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immaculate conception parish in columbia builds for the future

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

Members of Immaculate Conception Parish built the framework of a 45-foot-wide entryway proposed for their new church Oct. 18-19 in front of the entrance to the current church with the large footprint of the new church spray-painted on the ground surrounding the current church to compare the size of the new structure.

The new church will offer nearly three times the seating capacity, a large gathering space and additional worship areas.

The entryway symbolizes part of the parish mission: welcoming all people. The current church is accessible only by steps or ramps, and the sanctuary and choir loft are inaccessible to people with disabilities. At the new church, people of all ages and abilities will enter at ground level and enjoy full access to all parts of the building.
Parishioners then moved the entryway to the new parish site, located along Palmer Rd. in Columbia. On Oct 26, a rosary service was held there.

The Building Church While Building a Church committee is developing a plan to break ground in 2009 and finish construction by 2010.

Hundreds of parishioners have volunteered time toward all phases of the project. Donations and pledges totaling $4 million have come through the financial support of a larger than expected number of community members. With an additional million in commitments, construction on the estimated $8 million facility can begin.

Eventually, the new site of Immaculate Conception Parish will include a school, gym, and athletic fields.