Cathedral's renovation to be topic of meetings around Diocese

The presenters plan to cover such topics as the Cathedral's role as the "Bishop's church," the ministry and theology of cathedrals, and possible arrangements of worship space. The presentations will include a group discussion and a progress report on the work already underway in the building's restoration process.

Presenters include Elizabeth Simcoe, director of the diocesan Office of Prayer and Worship; Rev. William Pape, rector of the Cathedral; and Rev. Richard Vosko, a priest of the Albany Diocese who is a church designer.

Awareness

She explained that the Cathedral has often been used as a central gathering place, a "host Catholic site" where large groups of people have come together for celebrations and presentations. As an example, she cited the recent prayer service for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Ms. Simcoe hopes her presentation will invite people to see the Cathedral as a place where people can gather for small as well as large events, which might include dealing with critical issues affecting the larger community.

Art and worship

He has been working as a designer and consultant for worship environments since 1970. He is currently working on the renovations of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles and San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio.

"My role in these meetings is a catechetical one," he told The Evangelist. He wants to "take people into a deeper dimension of what Church means" to Catholics today.

BY using a slide presentation, Father Vosko hopes to use "metaphorical descriptions and images of what a cathedral can be. I'll be asking the question, 'Is it at all possible to do something wonderful here?' I hope to stretch people's understanding to see the possibilities in brand new, exciting ways."

Phase one

"These meetings are an opportunity for us to show initial planning for the Cathedral's interior, provide some liturgical education to people, and present a progress report on work that has been completed and is in progress," he noted.

(The meetings, 7-9 p.m., are scheduled for Jan. 10 at the Cathedral; Jan. 31 at St. Alphonsus Church, Glens Falls; Feb. 7 at Sacred Heart Church, Stamford; Feb. 28 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Gloversville; and March 7 at St. James Church, Chatham. For further information, contact the Office of Prayer and Worship, 453-6645.)

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