Press Release: Corpus Christi Catholic Church Dedicates New Family Center; Hundreds Attend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972-818-0895
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Exterior view of new church. |
Photos by Freda Parker |
FERRIS, Texas (June 24, 2003) On the Feast Day of Corpus Christi, some 400 men, women and children at Corpus Christi Church, a small Catholic parish in Ferris, Texas, helped dedicate their new Family Center - a unique building known as a Monolithic Dome.
The dedication included a Mass celebrated by Bishop Charles Grahmann and Pastor John Haugh, traditional Spanish music, singing, dancing and speeches.
Rev. Haugh's remarks about the new building got his audience laughing and applauding. He said, "David South, the president of the Monolithic Dome Institute, promised us two things. He promised that our dome would be built in five months -- and it was. David also promised the dome would last 500 years. We believe it will, but we have his phone number just in case."
A Monolithic Dome is a one-piece, steel-reinforced, super-insulated concrete building best known for energy efficiency, longevity and the ability to offer near absolute protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes. Corpus Christi is just the latest in a growing number of churches across the country that has opted for this unconventional method of construction.
In his address, Bishop Grahmann congratulated the congregation on their foresight, hard work and sense of commitment. He said that they had turned what in 1988 was barely a dream into a reality -- a reality that will serve them well.
The dome stands 31 feet at its tallest point and has a diameter of 108
feet. The net usable area totals 8,800 square feet. The interior currently
features a half-court basketball court. Future plans call for partitioning
for classrooms and the construction of a kitchen and large dining room
suitable for church dinners. Notable architectural nuances include two
decorative exterior wing walls that are curved to match the shape of the
building.
"The Monolithic Dome has been a great addition to the parish," Rev. Haugh said in an interview. "The dedication was a wonderful event and all of the young people of the parish, especially our Hispanic youth, are benefiting greatly from the use of this facility. We couldn't be happier."
The Monolithic Dome was significantly less expensive to build than a
traditional structure, and Father Haugh was operating on a tight budget.
Reduced energy costs may be the most significant savings category. "The
Corpus Christi dome is cooled with a 10-ton air-conditioning unit,"
said South. "A conventional building of that size would require between
30 and 40 tons of air-conditioning."
Rev. Haugh is also pleased that the facility will double as the tornado shelter for the town of Ferris. According to FEMA guidelines, Monolithic Domes qualify for the agency's highest designation, defined as offering near-absolute protection from natural disasters.
Related Links:
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Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
Tel (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662
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