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Collection to aid our ‘mother church’ Print E-mail
By Joe Towalski   
Tuesday, 09 September 2008

Joe's Jots


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Joe Towalski
Don’t forget the special collection for the Cathedral of St. Paul this weekend. Archbishop John Nienstedt has asked all Catholics in the archdiocese to make a financial contribution in support of our “mother church.”

Why is a collection needed? There is still $13 million in debt remaining from the exterior restoration — which included refurbishing the dome — that was completed six years ago. About $14 million more is needed for repairs to the inside of the church because leaks in the previous dome caused paint and plaster to peel and damaged stonework.

About 2,500 households from more than 200 different ZIP codes call the Cathedral home. But why should those of us who don’t belong to the Cathedral contribute to the collection? The answer is simple: Its value extends far beyond its members.

cathedral.jpgThe church is home to the archbishop’s chair — the “cathedra” — and it is considered his official church. And each year, many of us find ourselves at the cathedral to celebrate significant events in the lives of our families and our archdiocese: confirmations, ordinations to the priesthood and the Rite of Election for catechumens coming into the church, to name just a few.

In addition, the cathedral is home to lectures, concerts and beautiful artwork that all of us in the archdiocese should take pride in. The church building itself — designed by Emmanuel Masqueray, who also designed the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis — is a great example of Beaux Arts architecture.

Like Catholics at the turn of the century who prayerfully made financial contributions large and small to initiate the building of the cathedral, it is now up to us to ensure that it continues to be a magnificent and inspiring church for all to enjoy. Please give generously at Mass Sept. 13 or 14.

Joe Towalski is editor of The Catholic Spirit

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