Friday, April 14, 2000
Bishop to consider cathedral changes
Altar would move closer to seats
BY Ray Schaefer
Enquirer Contributor
COVINGTON — Parishioners at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption could soon get a closer look at the priest who says Mass.
But the decision rests with Bishop Robert Muench of the Diocese of Covington, and he wants to take another four to six weeks before deciding.
The recommendation given to the bishop Thursday would move the main altar 25 feet closer to the pews. It is part of a plan to renovate the cathedral at the corner of 12th Street and Madison Avenue.
“While generally disposed to the report, I will continue to pray and discern about this matter before announc ing my decision within the next four to six weeks,” Bishop Muench said.
Opponents to the sanctuary renovation have said the cathedral should be left alone except for refurbishing the building and adding air conditioning, a new sound system and other repairs.
Dr. Art Kunath, president of Save Our Sanctuary, a committee that favors preserving the sanctuary as it is, was pleased that Bishop Muench is waiting before making his final ruling.
“Our petitions will be presented to the bishop next Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. All he's done is accept the report and not given the green light,” Dr. Kunath said.
The $4.7 million renovation is part of a $9.4 million project that includes a $3.5 million endowment for Cath olic education and $1.2 million for other programs. Work is expected to start by Easter 2001.
“We believe we're still on the budget we were given of $4.7 million,” said Bill Brown, the Colorado Springs, Colo., architect who designed the plan.
The marble altar would be moved to the Great Crossing, the area where the two main aisles meet. The pulpit area would be lowered from 50 inches above the congregation to 35.
The Rev. John Cahill, rector of the cathedral, said moving the altar closer and having the priest face the congregation have been accepted practices for at least 30 years.
“I think the changes are important because the church is a living community,” Father Cahill said. “The placement of the altar is almost mandated by church law.”
Other changes include:
• Increasing seating capacity from 905 to 912. Mr. Brown said the number of seats within 65 feet of the altar goes from 493 to 792 and the number within 45 feet rises from 236 to 596.
• Converting the baldachin, a decorative canopy, into a devotional chapel behind the altar.
• Moving the baptismal font from the south side of the sanctuary to the Madison Avenue entrance. A shrine honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe replaces the former site.
• Adding new air conditioning, heating and sound systems plus repair and protection of the church's 58 stained glass windows.
• Repairing church art works.
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