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Surprise Catholics move into new home
By Ambria Hammel, ahammel@catholicsun.org
January 1, 2009
SURPRISE — If all goes according to plan, Catholics will ring in the New Year and a new era at St. Clare of Assisi Parish.
It will mark the first days of worship inside their new church building, the parish’s first permanent gathering area since its founding eight and a half years ago.
Parish leaders planned to move in Dec. 19-20, but a final inspection found a problem with the emergency lighting backup system. They hoped to have the issue resolved by Christmas Eve.
“I’m very proud that we were able to get this far with the church,” said Fr. Hans Ruygt, pastor of St. Clare’s.
The move has been a long time coming for many. The parish’s pioneers have endured four capital campaigns since 2002 with subsequent campaigns encouraging new parishioners to help create the worship space.
“We have been overflowing from the modular building for several years now,” Fr. Ruygt said.
Up to 200 people per Mass consistently found themselves worshipping outside during the weekend liturgies. Not anymore.
Now, parishioners will gather in a 26,000-square-foot cruciform-shaped church that cost more than $9 million to build.
An eight-sided cupola rests in the center of the cross which stands some 65 feet high. Fr. Ruygt said eight is a significant number representing the seven days of creation plus an eighth day representing eternal life.
Hundreds of parishioners signed the cupola’s frame prior to its installation in June. The cupola also will have eight circular windows to reinforce the idea of eternity.
Inside, the ornate, barrel-vaulted ceiling looks barren now, but will ultimately be filled with murals depicting key moments in the life of St. Clare. Stained-glass window designs representing the glorious mysteries, luminous mysteries and other key Scripture passages line the walls.
The seats are still temporary chairs until parishioners raise enough money for the tile floor, but it is enough to eliminate the second vigil Mass on Saturday. With pews, the new church will hold at least 1,200 worshippers per Mass.
Parishioner Ted Storck looks forward to helping fill those pews. He suspects some Catholics live within St. Clare’s boundaries, but worship at neighboring parishes which are more established. Storck hopes they’ll return to St. Clare.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted is scheduled to visit the parish to concelebrate the 4 p.m., Jan. 3 Mass.
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