St. Vincent de Paul building painted. Henry (on roof) and Karol Mesa, Bob and Tammy Taylor.

Shelving for StVdP bought on Craigslist being set in place on new flooring.

Ken and Karen David with Kathy Yee in StVdP building.

Dave Lindenmuth and others attacking some blackberry bushes.

Tom Quillin and Dennis Desmarais helping to clear brush.

Mike Tierney and Dave Marcantuono making a difference.

Article in the Catholic Sentinel

2010-10-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

Read the article here:

New church rises after years of waiting, work

Less than one month away from the dedication!

2010-09-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

Mike Grant, our contractor, has built the legs of the altar he is donating to the parish. It looks like St. Joseph is building it!

Sidewalk along Springville Road.

Lighting in front of church.

Lights along the sidewalk going to the lower parking lot.

Lighting looking from church toward 178th Ave.

Getting ready to pour the gathering space in front of the church.

Doors and panels that will contain glass separating the narthex from the sanctuary.

Siding on the upper walls in the narthex.

Cabinetry in the mechanical room where there will be a sink and a sacrarium.

Cabinetry in the women's restroom which will have three sinks.

Exit to patio behind west window.

West window with wood trim on frames.

Close up of wooden framing on west window.

Duct work is almost complete. Baseboards having sealer applied.

Baseboards drying.

Ambry is taking shape near the baptistry.

Landscaping looking toward southeast corner.

Lower entrance is complete, but will be used for emergency vehicles only.

Bioswail looking west from lower driveway.

Bioswail looking east.

Painting the Exterior

2010-09-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

Painting the exterior.

More concrete and interior siding

2010-09-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Interior siding of the narthex.

Finishing concrete in front of church.

The church is taking shape

2010-09-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

The church is taking shape.

Sidewalk in front of church is being prepped.

Posts will hold up a fence that will shield our garbage cans and heating unit. Plenty of irrigation for ground cover, shrubs and trees.

Some exterior painting is done. Pray for dry weather so more painting can be done.

Duct work is being framed in and interior painting.

Interior painting at the ceiling.

Fire sprinklers painted to fade in. Structural fixtures painted to stand out.

Walls are receiving primer, then two coats of paint.

Internal west-window framing is of wood.

External west-window frames of metal.

More siding

2010-09-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

Most of the siding is on the church and is being prepped for painting.

Parking stripes are painted and some are already claiming their spots! ;)

Paint, tile and more!

2010-09-10T20:53:00.001-07:00

Excavating for the Entryway.

Paint colors have been chosen (left swath) light brown below, darker brown above and a very dark brown trim (almost black).

The heating and cooling units will be just outside, one on the north side, and this one on the south side.

Tile work in women's bathroom.

Tile work in men's bathroom.

Electrical boxes being wired in mechanical room.

The electical cables are big (don't touch!)

Ken and Karen David and Bob Taylor have just installed the front skirt of the St. Vincent de Paul building. It is ready to have electricity hooked up. It will be painted to match the church. Steps and a wheelchair ramp will also be installed.

Bioswail plantings in lower end of parking lot looking east.

Bioswail plantings in lower end of parking lot looking west.

Installing curbing and sidewalks

2010-09-09T16:46:00.001-07:00

At the corner installing curbs and sidewalks. Neighbors will appreciate this improvement.

A sidewalk from the street will lead to the church.

Duct vents are all in place and will be covered with wood siding.

Outside the west window, reflecting the trees, there will be a brick patio filling the entire space between the opposite doors.

Plantings of native vegetation has begun.

Narthex concrete has been poured

2010-09-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Narthex concrete has been poured.

Looking into sanctuary from narthex.

Window framing is up in the west window.

Looking east out of the church from the baptistry. Floor-level heavy aluminum plates will go over the lower font

Duct work is underway to suplement floor heating.

More Windows

2010-09-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

The window and doorway being placed behind the sanctuary.

Installing the west window.

The Modular unit has been assembled and the floor reinforced. Next will be hooking up the power and building the accessible entrance. Whose bicycle is that?

Stations of the Cross

2010-09-02T09:13:00.001-07:00

The Stations of the Cross will be marked with mosaics. See the Worship space diagram in the upper left column for placement of the mosaics.

A few videos.

2010-09-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

Spreading the asphalt

Compressing the asphalt.

