~ Questions and Answers Concerning
   St. Anthony Liturgical Renovation (Page 2) ~

Q. Will all areas of the Cathedral be accessible to people with disabilities?
Q. Will there be devotional areas in the Cathedral?
Q. Will there be a rest room in the Cathedral?
Q. Will there be a bride's room in the Cathedral?l
Q. What will it cost to liturgically renovate the Cathedral?
Q. Will funds pledged to repair the Cathedral be used for this interior liturgical renovation?
Q. How can I help with this liturgical renovation of the Cathedral?
Q. Will grants for the renovation negatively impact other important Diocesan ministries?
Q. What is the Cathedral's role in the wider civic and spiritual community?

Q. Will all areas of the Cathedral be accessible to people with disabilities?

The renovation of the Cathedral will provide a barrier-free access into the Cathedral, throughout its interior and its sanctuary for people with disabilities. Two ramped entrances will be installed at the Cathedral's Jefferson Street main entrance and one ramped covered entrance will be provided on Wall Street.

The three main doors of the Cathedral will be replaced with easy access ceremonial decorative doors depicting the Good News of Christ, the Good Shepherd, summoning the rich diversity of peoples in Southeast Texas to enter his gates as sheep of his flock.

Q. Will there be devotional areas in the Cathedral?

A special chapel dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of all America, will adjoin the sanctuary. This fully accessible and beautiful devotional chapel will be connected to the main body of the Cathedral and conducive for private prayer. In addition to this Chapel of Our Blessed Mother, each confessional frontal will feature devotional alcoves containing sacred images of saints who have special significance to the people of Southeast Texas.

Q. Will there be a rest room in the Cathedral?

A new rest room, completely accessible to persons with disabilities, will adjoin the Cathedral's interior main entrance vestibule and sacristy.

Q. Will there be a bride's room in the Cathedral?

A spacious bride's room will be included in the new sacristy area from which will adjoin the Cathedral's front foyer.

Q. What will it cost to liturgically renovate the Cathedral?

The probable cost of our Cathedral's interior liturgical renovation has been calculated at approximately $998,775. Funds for this liturgical renovation will be realized through memorial gifts and grants.

Q. Will funds pledged to repair the Cathedral be used for this interior liturgical renovation?

None of $2,321,440 pledged for the Cathedral's repair will be used in any way for this interior liturgical renovation. The repair work on the Cathedral continues toward completion and will not be impacted by the liturgical renovation of the interior worship space. If repair funds are remaining at the completion of the Cathedral's repair, these funds will be placed in the Cathedral Preservation and Development Endowment Fund. This permanent endowment fund is to protect the Cathedral from future disrepair.

Q. How can I help with this liturgical renovation of the Cathedral?

The success of this liturgical renovation of the Cathedral's interior needs the prayers and support of all Catholics, as well as all people of good will. This is a most holy work intended to glorify God and to promote God's reign in our world and to server God's people. Prayers are necessary to ensure that this work remains focused on these priorities. The first thing you can do is pray, asking the Spirit of God to guide this important effort.

This liturgical renovation cannot be accomplished without the generosity of many people. Contributions to this important effort are encouraged and welcomed. You are invited to make a generous gift according to your means. Every gift, no matter what amount, is important and needed. Such extraordinary expressions of generosity give special sacrificial gratitude to God, and are in addition to one's weekly parish/mission support through stewardship and annual pledge to the Bishop's Faith Appeal.

An informative Memorial Gift Guide, which includes a memorial gift form and return envelope, is available from your pastor, or the Cathedral office or the Diocesan Pastoral Center. The diocesan newspaper will also provide these memorial gift materials and keep the people of the Diocese informed on the progress of this important project.

Q. Will grants for the renovation negatively impact other important Diocesan ministries?

The many ministries of Christ and the Church in the Diocese will not be impacted by grants for this liturgical renovation and will continue to be funded as they have in the past.

Q. What is the Cathedral's role in the wider civic and spiritual community?

The Cathedral serves as the spiritual soul of the city. It stands as an active witness to the principles of Catholic social teaching and of the gospel values which calls all peoples to recognize their dignity as being made in the image and likeness of God. The Cathedral is called to be a visible witness to the secular society of the Catholic Church's compassion, concern and advocacy for all, including the poor, the homeless, the overwhelmed, the elderly, the lonely, the sick, the alienated, as well as students, downtown residents, workers, business leaders and politicians.

From his Cathedral Church the Bishop is called to be the public voice of the Catholic community, providing enlightenment, council, moral guidance and example on the pressing issues of the day, and engaging the Catholic Church in dialogue with the secular community concerning the values of Christ. As a visible sign of unity, the Cathedral is the center for formal ecumenical and interreligious discussion, dialogue, collaboration and covenants. The Cathedral is also a visible sign of the Catholic Church's magisterium (teaching authority).

As part of this magisterium, the Bishop has his chair in the Cathedral as a symbol of the authentic apostolic teaching ministry, moral leadership and pastoral authority exercised by him for the good of all people.

Page 1 - Cathedral Renovation FAQ