The Journey From Oak Trees To Crosses

You may have noticed during the past month three logs stacked on the sidewalk near the old Parish Office. We saved those logs from two oak trees that had to be removed for our construction. If you enter our property from the north driveway now, you'll notice no logs but only sawdust in their place. Last Thursday, we had a sawmill operator come to our property and cut the logs into long lengths of boards. The wood was then loaded on a flatbed truck and taken to a lumber yard where it will be kiln dried.

After this process, four (4) large timbers will be crafted by a parishioner into two crosses to hang over the altar in the Sanctuary and Day Chapel. The remaining lumber will be used for cabinetry in the new church. As we begin the process of crafting the crosses, we'll document that effort and provide updates. The photographs that are included show one of the logs as the cutting is beginning, the same log as the cutting is nearly finished, and the truck leaving with all the wood ready to be kiln dried.

Breaking ground

We couldn't have asked for better weather Sunday afternoon for the groundbreaking ceremony at Saint Pius X. Maybe it was the prayers of two bishops, three monsignors and a few hundred parishioners that made a difference, since the local weathermen were originally calling for clouds and rain.

We're starting to receive photos that you took at the groundbreaking. If you'd like to add yours to this slideshow on Flickr, please send them to spxgso@gmail.com.

Coming soon, some video from the ceremony on Sunday, but for now, here are links to the stories from the local media:

WFMY-TV "Saint Pius X Breaks Ground on New Church"

Greensboro News & Record "Catholic church breaks ground on sanctuary"

Our groundbreaking comes right on schedule as we continue Making A Place At the Table. If we get plenty of good weather, the new church should be finished in 14-16 months -- basically, Spring 2010. Just in time to celebrate our church's 50th anniversary. We're using this blog to keep you up to date on construction, finishing touches, behind the scenes info -- all kinds of information.

Grading the site

If you haven't stopped by recently, there have been some big changes at Saint Pius X. The first photo is taken next to the columbarium, towards the driveway and Fountain Manor (basically, looking north along Elm Street. The school is behind me.)

The backhoe and bulldozer in the second photo are in the center of the site, with the driveway behind them. That large pile of dirt you see in this photo was a mini-mountain earlier this week. It dwarfed my car as I went through the school's carpool line. And I have a tallish baby SUV.

All this work is being done to create a strong foundation for our church. This month, several goals will be accomlished, according to Tom Martin, Building Committee Chair:

During February the remainder of the storm water system will be installed, dirt will be brought in to set the grade, and the building pad will be readied. The basement will be dug and and the footings for the foundation of the church along with the concrete walls will be poured.

We're all committed to keeping you in the loop as we make progress. This blog, the parish bulletin, ECHOES and other channels are being used to pass along the latest information. We also welcome your comments here.

Groundbreaking

We hope you'll be able to join us this Sunday, February 15th, as we hold a groundbreaking for our new sanctuary.

The groundbreaking will be held after the 11:30 am Mass, which means we should all be there around 12:45pm for the ceremony and blessing. We have some special guests for this important occasion as we dedicate our site.

Plus, refreshments! We are planning to have a tent with hot apple cider available. Please join us and tell a friend.