Dear Parishioners of St. Elizabeth Seton,
As I ponder our seven month journey of renewal, renovation and revisioning, I cannot help but reflect on the highlights that have been shared with all of you through the weekly Jubilee Updates. Both highs and lows, joyful moments and sleepless nights, this journey is one that transformed our worship space and greatly impacted many of the tradesmen who came to work at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.
I witnessed the impact working in the church had on lives. Many of the laborers share our faith and would enter the building and make the sign of the cross. Early one morning, a laborer entered the church, and not knowing I was in the back of the nave, walked up to our mosaic, got down on his knees and prayed. This was the same person who had spent the prior three days breaking up concrete and was now kneeling on stone and soil. Another highly skilled sheet metal worker, frequently took pictures of the church. When asked, “Why take pictures of a construction site?” Jose answered, “My mother lives in Mexico, and she is so proud that I am working in a Catholic Church, that she wants to follow our progress and see pictures every day I am here.”
Pride in their effort was evident as we worked with Jeno and his son Chris, owners of our partner Denix Construction. The day they successfully hung the Crucifix was a special moment for all of us, and especially this father and son team. It was a difficult task, requiring opening the ceiling to permanently affix the Crucifix to the metal support beams of the dome. Working on a high lift, this team spent hours designing and engineering the strength and hardiness of the support cable network required to elevate and cradle the weight of the Crucifix. The culmination of their diligence ensured the Crucifix was permanently anchored and would forever remain an integral part of St. Elizabeth Seton. Later their families would stand in front of the Cross and thank God and all of us for the opportunity to be part of our renovation.
In retrospect, one of the most humorous moments came when I received a phone call regarding the shipment of our beautiful new statues of St. Joseph with Child and the Virgin Mary which were crafted in Italy. After production, they were carefully crated and shipped from Rome to LAX via London Heathrow. I received a call late one evening, informing me that our precious shipment had missed their connecting flight to Phoenix. When asked where they were, I was informed that they were still looking for Joseph and Mary! It was three days later when the call came in that they had arrived in Phoenix. I can only reflect upon this experience as a teaching moment, remembering when we all have been lost or delayed in our spiritual lives, but find our way back to the church and prayer.
My personal reflection of the journey has been deeply moving. I accepted the challenge not knowing exactly what to expect, but with full faith that all of you wanted to have your vision, suggestions and plans realized. I believe it was your prayers for the safety of our workers, that we were able to complete our renovation without one injury or accident. It was your prayers for wisdom that were with us as we made difficult decisions, sourced new suppliers and designed our sacred space. It is with deep respect and admiration of our parish team, led by Fr. Williams, Hank Geerling, Michelle Harvey, Steve Raml and most recently Werner Van Dijk that we can all proudly say, “Welcome Home.”
It is now my prayer that together we worship, celebrate and continue to maintain the dedication and love that has brought us through the journey together.
In Christ and with gratitude.
Dr. Kathleen H. Goeppinger
Jubilee Chair
