Worship Space News

The crew begins erecting the steel for our new church 8/30/07

We gather to break ground for our new church

Now this is really getting good! All parishioners are urged to attend, visit the parish web site, ask questions of the committee members, stay informed as "We need more room!" gets translated into tangible designs and sketches!

The Kerns Group has provided site maps that are used in discussions about the property behind the Parish Center that is available for the expanded growth of St. Agnes . We have included three of these maps here. If you have not yet walked the site, via the Stations of the Cross path, this will give you a good idea of what this piece of land looks in size, as well as what is located within the site. Although the site is wooded now, up until about 25 years ago a good portion of it was farmed, so most of the trees are early successional. They do provide good shade now, but they are short lived.

General Site Map

This map gives a general view of the property. This shows the main plat of land, the existing roads and houses that surround the site, the orientation of the land to wind patterns and the path of the sun. It also shows basic topography, and the location of noise that will impact the site (from Rt. 45 and Rt. 480).

Hydrology Map

This maps gives a view of the existing site, with an overlay of hydrology features. It shows where the land is wettest during periods of high rain, as well as the flow of water across the property. This water flow is quite minor, but does require some consideration when planning use of the site.

Topography Map

This map provides an analysis of the typography of the site. It shows the slope of the land, as well as known rock breaks. It also includes the water flow shown on the hydrology map.

On 15 November, Committee members and other interested parishioners met again with an architect, a landscape consultant and a liturgical consultant. At this session participants reached consensus on rating near-term and projected space needs as high, medium or low. Brian Frickie, architect, recapped points from the 18 October session on the need for any proposed new worship space to be integral to the existing Shepherdstown street grid and still lend a connection with the Parish cemetery near the north campus of Shepherd College.

Brian presented "diagrammatic concepts" to help better define possible use of the property behind the Parish Center to meet primary liturgical, assembly, support, and parking needs. The diagrams launched interesting and thoughtful discussion. Please plan to join us as we continue this discussion with refined diagrams on Saturday, 24 January 2004, 9 a.m. -12 noon in the Parish Center.

Questions/Comments? Ask Marie: 876-2779 or send email to Botsford77@hotmail.com.

Did you Know?

• Did you know...that the earliest Christians lived in a region where fine linen was highly prized? Ritual laws often demanded the use of the finest cloth for vestments and was often used for burial shrouds. Primitive documents from the region note the use of one fine linen cover for the altar--carrying rich memories of burial shrouds. It was placed on the altar at the start of the eucharistic rite and removed at its end. By the year 1000, communities eventually used three cloths, with a lavish front panel, left on the altar at all times. In current practice we have returned to covering a well-made, free standing altar, with a cloth of the exact dimensions of the top and only for the eucharistic rite.

• Did you know…that there could be only one altar in the early Christian community? The altar was the presence of the one Christ, the center-point of the community's gathering for the sacred mysteries. With medieval Christians, however, the altar moved deeper and deeper into a sanctuary screened from the congregation, and the ministries exercised by deacons, lectors and cantors were absorbed by priests. The altar table became longer so readings could be done from different ends distinct from the eucharistic focus at the center. In some communities, "side altars" evolved. Through the 20th century and in current practice, we returned to the simplicity of early Christianity. Side altars were abandoned, one altar became free standing, priests could face the assembly, the proclamation of the scriptures moved back to the ambo, and our altar is reserved for the liturgy of the eucharist.

• Did you know...the use of sound to summon an assembly is very ancient? Many sacristies had a bell hung by the door to the sanctuary, rung to signal the start of a service. These days we have other cues. One is the ancient and beautiful tradition of ringing the tower bells. The use of bells for summoning the Christian assembly can be traced to the 4th or 5th century. In its blessing of bells, the Book of Blessings notes that bells express the sentiments of the people of God "as they rejoice or grieve, offer thanks or petition, gather together." They both signal and enhance the unity of the assembly.

• Did you know....that for the first 1,300+ years of Christianity, there was no general seating for the assembly? Provisions were made for those who were too weak to stand, but most people stood--or at times knelt on the floor--throughout the services. The space for the congregation was open.

  Of course, benches and chairs are now common in churches. Even so, seating has never been--and still is not--required by liturgical law! What counts most is the free space, the open areas free of seating. Open spaces recognize the value of processions, the value of people assembling closely around the font or the altar, and the value of people gathering around the entrance.

• Did you know...the following words were part of the dedication for the 1983 renovation of St. Agnes?

