Friday, 17 June 2011 12:29

Father John Sherlock, Cathedral’s rector, describes the occasion as humbling, hopeful
On Friday, June 10, more than 70 representatives of our diocesan family gathered on the lawn of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate another milestone in the TOGETHER Vision.
“This is definitely a humbling occasion but a very, very hopeful one as we begin this project of renovation of our Cathedral,” said Fr. John Sherlock, Rector of the Cathedral, as he kicked off the groundbreaking and blessing for the renovation of our Cathedral campus.
The groundbreaking marks the start of an 18-month renovation, but Bishop Michael O. Jackels explained how our Cathedral Campus project reflects support for an overall vision for the future of our Diocese.
“The beginning of the repair and update of the buildings on this campus (is) only part of the story.” Bishop Jackels said. “We’ve been promoting a vision, something that will continue on well after the date that we celebrate the renovation and update of these buildings – a vision to see ourselves as a family, a church family, a diocesan church family and to see each of our responsibility in helping with the family chores.”

The bishop said that each person who has contributed to the TOGETHER Vision has invested themselves in our Church family.
“They see their responsibility to take care of the chores, and so our goals of building up the sense of family, of community, and seeing ourselves as responsible for the work of the family are really bearing fruit.” Bishop Jackels said.
The bishop blessed the grounds and prayed for safety of the hundreds of workers who will repair and update our Cathedral and the buildings that surround it.
“None of this would be possible without the people in our parishes,” Bishop Jackels said. “But certainly none of this would be possible without the help of God.”
The renovation of our Cathedral campus has a total project cost of $16.8 million and is expected to be complete in the winter of 2012.
Thus far, the TOGETHER vision has received more than $20 million in gifts and pledges toward the renovation of our Cathedral Campus, Catholic formation programs and the education of our seminarians.
“Your support is still needed,’ said Mike Wescott, director of development for the diocese. “You can still make a gift in support of the renovation of our Cathedral campus. And you can make a gift in support of our future priests, our struggling Catholic schools, and faith formation in Parish Schools of Religion.”
To find out how you can participate in the TOGETHER Vision, visit TOGETHERvision.org. For the latest information on the renovation of our Cathedral Campus, visit www.OurWichitaCathedral.org.

Bishop Michael O. Jackels continues his TOGETHER vision parish visits. Here is a schedule for the next few weekends:
• June 18-19: Christ the King, Wichita
• June 25-26: St. Thomas Aquinas, Wichita
• July 9-10: St. Francis of Assisi, Wichita
• July 16-17: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Wichita

Visit OurWichitaCathedral.org to learn about where to find campus ministries, where to park, Mass changes, and more.

TOGETHER Vision hits $20 million mark
Another milestone was reached this week when the total of gifts and pledges to the TOGETHER Vision topped $20 million. The money will be used for the renovation of our Cathedral Campus, Catholic formation programs, and the education of seminarians.