Construction has begun on the new St. Francis of Assisi church.
Diocese of Baker photo
BEND — St. Francis of Assisi Parish is realizing its dream of a larger church to accommodate the growing number of Catholics in central Oregon.
The new $5.5 million, 800-seat church, centerpiece of a larger Catholic development, will be completed by late spring, 2009.
Bishop Robert Vasa presided over the groundbreaking and blessing of the site in May. The church, designed by Becker Architects of Kirkland, Wash., is to have a Catholic character, and a contemporary design with an unusual roof line that will be compatible with the current buildings — a combined school, community center, and offices dedicated in 2000.
The 16,000-square-foot church will have a large sanctuary, and the largest pipe organ in eastern Oregon, thanks to the generosity of a parishioner. The nave will be illuminated by large stained glass windows funded by parishioners. A large narthex will permit gathering before liturgies.
Cost of the church is being met by donations, generated in part by a capital fund drive which calls for pledges over a five year period. The Diocese of Baker also gave a loan.
Kirby Nagelhout, a Bend general contractor, began construction in April 2008. Large columns that will support the roof are being poured now. When the columns are finished, a light-colored cement block will be laid, followed by the roof and remaining finishing. Currently, four weekend Masses as well as two daily Masses are held in the 90-year-old downtown church in addition to three weekend Masses in the community center.
Different grades from St. Francis School attend Mass each day in the St. Clare Chapel.
When construction is complete, and the new church is consecrated, the St. Francis Community will be able to celebrate liturgies in one place.
The landmark downtown church will continue to be a part of the parish, but leaders have not yet decided just how it will be used. The planning for a Catholic Center on the east side of town, adjacent to St. Charles Medical Center, began in 1988. The master plan called for a focus of Catholic activity as the population of Bend continued to grow.
The plan’s third phase, to be built on the south side of the property, will include a gymnasium, a youth center, kindergarten classrooms, and additional meeting rooms.