  "...our church building is but a reminder of the gospel message, demanding that we reach out to those in need and to one another in love. Like our church structure, we acknowledge that we must always be open to the work of the Spirit to allow ourselves to grow into a community which is far beyond our comprehension....we are the living stones that go to make up the Body of Christ"

• Did you know...that the stained glass windows on the main floor of St. Agnes include names of an individual or a family active in the early years of the church's life? Picture yourself in the center of the church. Look to the left front. The window inscription there is to George T. Hodges (1850 - 1903). Without the strong influence of George Hodges St. Agnes Church might not have been built in 1889. His funeral at St. Agnes was so well attended that many persons were unable to get inside the church.

• In 1982, St. Agnes had a symbolic dedication of the church to kickoff a substantial building renovation. Bishop Joseph Howard Hodges, a descendant of the George Hodges family, and a native of Jefferson County, was the consecrating prelate.

• A recent E-mail message: I recently visited St. Agnes and was touched by the warmth and spirit of the Mass. I hung back after Mass to look around, but did not find a shrine to St. Agnes. Did I miss it? Where should I look? I am looking forward to coming [to] St. Agnes again It was just what I needed. (Melissa S. from Tracey's Landing, MD)

Dear Melissa, I am so glad were able to worship with us and got to experience the Spirit of the St. Agnes Parish Community! You did not miss a shrine to St. Agnes. It is just that our church is rather small and we really can't easily accommodate shrines for saints. It might interest you to know that our church's namesake was selected in honor of Agnes Gibson, whose efforts and devotion helped build the Shepherdstown Catholic church in 1889. I hope you did take note of the stained glass windows, especially in the balcony area, and of the small Marian shrine, handcrafted by one of our parishioners, located on the wall of the alcove to the right as you enter the church. We look forward to you joining us in prayer again.

• Email message: What is a tabernacle? Do we have one? I say we don't because it is something related to the Jewish religion. ("Elron39")

Dear "Elron39," Very good questions; but, sorry, you are wrong on this one. We do have a tabernacle! The word 'tabernacle' long ago came to mean the locked container in which the eucharist is kept, saved or "reserved." The tabernacle for eucharistic reservation is a reminder of Christ's presence that comes about in the sacrifice of the Mass. It is also to reserve the eucharist for the sick and the dying. There is to be only one such container in a church, preferably located in a separate chapel. You will find our tabernacle in the room on the left, as you face the altar in St Agnes. Check it out. You'll also find a place to kneel and pray to Jesus and will see a hanging lamp. It is an ancient tradition and symbol to keep a lamp on before the tabernacle as a mark of reverence and as an indicator of the presence of the eucharist in the tabernacle. Thanks for your question!

• Why do we use candles in church? Particularly during Advent you'll note the four candles in the Advent Wreath. According to tradition, three of the candles are violet and the fourth is rose. However, four violet or white candles may also be used. This domestic custom made its way into many churches in the twentieth century. It hints at the light of Christmas, the light of Christ, the brilliance of the end time, and the progression of this season of preparation.

  Candles are integral to our celebrations. They are symbols of the light of Christ and the light of baptism. Interacting with them can shape and direct our affection. We share flames from them, follow their lead in processions, and they are part of communal gatherings and rites.

  Where would a candle light procession lead us if we develop the land behind the parish house? Something to think about and discuss at the 24 January Worship Space Session.

• Did you know...that the word "church" itself comes from Greek words for the "gathered people" or "the Lord's holy congregation'? The First Letter of Peter summons every parish: "Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1:5)

  Over the centuries, the name of the people--"gathered people, " "church"--came to denote the building in which the people met to perform their actions together. Thus, the building was called "church." It remains that the people who come together here--relatives, neighbors, strangers, and friends--are the gathered people, the living stones.

• Did you know...that the physical entrance into the church is a demarcation between "this side" and the "other side"? To cross the threshold of the church entrance and arrive on the "other side" is a gesture of one's willingness to enter into the life on the other side; that is, enter willingly into the life of the Christian community beyond the portal.

The Rite of Becoming Catechumens acknowledges the symbolic power of crossing the threshold and entering into the faith community's life. Crossing that threshold is a rite of assent. The entrance way to the church should visibly represent the significance of entry.

• Did you know...that when St. Agnes was dedicated in 1891 it was called a chapel? Being small in number, Shepherdstown Catholics of that period looked forward to the once-a-month visit of a priest from Harper's Ferry or Martinsburg. St. Agnes remained a chapel for most of the next century until it became a parish with a full-time priest in the 1980s.

