To the Editor:
As a long- time member of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and active in our hospitality ministry, I was honored to welcome visitors from throughout the diocese to the cathedral for the ordination ceremonies June 4. Those attending the cathedral for the first time are always in awe of the beautiful sanctuary we as parish members sometimes take for granted.
The ordinations are just one of several diocesan events held throughout the year at the cathedral. It is unfortunate that our hospitality is limited due to the physical facilities of the cathedral. Having to inform our visitors that there are no shorter lines than 10-15 deep for the restrooms is not very welcoming. Not having handicap assessable restrooms or a suitable gathering space or hall available after the ceremonies is a real shame. We so look forward to the completion of the new gathering area and cathedral center that is scheduled for groundbreaking this August and completion in early 2017.
We need much more help to make this happen. This is not just our parish center. It is our diocesan center. Our parish members have already been extremely generous in getting us to the point where we are ready to break ground. A few non-parishioners have stepped forward to help, and we now have been the recipients of the generosity of many through the diocesan special collection for the cathedral the past two years. We hope more will recognize the need and take ownership in the cathedral. It truly is one of the most beautiful church buildings in our country and it deserves the support of all in the Diocese of Davenport.
Please contact us at Sacred Heart Cathedral (563) 324-3257 for additional information about the current building campaign.
James R. Tiedje, Co-Chairman of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Building Campaign