The paving of the parking lot!

2010-08-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

Paving has begun in the lower parking lot!

Spreading the hot pavement.

Compressing the asphalt.

Preparing to pour concrete in the entrance and around the baptismal font.

Setting the duct work in place for when we need to augment the radiant floor (hydronic) heating and cooling system.

The irrigated bioswail is being prepared for plants which are capable of filtering all the water that runs off our property before it runs through drains into the wetlands in a lower part of the neighborhood.

Setting up the Baptismal font

2010-08-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Setting up the Baptismal font.

Preparing the parking lot to be paved.

Less than two months until the dedication!

2010-08-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Recently poured slab for HVAC system on North side of church.

Removing forms after the first of two pours for the baptistry.

Putting up the gate on the lower end (South) of the parking lot. This entrance will only be for emergency vehicles. The upper entrance on 178th Avenue is the only one we will actively use.

Pouring the baptistry

2010-08-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

Panorama from Southeast corner of the parking lot. Bioswails are being prepared, lighting in place, StVdP Modular and the church is seen through the trees.

Pouring the cement for the Baptistry.

Inside the church

2010-08-27T08:27:00.001-07:00

Prepping the baptistry for its pour with metal framing on top to hold floor grates.

View of newly poured floor from the Presider's area.

Panorama view from Choir side.

Panorama view from Presider's side.

Panorama view from Entrance.

St. Vincent de Paul - It's here, let's get to work!

2010-08-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

The first half has arrived!

Perfect fit.

The second half being delivered.

Ken, our fearless leader proclaims, "It's here, let's get to work!"

Pouring the floor

2010-08-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to pour the sloped pew section.

Getting ready to pour the lower level.

Looking from the choir section toward the ambo and presider areas.

Smoothing out the new cement in the lower section.

The back section is being readied to be poured. Squared forms will create indents for eventual stations of the cross. Flat area on slope is for disabled seating.

Let there be lights!

2010-08-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Electricians pulling wire.

Perimeter parking lot lights have deflectors to shine into the lot, but not into the neighbor's yards.

Light posts in waiting.

Light post base in parking lot looking north.

Clearing for St. Vincent de Paul modular.

North windows exterior.

North windows being installed.

Church floor being prepared for concrete pouring.

More cement being poured

2010-08-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

Prepping to pour the altar ramps, the presider's plinth and the ambo plinth.

Newly poured ramps and plinths.

Ambo plinth.

Presider's plinth.

View from choir area being prepped for pouring looking towards sanctuary.

Abundant light from the solatube means that we won't need electric light during the day.

The large pipe above the men's restroom is the solatube.

Woodcarver, Kenny Wilson, working on the ambry for the Holy Oils.

What an amazing view!

2010-08-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

The dusk light on the trees out the west window. This view will foster prayer.

Boxes in choir area where microphones can be plugged in.

A hardwood floor will go over this plinth. Ramps are to be on either side.

Plastic conduit leading from south end sound table across to where choir will be located.

Have a seat

2010-08-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Kathy Yee and Lynn Parker testing pew and chair samples of color and design we will be installing.

Meeting with phone provider to discuss church, office and St. Vincent De Paul needs.

Siding on south side of church.

Siding going on north side of the church.

Light at base of pillar for dramatic effect.

Completed forms for altar plinth and sheet rock being mounted on walls.

Beginning to build forms for altar plinth.

Insulation being installed in entry area.

Busy busy busy

2010-07-31T10:46:00.001-07:00

The floor being prepped to be poured, carving out the contours and laying conduit for electricity and audio cables.

With new curbing the parking lot is being prepared for surfacing. This lower entrance will only be used for emergencies.

At the lowest end of the property is a bioswail which will naturally treat our run off water before it goes into the storm drains.

Siding working its way up the side of the building.

The baptismal rock arrives at the church.

Justin carefully unloads and transports the baptismal rock.

The baptismal rock with Fr. John, Travis Fuhrer stone carver and Dave and Justin of Grant Construction.

Prepping the floor

2010-07-29T16:29:00.001-07:00

The floor inside the church is being prepped for the pouring.

The Baptistry

2010-07-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

The stone has been been smoothed out, polishing stage has not started.

Filled with water (above and below)

The water flowing out of the baptistry.

