Logan's
Catholic community gets ready to move off campus
By Noah Riley
May 5, 2005 | With the recent election
of Pope Benedict XVI comes the dawning of a new era
for the Roman Catholic Church. Correspondingly, Logan's
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish is facing its own new
beginning.
In 1957 the Sigma Nu Fraternity house, also known
as the "Windsor Castle" at 795 North and 800 East, was
purchased by the Diocese of Salt Lake for the local parish
to call home. Now, nearly fifty years later, as irony
would have it, the parish is looking to sell the chapel
back to a fraternity in preparation of building a new
Parish Center.
The church has purchased land just west of 800 East
and 3000 North in North Logan, and is in the process
of obtaining the necessary permits. Father Clarence
Sandoval, the parish priest, reported with excitement
that the building bid went out to subcontractors on
May 3. "Obviously we are in need of it, because of parking
problems and the lack of space," said Sandoval.
As a result of the present location of the chapel
being so close to Utah State University, students fill
up the parking during the week. Then during times of
mass or other activities there is simply not enough
parking for all that wish to attend.
Even though the new location will be less convenient
for students, Sandoval is confident that the trade off
will be worth the move.
Having the church so close to the school has its advantages
as well. "It is an asset for students," Sandoval said.
"They stop by, pray and get involved."
The Newman Campus Ministry is a university recognized
club that has seen a lot of growth as a result of the
church's nearness to campus. Students that make up the
club have various service opportunities that range from
building homes in Mexico to planting trees on Earth
Day.
Newman Campus Minister Jen Kennedy-Croft is not letting
her excitement for the new building give way to concerns
about the distance from the school. The club will continue
to focus on the intellectual, spiritual, and social
well-being of students. "We will always have a campus
influence," said Croft.
The new building will include a 15,500-square-foot
education center that will be designated for spiritual
education and worship. It will also have a 16,300-square-foot
community and cultural center for various events and
holidays. If everything proceeds as planned the new
building will be finished in 10 to 12 months.
The 750-seat chapel will accommodate the ever increasing
congregations that come for Sunday Masses. Currently
the parish has 783 families and a growth rate of 10
percent each year, making it the second largest denomination
in northern Utah.
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