Dear Parishioners of St. Elizabeth Seton,

This week’s renovation update focuses on sound and silence.  Yes, we can be a noisy bunch at times, as friends meet before Mass in the church, and warmly greet each other to share highlights of their week.  I remember as a child that we had to enter the church in silence.  My mother likened it to walking into a library, for which she was fond of reminding us, as she herself was a librarian.  

A challenge in the renovated church is the amount of “hard” surfaces we have that tend to reflect noise from one area to another.  Unlike soft surfaces like carpet, foam, or grass, a hard surface does not absorb sound but acts like a tiny spring sending it upward.  Once we determined that the nave floor would be tile, we brought in a specialist from Goodman’s Interior Structures.  With the advice of their specialist, they analyzed two important features at St. Elizabeth Seton.

The first important area for sound masking was the confessionals. As previously shared, the “white noise” machines are installed in the ceiling outside the confessionals. Once turned on, they eliminate “bouncing” noise.  Over the past two weeks, we have had installers here lining the walls and ceiling in the confessionals. This will indeed uphold the spirit of confidentiality and will build trust and peace of mind during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

The second important installation this week is sound proofing of the soffits along the back wall of the church.  These panels feel like a thick, soft felt wall.  These are designed to absorb sound with an acoustic enhancement in the mounting.  Called PET Felt, they are made with 100% polyester fiber and have been awarded six endorsements for sustainability. A team of three installers were able to accomplish this in one long day!

There is a big advantage to our hard surfaces!  The choir, along with our new piano, and lectors will be easily heard! These ministries can help all of us glorify God and participate in the liturgy.  

Before long we will be encountering sacred music, hearing scriptures and sharing our expressions of faith while allowing the silence of prayer and reflection. Your patience and prayers are so needed as we look forward to our Open House on November 7, 2026.  

In Christ and with Gratitude,

Dr. Kathleen H. Goeppinger

Jubilee Chair