Warm weather means progress

2010-07-28T07:45:00.001-07:00

Travis Fuhrer working on baptistry stone at a stone supply yard in Vancouver.

Cleared space for St. Vincent de Paul modular unit. (above and below)

Looking downhill of parking lot driveway with newly poured curbs.

Looking up the hill from the lower parking lot.

Water barrier being placed on outside walls.

Testing the fire hydrant (that we should never have to use) at the entrance of the property on 178th.

Baptistry Stone

2010-07-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Baptistry showing how water will flow down the side into the floor.

Stone artist, Travis Furher, lets Fr. John take a few whacks.

Insulation Installation

2010-07-21T11:53:00.001-07:00

Insulation being installed inside the church.

Entry area covering over the front door is in place.

Pouring more cement

2010-07-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

The ledge for the west window has been poured. This will be directly behind the altar/tabernacle.

More supports for the entry way roofing.

Warmer weather means lots of work

2010-07-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Pillars to support the entry way roofing.

More siding has been added. The siding will be painted after it is all installed.

Plumbing for the women's bathroom.

The outbuilding for the mechanics for the hydronics system.

Church Entrance.

Updated Floor Plan

2010-07-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Including the Stations of the Cross and the detailed rose patterns that will be added to the floor space. Click on image above for a larger view.

The Siding

2010-07-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

Placement of fire hose lines and prepping for siding on north side.

Lining up the all important first strip of siding.

Footings prepped for entry porch.

A neighbor enamored with our grains of wheat from the bales placed there last fall to help control the mud.

Framing and Walls going up for front of church

2010-06-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

The framing for the Narthex.

A view looking into the office and the women's restroom.

A view looking into the mechanical/storage room.

The walls for the front area of the church which contains the bathrooms, office space, and the entryway (also known as the Narthex) have been put up in the last couple of weeks.

The Sustainable Heating System

2010-05-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

In the following photos you can see the tubing that will be supplying the hydronic heating system. Picture 01 shows the mechanical room foundation on the north side of the building and some plumbing where water will be heated or cooled, depending on the weather. You can see trenches and tubing (flexible pipes) that lead to the building. During the winter this tubing will bring hot water to the hydronic pipes in the floor slab of concrete (the slab will be poured later this summer). The hydronics will heat up the entire slab to the desired temperature and return the slightly cooled water to the water heater in the mechanical room again. It is a closed system, that is, once it is filled with water there is no need to add any more water and it won’t leak out. In the heat of summer it will send cool water to cool the slab and keep the church at a comfortable temperature. Since the concrete slab holds heat or cold for a long time it will cost far less energy and money to maintain the desired temperature.

Hydronics tubing going to mechanical room

The following pictures (02-05) show where the tubing comes into the building and look like giant worms. (Yuk!) There is also a photo of the end of one of these tubes so that you can see both the incoming and outgoing plastic pipes wrapped in lots of insulation so that little to no heat/cooling is lost in the transition.

Additionally there are vents up in the clear story that can be opened to let out hot air in the summer and windows along the floor that will let in cool air. There are also fans in the clear story if there needs to be some assist.

There will be a supplemental system that will blow cool or warm air into the sanctuary. This will be used, for example, on an oppressively hot August day at a wedding where we need to kick it in on for an hour before the wedding starts then shut it off.

The narthex will have forced air gas. The fans, including those in the clerestory, are only backup systems. Those motors are what consume the most energy. They will only be needed during extreme weather situations.

Hydronics tubing going on North wall

Hydronics hose tubing behind Northwest sanctuary door

Hydronics tubing coming in behind Southeast Sanctuary door

Close up of insulated hydronics tubing

The Narthex

The last picture (06) shows the beginnings of the narthex (looking west). The panorama shot distorts the image. It is not fanned out as it appears. The walls are straight. The slabs are poured on the right and left. The center slab (entry way) will not be poured until near the end of the project because it will be the finish concrete with a rose design cut into it.

On the left and right at the entrance will be the men’s and women’s bathrooms, respectively. Then on the left, closest to the sanctuary, will be a mechanical/utility room which will have the heating unit for the baptistery as well as a floor janitor’s sink and a utility sink, a sacrarium (for purifying the chalices), cabinetry (to store chalices and other items) and a small refrigerator.

