Fr. Ken Overbeck, Pastor of St. Bonaventure says, "Nationally church attendance is declining 2% each year. We are very fortunate here in Plymouth. We have a vibrant community and we are one of the few growing churches in the state. The numbers of people attending weekend worship at St. Bonaventure averages about 1,600. The church holds 550 at one time, "uncomfortably," said Fr. Ken. The new church building will hold 996 at full capacity.
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Illustration of the new
church sanctuary.
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An innovative feature will open the
reredos - the decorative wall behind the altar - to reveal a chapel for daily mass that can hold 150. The main sanctuary has a capacity for 750. "When we have large events, we can open the reredos to make room for 150 additional people," Fr. Ken explained.
In addition, the new church building will be
fully handicapped-accessible, including the altar and all entrances will be level to the ground. The pews will be wider with tilted backs ... and the heating and air conditioning systems will be improved to provide more comfort.
An unusual feature of the new building will be the entrance, which will have a porch that is like a "cave" into the building, rather than a porch that extends out, like most churches. In the back of the church, the
narthex will have a glass wall so if parents have a need to step out,
they will still be able to see and hear the service. A room off the narthex will provide a comfortable waiting area for brides and their bridesmaids or others.
"One of the features that is the most exciting for me is the
connecting hallway from the new church to the old building, which will be turned into a parish hall in the future. This hallway will be lined with placards and the names of those whose donations made the new building possible. It will include a
colored glass design where loved ones' names will be etched in a permanent memorial. This
Memorial Hall will be a tribute to those whom we fondly remember," explained Fr. Ken.
He added, "Our new church will provide a bright and inviting worship space.
It will have modern conveniences, but it is designed to look like a New England town center - a white church connected to the old building and a large grassy area around it. The sunlight, trees, and gardens will help 'decorate' the church - the open windows and glass will be an invitation to come in.
We are very aware of the historic nature of the town and it is our hope that people will drive by and will assume that the church has been there for 200 years." Bishop John Dooher presided over the
Rite of Blessing for the Construction of a New Church after the 11 am Mass on Sunday September 23rd. A procession around the outline of the church preceded the prayers for God's blessing on the parish and the work about to begin on the new building.
The capitol fund has raised $3.1M so far and a final pledge drive is about to begin to raise the balance of the $4M needed.
"People have been incredibly generous so far," Fr. Ken said. We have received donations that are seven to eight times what parishioners put into the offertory.
Building has not yet begun; we are awaiting the building permit, which is pending and is close to being issued. Thus far, we are allowed to move dirt around and dig holes, but we can't build yet."
Bergquist from Norwell MA, with $21 of their own money. Their idea blossomed into a massive effort that now seeks to collect 50,000 cell phones each month through collection sites all over the country. The donated cell phones and accessories are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone collected. The money is used to purchase prepaid calling cards which are sent to troops. 
