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Dear Sisters, Board of Trustees, and Administration:
Recently a letter was distributed to parents of students attending the Academy of Holy Names and the Alumni Board. The letter briefly outlined plans for the dismantling of the Blessed Marie Rose Durocher Chapel, as we have known it since the 1950's. Since the chapel has always been a very special, sacred, and intimate space for generations of students and their families, we submit this letter for consideration of our strong objections to the announced plans. Our objections are sincere and valid. They are not meant to be offensive nor cause for defense.
The chapel has always been considered an Academy treasure. Students, past and present, have dreamed of intimate weddings in this beautiful chapel. Alumni and parents of former students have had memorial services in this space as a final tribute to their lives and dedication to the school. The First Holy Communion service for second graders, intimacy of class convocations and special Masses in this very special setting that is the chapel, all contribute to the Academy of Holy Names as a unique treasure. These are the bonding experiences of students and parents to the school. These are the types of experiences that promote the dedication of alumni and parents and the motivation for donations to the school.
The letter discusses the need for the chapel to become a more flexible physical space for the faith formation program. We applaud the focus of ensuring that the AHN campus of the present and future be a center of spirituality and worship. We support moving toward the future while embracing, but not being limited by the past. Our request to ensure the tradition of this sanctified center of the campus is not contradictory to your wishes and vision for our campus, but complimentary and essential.
To embrace the philosophy outlined in your letter regarding worship, one must accept that our whole campus is and should be a place of worship and spirituality. Millions of dollars have been spent creating beautiful student and media centers. The plans for these centers touted state of the art facilities and flexibility of physical space as central themes in the capital campaign to attract donors. Certainly these areas could be used for flexible worship space. The campus grounds can provide a beautiful, spiritual oasis under the trees and overlooking the water. Those seeking more traditional retreat and solace can go to the chapel. It appears that with a minimal amount of creativity, multiple areas on campus can provide the desired flexibility for faith formation while preserving our history and providing a space for the more traditional. The Academy of Holy Names is very fortunate to have such a balance throughout its campus. Don't destroy one in favor of another.
The current plans devalue our rich history. It creates a sterile environment out of a beloved, sacred space. We strongly request your reconsideration and urge you to preserve the treasure that is the Blessed Marie Rose Durocher Chapel.
Sincerely, |
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Friends and Supporters of the Blessed Marie Rose Curocher Chapel. |
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