The room on the right of the narthex, toward the entrance to the sanctuary, will eventually be a Reconciliation Chapel (confessional). But until we get to Phase II this small room will have to serve as office space, and a confessional on weekends.

Initial construction of Vestibule

Tour of New Church

2010-05-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 29th from 2 pm to 3 pm
Sunday, May 30th after Mass

Worship Space Design

2010-05-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Click on floor plan for larger image.

The walls and roof are up!

2010-05-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

The walls and roof are up. In the coming weeks siding will be placed on the walls and the roof will receive insulation and its top surface. But there is still a lot of conduit to be placed on the roof before insulation can be installed. The ceiling has been cleaned and prepped for a clear coat seal that will preserve the beautiful decking.

Workers have poured the concrete for the bases of the light poles in the parking lot and around the church. An “open house” for parishioners is being planned for Memorial Day Weekend. Perhaps on Saturday and Sunday.

I went in the “sanctuary” to chant Vespers (Evening Prayer) one day and it already has a bit of church-like reverberation. But then, of course it is no wonder… it’s a CHURCH! No formal liturgies will be held in the church until Archbishop John G. Vlazny dedicates it on Sunday, October 24th at 2:00PM.

-Fr. John

Outside walls are up

Clear story roof is enclosed

Area above sanctuary where exhaust fans will go

West window has a dynamic shape

Chalk lines on ground delineate baptistry area from entrance to narthex

The Walls Are Going Up

2010-05-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

As the walls go up one can see the curvature of the building and its final form. Inside the pictures show the open areas where large windows are located letting in plenty of light and allowing ample views of the natural surroundings. Some parishioners, seeing these photos, may start planning where they want to sit depending on the view out the window. One marvelous opportunity is that when we experience beauty of God in our sacred rites we will also have a view to the beauty of God in nature.

Wiring is being placed in some areas. We are awaiting final permits on the HVAC (heating and cooling) and hydronic systems (the water pipes that will heat and cool the slab in the sanctuary). Also, the plumbing permit is very close to being granted. Then we can pour the small slab for the entry area of the church and put up those walls and roof.

The walls going up

Near the entrance looking toward the southwest windows

Panorama from the entrance

Panorama from south wall looking north toward wall.

Electrical outlet on north wall. Notice steel plates so nails will not hit wires.

Pictures from April 23, 2010

2010-04-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Interior_Panorama_looking_east

Interior_Panorama_looking_west

Interior_looking_west_from_entrance

Church_from_property_entrance

Installing the fascia

2010-04-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

There has been a lull in the building process as permits were sought for electrical, plumbing and HVAC (heating and cooling). We are still waiting for final approval. These permits can only be sought after the project is underway.

As you can see the fascia, which is a ring around the perimeter of the roof, has been installed so the roof can be extended all the way. Now the walls can be completed.

Soon they hope to pour the slab for the entryway and then construct those walls.

Fascia Installed.

Roof will be anchored on the fascia.

More miles of electrical conduit ending at the mechanical room.

Workers extending the purlins and roof.

Aren’t we supposed to preach the gospel from the rooftops?
Matthew 10:27, look it up!

The walls are going up

2010-03-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

The electrician said that all the conduits seen in this photo (above) bring power to this building and future buildings. Other conduit will feed the parking lot. In the end there will be “miles and miles” of electrical conduit on the property.

Some of the plywood walls are being installed. More walls will go up next week after the fascia is installed. The fascia is basically a large metal ring that will go almost all the way around the circumference of the roof that will provide outer structure for the roof. It will be installed in sections. Then the rest of the floor-to-ceiling studs can be put into place for the walls. All the plywood was donated by John Murphy of Murphy Plywood Company out of Eugene (www.murphyplywood.com). He has been very generous to numerous Catholic church and Catholic education programs.

Workers making forms for the bases for parking light poles.

Plumbing

2010-03-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Plumbing is being laid in the bathrooms. Note: There will be 5 toilets and three sinks for the women’s bathroom on the North side of the entryway. Then a unisex bathroom will have one sink and one toilet on the South side of the entry way. On that same side the men’s bathroom will have two sinks and 4 toilets.

Northside (women’s) bathroom. (above)
Southside bathrooms (unisex and a men’s). (below)

A busy day at the site.