• Did you know ...that it is the Church--not just the priest--which baptizes new members? Gathering around the font expresses solidarity with those being baptized and underscores the assembly's role in the welcoming and birthing of new members.

The amount of water for baptism should be enough to immerse both infants and adults. There actually should be enough water to die in! Even the shape of the font is significant to the ritual event. The Church uses several forms--rectangle, round, hexagon, cruciform--which are symbolic of giving birth to new members coming forth from the depths and darkness of the waters into light and life.

Questions/Comments? Or do you know some interesting facts about the history of St. Agnes? Contact Marie: call 876-2779 or send email to Botsford77@hotmail.com.

Jefferson County Growth

Drawbacks to a New Worship Space	Advantages of a New Worship Space
May cause loss of closeness in our community	Will accommodate a growing church population; our parish is growing.
Creates a fractured location	New building would be closer to CCD and the Activity center.
Creates traffic issues	A chance for better parking; access.
We need more than a new church; we need more space for community activities and our growing CCD.	More room for families; more and better seating available; could include a crying room; reduces overcrowding.
A new building may have negative impact on historical considerations.	Will be able to meet needs of the handicapped and of the elderly; will meet overall fire and safety requirements.
The 7 acre site is not the most ideal building site; there will be environmental/storm water management challenges.	This location will let us continue to be inclusive of Shepherd College and the arts community.
This is a poor time to raise money; a time of financial instability; there is war looming in the background.	Good to start planning and saving now, otherwise the longer we wait the higher the costs.
We don't have the right demographics in the parish to pay for it.	We can afford it.
Potential for loss of present church because of up-keep for the old building.	Present church will continue to be used for special occasions; as a chapel.
A new church would change who attends.	A new church may attract new members; will give us room for new members.
The problem of community would still exist due to separate liturgies.	In a larger space parish members will be able to be more active participants in the liturgy; will allow for involvement of whole parish in celebrations; more could worship at each liturgy.
Other alternatives to a larger space could exist.	A new church helps us meet the demands and needs of the parish 5 to 10 years down the road.
Could cause conflict in the parish-a problem getting everyone to agree; potential loss of members.	Building a new church will also build community and teamwork; will give parish a sense of ownership because we produced it.
Will cause loss of quaintness, intimacy and aesthetics. The new church would be too big, too impersonal.	We will be able to have statues and pictures and a chance to combine the new with the old. We can design it to allow people to be closer to the altar and more involved in worship.
New churches lack warmth, tradition, spirituality.	A new church could provide a gathering place and increase fellowship; allow us to reach out to the community; room for inter-faith activities; provide space for our music ministry and choir; a permanent baptismal font and overall allow for better celebration of the sacraments.
Two or three other Catholic churches in the area are currently expanding.	A new building will make a positive statement to the community about our purpose and mission. We may be able to welcome more members, even from outside of Jefferson County.
People resist change.	A new, larger church would give us flexibility.
Maintenance costs will be high for a new building.	A new building means better heating and cooling. Bathrooms! It will be easier to maintain a new building.
People like or are attached to the present church. Worship is the small church.	Our parish is not the building. It is the warm and welcoming people in it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the traffic flow be? What about road construction? To what degree is the town of
Shepherdstown involved?
Traffic flow would be determined with the assistance of an architect and with the approval of the town. We are looking at possible access from Washington Street extended, New Street extended and right away to Route 45.

What is it going to cost? What are the guidelines for financial aspects? Will there be enough people to pay for it? Do we have the money? How much do we have to have in the bank? Can St. Agnes take out a mortgage?
Cost, at this point, is unknown. Cost will be determined by the design plan approved by the Parish and the Diocese. We expect, however, that it may cost several million dollars. The Diocese expects no less than 50% of the cost to be on hand. Before any construction can begin, there will be appropriate oversight from within the parish and the Diocese financial office in Wheeling so we don't risk overextension or debt. The Diocese owns the property, so it is not appropriate for the Parish to take out a mortgage. We would work out funding arrangements with the Diocese financial office in Wheeling.

Would professionals be involved in raising money? Likely not.
Will planning include some levels of the parish to determine if we are able to pay? Yes, through oversight of the parish financial committee, which includes Father Mat. Also, the Parish at large will be kept informed and advised of our financial status and arrangements.

When will we define the needs of the church relative to the current capital campaign?
The worship space development will follow a defined process (please see attachment on the steps of the process), which includes participation of all parishioners to define our building needs. We fully expect we would be able to apply funds from the current capital campaign toward the development of our plan.

