With a sincere sense of gratitude to you for your continuing stewardship, let me update you on our parish planning.
A number of years ago, our parish purchased a large house located northwest of the Aquinas Newman Center. The house was aptly named the Newman House. Renovation involved an overhaul of the house.s infrastructure so it could be a home-away-from-home for students interested in community living. As good stewards, you not only made significant financial contributions, you gave your time and sweat equity to make Newman House a reality for our Campus Ministry and faith community. We continue to be grateful for your foresight and hard work.
Our Aquinas Newman Center community continues to evolve. Though about five students a year have lived at the Newman House, fewer students are interested in the responsibilities of community living. At the same time, all of the parish.s ministries are expanding to meet the needs of our growing, diverse, and vital community; thus, the ministries are in need of more space. The resident Dominican Community is also expanding its presence, with the hope of once again becoming a Priory, a home for six brothers and priests of diverse backgrounds and talents to augment the Order.s mission to pray, preach, witness and serve in Albuquerque
Considering these facts, the Parish Finance Council, working with the ministries and staff leadership, developed a plan to focus on improving the spiritual and physical accessibility for all our parish community, including those physically impaired. Early this year, the plan was approved by me as Pastor and by Fr. Joachim as the Superior of our Dominican community. This spring, it was approved by our Parish Pastoral Council; then, a public meeting was held for parishioners to discuss the plan; and the report has been on the parish website http://www.aquinasnm.org. Though the spiritual aspects of the plan are of the highest priority, the physical enhancements are and will be the most visible parts of the overall plan. For example, you may have noticed that there are now handicap accessible automatic door openers installed at the key entrances to the main facility. An automatic wheelchair lift will soon be installed at the staircase near the receptionist office.
Plans are now being developed to convert the Newman House into the St. Thomas Aquinas Priory.. Additional renovation by professionals and volunteers will change the student dormitory into suitable public and private space for the Dominican community. The adjacent Casita, now the Dominical Ecclesial Institute (D+E+I), will be their guest house for visiting clergy.
To expand our spiritual ministry spaces, we will renovate the North Wing after the priests. quarters are vacated. We are excited about having the needed meeting, study and office space, starting with a Youth Ministry room. D+E+I.s new office will be there as well.
As always, we count on your support and partnership to enhance accessibility to our spiritual and physical ministries that make our Aquinas Newman Center an open and welcoming community of God. Together each of us has a vital part in making our plan a reality.
Thank you for your past and future support,