Construction underway for new catholic church

The current location was not large enough for a growing parish community.

That’s why the Rev. Marcos Velásquez and parish volunteers at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Maricopa began a capital campaign in summer 2008 to raise funds to establish a permanent place for parishioners to worship. 

In late April, construction crews began working on the 38 acres the parish purchased in the area of White and Parker Road and Adams Way. Construction of the sewer system, electric, gas, roads and telecommunications should take approximately five months to complete.

Once the infrastructure is completed, the goal is to begin work on the second phase — a 500-seat sanctuary that will be built by year’s end. 

“We’ve been working with the Greater Mission Development Service to help us conduct and manage the Christ Our Cornerstone campaign,” said Bill Burns, the campaign chairman. “The goal is to raise the needed $1.5 million to move forward with the construction.”

Over the past five years, the parish community has hosted an annual carnival, Friday night fish frys during Lent and various activities to raise the much needed funds for the new church. 

“We hope and pray that donations will continue at the current pace and that we’ll actually be able to have Mass and other services there before the end of 2015,” said parishioner Mike Barnes.

The church was designed by architect Steve Schloeder of Liturgical Environs and will be the centerpiece of the property called “The Crossing.” 

Overseeing the ambitious project is the Construction and Development Oversight Committee (CDOC), which includes Velásquez, a structural engineer, an electrical engineer, an architect, a project manager and others.

“Eventually, the church will be expanded to a cruciform shape with the addition of two transepts on each side with a day chapel,” said Ken Lepper, chairman of the CDOC.

An aerial view of the property will show the church as a cross. The church will be able to seat approximately 1,500 people. 

“Our new church altar will be in the exact center of our property, which is in the center of Maricopa,” Velásquez said. “Christ calls us to put God in the center of our lives. Our new church will physically reflect his teachings.”

While the start of construction could be considered an exciting time for parishioners, it’s a bittersweet occasion as a key visionary of the project is no longer with the church. The late Wayne Santi assisted in the development and design of the new facility with Velásquez and Schloeder.

“I’m so excited about the new church getting started as it’s truly a blessing,” said parishioner AJ Napolitano. “The commitment from fellow parishioners as well as those we are still counting on will truly help us build a church worthy for our Lord.”

A conceptual design of the property showcases a school, administration offices, meeting rooms and a fellowship hall.

“Our immediate vision is to build a new church,” Lepper said. “Our long-term mission includes creation of a complex that offers residential and commercial opportunities to make The Crossing a valuable asset to the entire city.”