St. Rose of Lima kicks off new building campaign

Intermountain Catholic

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Msgr. Victor G. Bonnell, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, explains what parishioners can be expect from the new building project, and what is expected of them. The total raised to date is $101,600.IC photo by Christine Young

LAYTON — St. Rose of Lima Parish has set a goal of raising a minimum of $1.5 million over the next three years to build a new Conference and Education Center. Their challenge is to raise $2 million to be able to supply the center with quality equipment, fixtures, appliances, and furnishings without incurring any debt.

St. Rose of Lima Parish celebrated their past success with a capital campaign kick off "St. Rose Growing" Sept. 27-30. The kick off was to educate parishioners about the campaign and at the same time give them an opportunity to socialize.

The event began Sept. 27, with an informal community meeting, followed by a formal dinner Sept. 28. The hospitality committee continued the kick off by preparing a breakfast Sept. 29, for those working on the campaign. Parishioners were treated to a cookie social Sept. 30, and a DVD which explained the entire building process.

"We want this to be a positive experience," said Msgr. Victor G. Bonnell, who has been pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish since 1989. "This project is going to cost us about $3.6 million. We are going to have to rely on you people to give to this campaign." Msgr. Bonnell thanked all of the volunteers and committees who have made this project possible.

Chuck Waletzko, of Walsh and Associates in Minneapolis, Minn., who will be directing the fund raising for the campaign said, "Bishop George Niederauer (former bishop of the diocese of Salt Lake City), made a request about 12 years ago for St. Rose of Lima to build this center.

"St. Rose of Lima has been in their old education center since 1968," said Waletzko. "It was not built very well in the beginning, and is now almost 40 years old. The new center will more than double their social hall capacity. This parish has more than 1,600 families, and their present social hall will only seat about 200 people. The new center will be able to seat about 450 people. There will be nine new classrooms and much more meeting space for all of the various programs and ministries."

One of the advantages of the expanded space is that it will include new mechanical systems for heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and lighting. The classrooms have been designed to optimally collect southern light through a combination of clerestories and light shelves. The classrooms will be equipped with sinks and running water for drinks and clean up after activities. By bringing everything under one roof, there will be utilities and maintenance costs for only one location.

The plan is to build a larger social center, and also add a new hallway that will connect the new space with the existing church building. The layout provides for a new and larger kitchen and transforms the former kitchen space into a large storage space, and new rest rooms.

With the expansion of the social center, the parish will be able to provide a greater variety of programs, ministries, youth activities, and social events.

While the interior of the new space will be bright and appealing, the expansion will make an even greater impression from the outside. Anyone driving by will look up and take notice.

The history of St. Rose of Lima Parish dates back to 1948, when the first permanent church was built in Layton at 85 Church Street. The current church at 210 Chapel Street was dedicated in 1994. The facilities connect the parish to its past through faith and sacrifice and to the future through growth and influence in the community.

So while the facilities and faces have changed over the years, one thing remains the same, the commitment of the parishioners and Msgr. Bonnell to Jesus Christ, to one another, and to the betterment of the community.