Thursday, 06 October 2011 14:02

St. Anthony Church to host daily Masses while construction continues at building site

By Coryanne Graham, Diocese of Wichita

The renovation of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is about to hit another milestone. On Monday, Oct. 17, the church doors will be locked as construction crews begin work on the interior of the church.

“We’re still open for business – the business of the sacraments and the tending to the people of God,” said Fr. John Sherlock, rector of the Cathedral.

Fr. Sherlock and his associate pastor, Fr. Patrick Reilley, will be ministering to the people of God from three locations:

• The temporary parish office is located at 442 N. Emporia. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• St. Anthony Catholic Church, 325 N. Ohio, has opened its doors to those wishing to attend daily Mass downtown. St. Anthony already offers Mass at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Fathers Sherlock and Reilley will celebrate an additional Mass at St. Anthony at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday beginning Friday, Oct. 21.

• Weekend Masses for Cathedral parishioners and a 5:15 p.m. daily Mass will be held in the newly renovated chapel on the southeast corner of the Cathedral campus. The former Cathedral gymnasium has been transformed into an inviting chapel and social hall named Good Shepherd Hall.

Fr. Sherlock says weekend activities in the parish can continue at Good Shepherd Hall throughout the renovation. “Those who want to get married in the chapel can,” Fr. Sherlock said. “And quinceañeras can go on as well. Parking is still going to be a little bit awkward, but we’re trying to bring parking closer to the entrance on Topeka.”

Parking will be available south of Good Shepherd Hall with access from Broadway and 3rd Street. A limited number of spaces will be reserved for handicapped parking south of the entrance near Topeka Avenue.

Fr. Sherlock hopes to begin celebrating more daily Masses in Good Shepherd Hall beginning in early 2012.

The Cathedral campus renovation is scheduled to be completed in late 2012 or early 2013. A new Mass schedule will begin Friday, Oct. 21, and is subject to change.

New, temporary Cathedral Mass schedule

Good Shepherd Hall (Cathedral Campus)
Monday through Friday: 5:15 p.m.
Saturday: 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. (Spanish)
Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 (Spanish) & 6 p.m. (Spanish)
Holy Days: 8 a.m., noon, 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Spanish)

St. Anthony Catholic Church (325 North Ohio)
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. (confessions from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m.)
Tuesday through Friday 12:05 p.m.