Cottonwood welcomes diocese’s newest Catholic church building

By Andrew Junker | Dec. 21, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

COTTONWOOD — As the Sun dipped behind the horizon, the more than 1,000-strong crowd braved freezing temperatures and gathered around the doors to Immaculate Conception Parish’s new church Dec. 8.

A parish representative stood before the church and presented Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted a large, symbolic key, which he held over his head to great cheers. The bishop then led the parishioners into their new home.

For many, it was the realization of a decades-long dream.

“It’s been a longing,” said Dolores Yorba, who has been a parishioner at Immaculate Conception for 42 years. “Everybody had this dream and hope, so this has been a real blessing.”

Immaculate Conception boasts a rich history in the Verde Valley. Originally formed in 1930, Immaculate Conception moved to its current site in 2002. The community has been celebrating Mass inside a temporary structure while building their new church.

The pastor, Fr. David Kelash, began a building fund when he arrived in Cottonwood in 2005. The parish commissioned a feasibility study and began raising funds. Construction on the new church began about a year ago.

“It’s something you’ve heard about for so long, and now it’s going to be a reality,” said Fran Boik, a 10-year parishioner.

She described the community at Immaculate Conception as a “real family” who all happily pitched in to raise funds and provide input on the design of the church.

Based on a survey of parishioners, it was determined that Immaculate Conception would build a traditional, cruciform-style church. The new church can accommodate up to 1,500 people and cost about $5.4 million to build.

“When I walked into the church, I just felt like I was in the house of God,” said Dee Norvell, who has been with the parish for 34 years. “It felt like a holy place.”

During the hours-long dedication liturgy, Bishop Olmsted said that many people criticize the Church for spending so much time and money on buildings.

“I’m reminded as we begin to bless this beautiful building the words spoken to Jesus six days before He died: ‘Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?’” the bishop said, quoting Judas Iscariot’s chastisement of the woman who anointed Jesus with precious oil.

“This harsh criticism was not only done then, but has been repeated throughout history,” he said. “Isn’t this a waste of precious resources?”

The bishop said that this criticism deserved a thoughtful response. He pointed to all the charitable outreach the Church provides in living out the great commandment to love one’s neighbor. But providing a beautiful space for the worship of God helps fulfill the other great commandment, to love God with one’s whole heart, soul and mind.

“Those who generously live out their love for God will undoubtedly love their neighbor, who is made in the image and likeness of God,” he said. “Doesn’t the building of this church help us carry out our vocation with enthusiasm?”

As for Norvell, she’s just happy that the parish’s church now closely matches the character of its members.

“This is one of the most spiritual parishes I’ve been in,” she said. “And I’ve been in a number over the years.”