Florida Catholic | Construction

New steeple helps raise profile of St. Andrew Parish to Pine Hills neighbors

LAURA DODSON | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10.05.07

Hurricane damage spurs Indialantic parish’s renewal

Parishioner paves way for building campaign

Parish is building for its future: the children

ORLANDO | St. Andrew Parish in this city’s Pine Hills neighborhood is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a building campaign that builds upon its motto, "To Be Christ Present — Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow."

"This is a classic example of sustainability — the architectural term referring to planned long-term life rather than ‘disposability,’ determining how to dispose of a structure even before it is built. Far more than that, it is an expression of what we as church refer to as good stewardship," diocesan building coordinator William Kramer said.

In addition to updated plumbing and electrical work, new flooring, new pews, a larger choir area and expanded area for the Eucharist, St. Andrew’s is literally raising the roof. The sanctuary ceiling is being vaulted and capped with a steeple. There will be a larger entranceway with a covered drive for handicapped accessibility, as well as an outside prayer garden.

"Our church renovation is a sign of our renewal as a community to be Christ present during this our anniversary year and beyond," the pastor, Father Andrew O’Reilly, Society of the Precious Blood, said.

Parishioner Maria Guerrero, a registered architect, was one of four active members of the steering committee for the building project.

She noted the project has been a long one with more than a few challenges but the progress is worthwhile.

"As I make a turn onto Hastings street, I smile thinking the success of the project has already been accomplished. When I see the beautiful steeple and cross, standing tall, still a bare structure but determined to announce ‘Christ is present’ in this community, neighborhood and city, I see the Holy Spirit’s handiwork," Guerrero said. "The clear profile of the steeple is indeed a projection of the amazing spirituality, renewal and outreach that St. Andrew offers on a daily basis."

Bishop Thomas Wenski will celebrate a Mass at St. Andrew commemorating its 50th anniversary at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec.

Tanya Goodman of the Florida Catholic staff contributed to this report.

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New steeple helps raise profile of St. Andrew Parish to Pine Hills neighbors

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