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Renovation of St. Jude Shrine
Yasmin Ocado
There will be three (3) phases in the renovation of St. Jude Shrine: (1) the church; (2) the convent and offices; and (3) the parish hall. Of paramount importance is the renovation of the church.
Renovations will be done with the least structural change hence requiring less cost.
The main areas of concern in the renovation of the church are:
- The expansion of the sitting area to accommodate more churchgoers, especially on Thursdays
- The altar/sanctuary which has to conform to recommendations on liturgical space
- The overall design of the church which has to cater to all three of its profiles (devotees, Chinese, territorial). Generally, touches of both Chinese and native designs will be incorporated.
Expansion of sitting area:
- Sliding glass doors will lead out to the side areas/corridors. A structural engineer will assess whether the supporting columns can be lessened or removed to give way to the sliding doors.
- Pews will be set up at the right corridor. TV screens may also be set up to help people see what is going on at the altar when the church is full.
- The ceiling/roofing at the side areas will be raised and changed to match the overall design of the church. It may have a skylight which can provide natural lighting to the area.
The altar/sanctuary area:
- The marble background may be changed to one of lighter material, probably resin or stained glass.
- The tabernacle will be moved to the right side (facing the altar), to replace the door leading into the sacristy.
- The statues of St. Jude and Mother Mary will remain in their current positions.
- As acknowledgment to its being an original feature of the church, the main cross will be retained but may be lowered. The material of the cross itself may be changed to a lighter material. The hanging support from the ceiling will also be reinforced, or else a decorative anchor may be used.
- The baptismal font will be a permanent fixture to be placed at the left side (facing the altar). A portion of the sitting area (front, left) may be sacrificed to accommodate it. Another alternative is to have the baptistery at an enclosed area, still located near the altar, following recommendations on liturgical space.
- The lectern (for the lector's readings) will still be situated at the left.
- The front steps of the altar will be widened, with less elevation. There will also be a landing halfway up the steps, where the commentator's podium may be located, or where couples being married may be situated. (The commentator's podium should be lower than the lector's lectern.)
The balcony:
- It will be extended inwards (towards the direction of the altar), and its elevation and inclination will be improved.
- The structure of the balcony will be such that the current tubular supporting posts will be removed.
- The upper choir loft will be removed.
Others:
- Portions of the front windows of the church will be of stained glass, while others will be of colored glass or with glass etchings.
- The main entrance to the church will have a longer canopy to provide more cover especially during weddings on rainy days.
- One of the confessionals will be left as is, for the traditional way of confessing. The other will be changed, for those who would like to avail of face-to-face confession.
- The present candle area causes heat and human traffic during Thursdays. This candle area will be moved to an area outside of the church. It will be provided its own chimney as exhaust for the smoke. A small pool of water may be placed beneath the candles so that the drippings will be easier to clean.
- The flooring of the church will also be changed using material which is less slippery.
- The roofing of the whole church will also be repaired.
- The design of the convent building, which also houses the offices, will also correspond to the overall design of the church. The parish hall requires little renovation, but its facade will also be redone to match the church's design.
- The original title and lot area of the church will be studied to look for other possible areas of expansion.
The renovations will be scheduled so as not to disrupt Church services especially on Thursdays and Sundays. As such, the altar will be the first to be renovated. The area will be covered, and a temporary altar will be moved closer to the pews to give way to the renovations.
The final design will be submitted subject to the approval of the Church's commission on church architecture or liturgical space.
The final specifications will be used as basis for soliciting donations.
Timetable:
- End of March/after Holy Week 2002: Rough design or drawings of the overall concept for the approval of the committee. Also, the observations and recommendations of the structural engineer.
- End of April 2002: Overall final design, including details.
- May 2002: Finalized list of contractors
- Mid-May 2002: Start renovations
- December 2003: End of major renovations. Only minor finishing touches will be expected in 2004.
The church will invite at least three (3) contractors for bidding on the construction job.
The point persons for the project will be Fr. Jaucian, Mr. Lawrence See, and Mr. Proceso Chua.
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