When can people expect to start paying for a new worship space?
With detailed design plans completed and approved, we expect contributions to a building fund to begin in 2005.

Will we design space that is not a rectangle but still accommodating? How big of a space do we need? Will we seek to maintain at least some of the feel of our present church, even though in a format and size to meet present and foreseeable needs?
Worship space design options will be initially reviewed and considered by the Worship Space Committee, taking into consideration the needs and desires of the Parish. The design recommendations will be shared with and reviewed by the Parish for additional comment and input.

What role does the diocese play in terms of design? The Parish must submit the final design for the Diocese review and approval. Will the Diocese approve funds for a community center, too? Yes, if we pay for it.

Will the parish have a chance to meet with the liturgical consultant? Definitely. All parishioners Were invited to a session held November 9, 2002. At this session the liturgical consultant presented a very Informative program. This formation process will be continued with additional opportunities to meet with the liturgical consultant in March 2003. Details on these sessions will be provided in a separate communication. Please come! What is the job of a liturgical consultant? A liturgical consultant helps us to understand better how the celebration of our spirituality, our faith rituals, the Eucharist and the sacraments need to be reflected in a worship space. The liturgical consultant would also help the Parish articulate its liturgical and ritual needs to an architect. Why do we have to spend money on a liturgical consultant and an architect? Building a church is large undertaking requiring the assistance of professionals to guide us all on this faith-filled journey.

Is 7 acres really large enough for parking, etc.? Yes, this is sufficient space. Is this the best site? Where is the town expanding? What about the 32 acres outside of town? Yes, considering site's location relative to the St. Agnes Parish House, activity center and the college. The location of the Maddox Center and the by-pass indicates the 7-acre site would be at the core of the town's expansion. The 32-acre property is held by the Diocese as an investment.

When do we anticipate construction to begin? When would the new church be ready?
At present, assuming financial feasibility, groundbreaking is projected for 2006-7 with a new church ready in 2008.

How will the building relate to the activity center?
This would be determined as part of developing a master site plan.

Should we be spending money on a new church?
Yes. While addressing the growth of the St. Agnes Parish, a new worship space would allow us to better serve out our mission as a faith-filled parish.

How will this project impact social justice or concerns?
Our ability to serve the poor and hungry comes from our strength as a worshiping community. Our commitment to social justice is a fundamental dimension of who we are as Catholic Christians. A new worship space will serve to enhance our ability to reach out in service to others.

What investigation has been done for possible renovation/expansion of the existing church building? Why not just fix the old building?
One of the first steps taken at the beginning of the process by the building committee was to investigate this question. There is no property available for expansion on the present site. The current building cannot be redone to meet our current and future needs.

Why can't we get a visiting priest to say an extra mass or two on holidays and thereby eliminate the space problem? Why not add additional masses/priests?
There are not enough clergy to meet the needs of the diocese. Cannon law states that each priest can say only three weekend masses. The addition of priests and masses will not eliminate the space problem. The current limitations of the space for full sacramental expression remain.

What will happen to the current worship space?
The current worship space will continue to be used for liturgy, vespers, etc., when the number of attendees permits.

Why are we concerned with growth?
The Catholic population of this community is continuously growing and we must serve the needs of this population. Our current space is not adequate to serve our present needs. (Please refer to the population growth charts)

St. James and St. Joseph's have more room. Why can't newcomers go there? What's the harm in this as long as everyone has a place to worship?
St. James, Charles Town, and St. Joseph's, Martinsburg, are experiencing the same growth as we are and have already started to address their need for expansion.

Are we going to poll parishioners?
Ongoing input of parishioners is vital to the success of this project. This packet contains feedback from parishioners as well as a Query Card to allow for additional input to be shared. We will continue to request the participation of the entire community.

Are we considering selling buildings not used?
The future needs of the parish will be addressed in the development of a master site plan. This plan will include an assessment of all existing properties and facilities.

Will the facility be a place that attracts "hoppers" -- attract those looking for a better priest or
church?
Our parish mission statement says, "We welcome the opportunity to share God's message and to bring all others into the life of Christ."

If the idea to build a new church is to follow Vatican II directives, what will keep the Church from
changing things in another 10 years? What then?
With the assistance of a liturgical consultant and an architect, a worship space will be built in response to the present and immediate future needs of a parish community. We cannot predict the needs of a worshipping community 50 to 100 years in the future.

I am worried that the intimacy we experience in the existing church will be lost in a new church.
What happens then?
The intimacy is not created by the church building. It is found in the life of our parish community.

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