2010-03-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Today there was a lot of activity on the building site. The carpenters were putting the clearstory in place above the center of the sanctuary. Eventually a tall cross will be mounted on the highest level (but we have yet to design and then find a donor to fund that). They were also starting to set some of the studs for the northern wall that may go in next week. The plumbers were starting to set the drains for the baptistery that will go to its own drywell, and the bathrooms that will go to the sewer system. And the fire sprinkler crew was preparing the pipes on the ground that will tie into the later-to-be-installed ceiling sprinklers (that should never, and I mean NEVER, have to be used).

View of Church with clearstory above.

View from entrance looking up into clearstory.

Internal panorama of the sanctuary.

Looking toward the West Window.

More work on the roof

2010-03-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

The west window looking into the woods.

Building Committee chairperson, Brian Jackson, inspecting the new church.

We now have decking on the left and ride side of the roof.

The carpenter is working on the framing for the walls of the clear story.

A view from the roof top

2010-03-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

The decking has been added to the rafters (right side).

A view from the rooftop looking east through the neighborhood.

From 5995 NW 178th Ave

2010-02-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

Facing west.

Open area in the middle where clear story will go.

West end.

New address: 5995 NW 178th Ave.

Way up high

2010-02-20T09:59:00.000-08:00

Milling the beams

View from the Entrance

Placement of the Beam

Need for a little more trimming

Fitting it onto the bracket

Gap at bottom allows for additional weight of the roof

View of brackets from below

While the sun is shining

2010-02-17T17:15:00.000-08:00

Now that most of the rafters are set the perlins can be placed between the rafters for greater stability. Each rafter has just a tiny amount of bow in it (away from the ground) so that as the roof settles over the years it will become more straight as opposed to sagging. This is a standard engineering practice in roof design.

Hanging from the rafters

2010-02-13T13:29:00.001-08:00

Workers are milling (preparing) the rafters so they will fit into the structural brackets.

View from the interior looking up into the rafters.

The crane lifts the rafters into place.

Now we have the beams

2010-02-11T11:40:00.001-08:00

How about a video...

2010-02-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

The pillars have been raised - Feb 4, 2010

2010-02-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

Sanctuary from entrance facing West.

Sanctuary facing East.

More Materials. Pictures taken on Feb 1, 2010

2010-02-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

Material for the roof structure.

The pillars.

The pedestal for the pillars.

Sheer walls in forms.

Let there be light!

2010-01-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

In addition to our All-Powerful God, we also have our own electrical power on the site now.The logs which will be used as pillars were harvested off our property. They will hold up glue lam beams and the weight of the roof.

The concrete "sheer walls" will provide strength from side to side. They will eventually be twice as tall as seen in these photos.

The shape of the sanctuary is becoming more obvious. Looking into the sanctuary - above looking east and below looking west. Click photo for larger image.

More work on the foundation

2009-12-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

South wall foundation

Entrance foundation

Cement has been poured

2009-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

On December 2, the pouring of the foundation of the church began. The following pictures show the progress of that pouring which was for the west wall of the church. We have had some great dry weather these past couple of weeks and hope to see more progress in the coming weeks and months.

The first truck of cement arrives for the foundation pouring.

A St. Juan Diego medal was blessed by Fr. Kerns and put into the foundation.

Fr. Kerns and Kathy Yee are very excited to see this much progress.

Looking for that perfect gift?

2009-11-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Why not point your friends and families to the St. Juan Diego gift catalog? Just like buying a new house, you still have to buy the furnishings. We have composed a list of items that can be gifted to the church just in time for Christmas. What a wonderful way to honor Jesus, our Lord and Savior! Click Here to view catalog.

Please pray for the safety of the workers

2009-11-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

As they continue to work on the new church, please remember to pray for the safety of the workers. The above pictures show more work on the forms for the foundations.

Tour this Sunday - November 8

2009-11-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

If you missed the tour a few weeks ago be sure to join us this Sunday, November 8 after Mass for another chance to check out the church site. This is your chance to get a feeling for what the church will look like sitting back in the trees. We will begin sometime after Mass, probably around 11:00.

More work on the foundations

2009-11-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

The above photo is looking west at the church. You can see the where they have dug the walls of the foundations for the church and vestibule area.
There are forms on the left side of the above photo showing the round form of the outer church wall looking east.