Der Parishioners,
On January 12, we held a parish town hall meeting. At that meeting, Canning Liturgical Arts presented us with some ideas about completing the restoration efforts of this project. These are items we had not intially considered, but that are well worth considering. As we restore the 1887 artwork, the elements that had been added in the 1960s begin to clash more and more. Thus, Canning is recommending that the raredos be removed. It is not original and it clashes sharply with the original artwork. The artists from Canning made a very compelling case for this option. It is still under consideration and will need diocesan approval before making such a decision. Additionally, Canning is proposing that we restore the parts of the marble altar that had been removed in the 1960s. Providentially, we have recently discovered those elements of the original marble altar! Thus, this option is very possible for us now. It would require some additional funding-- perhaps about $150,000 or more. All of these options are still under consideration and nothing is finalized as of yet. Let us continue to honor our ancestors who built this glorious church and had a particularly beautiful vision for this space which is dedicated to worshipping the living and true God.
--Fr. Dwight Schlaline
Dear Parishioners,
One of the aspects of the project that is perhaps less known is the kind of repair that needs to be done to the plaster on the walls and ceilings. The conservators have discovered many plaster problems in the walls and ceilings. There are two ways to address such problems: one is more of a band-aid that covers the problem up. Another way is to truly fix and treat the problem so that it is fully repaired. Canning Liturgical Arts will be doing a full repair of all such problems in the interior. Sacred Heart Parish is ensuring that the funds you donate to this project don't go to waste!
--Fr. Dwight Schlaline
Dear Parishioners,
The Interior Restoration Project is moving along at full throttle. Thank you for your willingness to tolerate the immense scaffolding while at Mass. The scaffolding does cause some inconvenience, but we know that it will all be worth it. The photo above was just taken today. You can see much of the old pre-1960s art on the wall being more and more exposed. If the old art is in good condition, it will be conserved and preserved- but not without significant improvement. If the art is not recoverable, then it is replaced with something that looks like it was initially intended using the "NuWall system." May God continue to bless this effort! He has so far!
Reverend Dwight Schlaline
Dear Parishioners,
The project is underway! The mock-up on the wall is about half way done. The mock-up will give us the opportunity to get a sneak peek into what the rest of the interior will eventually look like. It should be done by the end of this week. Then starting September 26, the conservators will begin work in the vestibule. October 17 is the start date for the main part of the project. On that date, the workers will begin working on the front of the church- the apse and transepts. We appreciate all of your support of this project. Without you, this wouldn't be possible. It is humbling and exciting to experience the overwhelming support for this effort. May God bless us always!
--Father Dwight Schlaline
Interior Restoration Project
What is happening to the coats of arms?
Short answer: We are keeping them for future use—perhaps in a parish museum some day.
Longer answer: The coats of arms that are on the interior walls of the church were placed there in the 1960s. They do not work well with the pre-1960s art. The coats of arms are not painted on the wall. They are actually on canvas and pinned to the wall. During the mock-up the coat of arms for Bishop George Leech was removed safely and stored carefully in the rectory.
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Basilica,
Check this out:
Update on Interior Restoration Project
The plans for the interior restoration are underway. The first phase of the project will involve work in the vestibule and on a mock-up in one of the transepts. Here is a tentatively timeline:
September 6 - installation of scaffolding begins in one transept to begin the mock-up
September 8 - painting on mock-up begins
September 12 - work in the vestibule begins
September 21 - scaffolding comes down. Mock-up complete before the wedding on September 24.
Work on the vestibule continues into October
The second phase of the project will involve restoration of the front the church. This phase begins on October 17 the day on which scaffolding will be installed in the church. It takes at least one week to install scaffolding. This will be in the sanctuary and the two transepts.
Goal 1: to get as much in the very front done by Christmas.
Goal 2: complete entire front of the church (including transepts ceilings and walls but not including the oculus) by Palm Sunday 2023.
Before Palm Sunday- all scaffolding removed for Holy Week.
At this point, we have received enough monies to fund these first two phases of the project. The final phase- the restoration of the nave- will begin after Easter and should be complete by August 2023. Please continue to support this project prayerfully and financially. May God abundantly bless this effort!
Your's in Christ,
Fr. Dwight Schlaline
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Basilica:
Your's in Christ,
Fr. Dwight Schlaline
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Basilica:
Your's in Christ,
Fr. Dwight Schlaline
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Basilica:
Donations to the project are coming in. We just had the opportunity to schedule some steps in this big project. A paint investigation is now scheduled to be done in the Church the week of May 2-6. We hope to secure approval from the Diocese on June 1. Then, a parish meeting will be held at 7:00pm on Monday June 6 in the Church. This meeting will involve an opportunity to ask questions and help make more concrete decisions regarding the future of the project. May God continue to guide us as we strive to honor his Sacred Heart here at this historic parish. May God bless you!
Your's in Christ,
Fr. Dwight Schlaline
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Basilica:
We just finished sending out an appeal letter and brochure regarding the project. Please be generous.
There may be some confusion that should be cleared up by the following announcement.
Q&AQuestion: Is the Interiors Fund the same as the Building Fund?
Answer: The Building Fund and the Interiors Fund are not the same fund.
- The Interiors Fund is a capital campaign for the interior restoration of the Basilica. Monies in this fund are to be used for restoring the interior of the Basilica.
- The Building Fund is a permanent fund in the parish that can be used for any parish building project, including- but not limited to- the Interior Restoration Project.
Our parish initiated the Interiors Fund about 16 years ago in an effort to begin raising the necessary funds for the interior restoration of the Basilica. Since it is a capital campaign, it is intended to be temporary. The Building Fund is not a capital campaign nor is it temporary.
The parish welcome your contributions to both funds! Your contributions to both funds enable our parish to move forward.
Yours in Christ,
Reverend Father Schlaline