What is the Master Plan for the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart?

The Master Plan addresses changing realities in our parish and neighborhood by looking at ways of better utilizing our existing space and refocusing of our parish ministries. It includes the renovation of the church building, the provision of an entrance on the east (parking lot) side of the building, development of a more suitable Blessed Sacrament Chapel to accommodate continued Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and provision of additional meeting rooms for programs. The “Heart of the Matter” project is the first phase of this Master Plan.

What is the status of the Heart of the Matter renewal and renovation project?

Much work has been done by the architects, consultants and steering committee in developing the layout and design for the renovation. We have a design for the interior renovation and the entrance atrium which is now undergoing review by the Bishop and diocesan officials. Our time line foresees construction beginning in August, 2005.

What enhancements will be made to the interior of the Cathedral?

The plans for the interior of the Cathedral will include repainting the walls; the installation of new state-of-the-art lighting, audio visual and acoustical systems; new flooring and reconfigured seating. A new baptismal font will be designed and located near the entrance to the nave (assembly seating area). A new Blessed Sacrament chapel will be developed with a view to further expansion in the future.

Where will the altar, the pulpit and the cathedra be located?

The altar, the pulpit and the cathedra (bishop's chair) along with the baptismal font are major focal points in Roman Catholic cathedral liturgy. A new sanctuary platform will be developed on the west end of the building on which the altar, the pulpit and the cathedra will be located. As one enters the body of the church from the gathering space the baptismal font, altar and tabernacle will be on the main axis of the Cathedral. The pulpit and cathedra will be placed on opposite sides of the sanctuary platform.

Why do we need to move the sanctuary to the other side of the building?

In 2002, three parish meetings were held which resulted in a series of concept statements (Link to concept statements) that have provided guidance for our discussion and decisions. One of the goals was to provide a gathering space. Since most of our parishioners enter from the parking lot side of the building a major entrance on that side of the building became desirable. The most cost effective way of addressing the goals laid out in the concept statements was to reverse the direction of the seating, provide a new sanctuary platform on the west end of the building and develop the present sanctuary into a gathering area while providing a new entrance on the east end of the building. Attempts to locate the gathering space between the rectory and church were not satisfactory due to the level of a roof with respect to the stained glass windows and the inability to provide adequate restrooms and meeting space.

Will there be a Blessed Sacrament Chapel?

Yes. Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been an important part of our life as a community of faith. The present chapel, intended to be temporary, is inadequate in size, ventilation and sound proofing. The center of the present vestibule on Main Street will be reconfigured to provide a more suitable space. This will place the Blessed Sacrament on the main axis of the cathedral making it “conspicuous to the faithful” (General Instruction on the Roman Missal), fully accessible, and integrally connected to the main body of the Cathedral. A future phase envisions a chapel built on what are now the steps at the Main Street entrance and connected to the present building.

Why do we need such a large baptismal font?

The Rite of Blessing of a Baptismal Font states, “The baptismal font, particularly one in a baptistery, should be stationary, graceful, constructed out of a suitable material, of splendid beauty and spotless cleanliness; it should permit baptism by immersion. . . .In order to enhance its force as a sign, the font should be designed in such a way that it functions as a fountain of running water. . .” In his pastoral letter, Alive in the Spirit, Bishop Harrington underlines the importance of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the life of the local and diocesan church. A suitable place for baptism, which allows for immersion, is needed in our Cathedral.

Will the Cathedral have pews and kneelers?

The Cathedral will have a new seating arrangement that will provide individual seating and will include attached kneelers. We will use a combination of pews and chairs to provide maximum flexibility in our seating. This will allow us to create a wide range of seating options for both parish and diocesan events. It will also provide possibilities for other cultural or civic events for the Winona community.

What about the crucifix and its frame?

The plan calls for the relocation of the crucifix's frame behind the relocated sanctuary. It will provide a beautiful portal for the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The crucifix itself will be attached to the top of the frame making it a prominent piece of devotional art in our cathedral.

What about the green marble?

Although marble can be difficult to remove and reuse we will attempt to incorporate as much of the green marble as possible in the new arrangement.

Will the Cathedral be beautiful?

Yes. By reintroducing the original woodwork and reworking elements of the space we will create a church that is beautiful and conducive to prayer. Even with the relocation of the sanctuary the worship space will look and feel like the church we know and love.

What provisions are being made for accessibility?

The concept statements, developed in 2002, call us to be attentive to making the building as accessible as possible. To that end we will provide a ramp into the sanctuary, an ambo that can be raised and lowered, seating for those in wheelchairs and an elevator in the new entrance atrium. The new restrooms will also be handicap accessible.

Will the organ be moved?

One of the critiques of the renovation done in the 1980's was the placement of the organ in a way that blocked much of the Christ the King window above the Main Street entrance. With the sanctuary relocated to the west end of the building, the window will become a focal point above the altar. The plan calls for the relocation of the organ to an area north of the window and above the new music area. As it is being moved we will complete and enhance the organ to provide a more beautiful and richer sound.

Why is the Heart of the Matter project going forward now?

A quick look around the church will show that a number of maintenance issues need to be addressed - paint, floor covering, lighting, among others. At the same time, elements of the structure challenge us in our desire to pray well - the placement of the choir and organ, the inaccessibility of the sanctuary, the lack of an adequate baptismal font, the size and location of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. We began the Heart of the Matter project several years ago to address these issues in a systematic way. Parish leaders met with diocesan officials to map out a strategy for the future. Our present activities are the fruits of these first steps.

What will the Heart of the Matter project cost?

The project will cost $2.75 million. The funding will come from a variety of sources. Our Heart of the Matter capital campaign raised $1 million. Additional monies will come from the diocesan Seeds of Faith Campaign and other sources.

What can I do to help?

The success of this project needs the prayers and support of all Catholics as well as members of the broader community of faith. This is a sacred trust and an important mission. Our goal is to enhance our ability to give praise to God and to share the love of the Sacred Heart of Christ. Your prayers are necessary to ensure that our work remains focused on this as our priority.

What about financial help?

This project cannot be completed without the generosity of many people. If you wish to make a gift to the Heart of the Matter project please contact Fr. Sauer at the parish office (507) 452-4770.

Why spend all this money and energy on the Heart of the Matter project?

The Cathedral holds a central place in our church. More than a building, it represents the presence of the Catholic Church, of all Catholics, in our Diocese of Winona. The Cathedral reminds us of our unity through baptism and that we belong to the larger Church. Because of this, whether one lives in Winona or Windom, Preston or Pipestone, Mankato or Mazeppa, it is important that the Cathedral fulfill its role as a model of worship, teaching and service to others.

It seems that it would be simpler to update the Cathedral interior, replace the mechanical systems in need of repair and enhance the worship space. But we are called to do more. When the concept statements were developed we took the perspective of standing in the midst of seven generations - respecting the contributions of the past while positioning ourselves for the opportunities of the future. It has long been a cathedral tradition that women and men of faith give of their time, their talent and their treasure to share Christ's love with their brothers and sisters. Through the Heart of the Matter project our building will be developed to better serve the community and fulfill Christ's mission.