The Spectrum

Issue date: 1/25/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: The Spectrum/ Kathleen Schultz Back from winter break and little progress has been made.

Groundbreaking for the chapel happened slightly over a month ago and since than it has been the talk of the campus. Opinions of the topic are varied, as there is much to consider when thinking about the new construction

"The chapel is a long overdue symbol of the University," said Dr. Gary Rose, Chair of Government and Politics.

"We are emphasizing the Catholic tradition, being the second largest Catholic college in the northeast behind Boston College and that it is hard to imagine; a faith based institution without a sizeable and very discernable chapel. In many ways it will become the centerpiece of what our school symbolizes," said Dr. Rose.

Yet there is another side to consider.

"Although a proper place of worship is essential to Catholic spirituality, I feel that the $17 million reported is budgeted for the project is truly exorbitant. I feel other projects, like parking and an expansion of the library should have some money and attention paid to it," said Kevin Hannigan, senior, Floral Park, N.Y.

"Everyday classes are interrupted by students who could not find parking and I feel this should be addressed first, as the students are here to learn," said Hannigan.

When the chapel is complete, by September 2008 it will include gardens, a terrace, and a bell tower.

Functions that are not as large in numbers can also be held in the new chapel for when it is finished it will have a main room that will hold 500 people. It will also include a smaller room that will hold 50 people for everyday services.

"In my opinion the chapel we have now is not of sufficient size to accommodate a student body of over 3,000 students," said Gabriel Garcia, member of Campus Ministry COR team, Coram, NY.

"This is made clear by the fact that we have to use places like the University Commons and the Edgerton Theater to hold Sunday mass. The construction of the new chapel will give campus ministry a proper center of operations and provide more than enough space for large functions," said Garcia.

"As a Catholic institution, having a chapel that can meet the spiritual needs of the community is an essential part of the University's identity. It shows the maturity and excellence of the University and its commitment to ministering to both mind and spirit," said Dr. John Michniewicz, Director of the Music Department.

"As the Director of the Music Program, I think it will also be fantastic as an additional place on campus for the choirs, musical groups and other performers to offer their talents and concerts in such a beautiful and uplifting space. The Chapel will feature a grand pipe organ that will be an exciting addition to the musical possibilities on campus," said Dr. Michniewicz.

Although there are some concerns, the overall opinion of having a new chapel is a bright one. The Sacred Heart Community seems to feel that the chapel is essential to a Catholic University.

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