Florida Catholic | Cross Placed On Top Of New Sacred Heart Church

Cross placed on top of new Sacred Heart church

Installation marks next step in parish’s recovery from Hurricane Charley.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 08.15.08

A 15-by-8-foot cross is lifted off a trailer to be placed on the apex of the roof of the new Sacred Heart church in Punta Gorda Aug. 4.
BOB REDDY | FC

PUNTA GORDA | Lots of smiles and a few tears could be seen on the faces of the parishioners who watched as a crane lifted a large white cross to the 40-foot apex of the roof on the new Sacred Heart church.

Several people touched the cross as it lay on the bed of a trailer, knowing they will never be able to do so again.

“It’s beautiful,” said Tish Pannozzo, parish music director. “This is really a special moment for all of us.”

The 15-by-8-foot, 350-pound cross was constructed of aluminum at the Valentines Manufacturing Inc. in Fort Myers. It has a powdered coating which was oven-baked to ensure the cross will be protected against the elements.

The emotions about the cross and the new church in general are high because they represent the continued healing of the deep scars left behind by the destructive path of Hurricane Charley.

The storm literally cut the church in half Aug. 13, 2004. Construction on the new church continues and is on schedule for the dedication Mass in late November.

Father Jerry Kaywell, parish administrator, said that for the past four years, the parishioners have been praying and dreaming this day would come.

“As the cross is mounted on our beautiful new church I am confident people everywhere know the ‘heart’ of Punta Gorda is sacred,” Father Kaywell said.

Tom Grant, parish business manager, said the $7 million construction project has been moving forward rapidly, with a majority of the work already completed. The next two significant steps in the construction will be the installation in October of a large mosaic of the Sacred Heart, which will be placed behind the altar, and the pews, which will be done in September.

“We are building a special church,” Grant said. “The dreams of our parish have blossomed from the rubble that was left behind by Charley.”

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