Why do we need this Ramp at St. Clement’s? Let me explain!

THE PROPOSED RAMP FOR THE SANCTUARY

Recently, Fr. Neil was presiding at a funeral. After proclaiming the reading, a family member fell and was almost seriously hurt coming down the steps of the sanctuary. This past summer when presiding at a wedding, I had a similar incident in which a family member fell down the steps after doing the readings. Our sacristan, Marilyn Helenek can tell you about other incidents in which people were either hurt or came close to being hurt when coming down the steps. Likewise, we have parishioners who cannot access the sanctuary area or who cannot serve as Eucharistic Ministers or lectors because they are unable to negotiate the steps; others negotiate the steps with anxiety. During my years here, both staff and parishioners have said to me “Father, you have to do something about those steps!”

You will notice both in the Welcoming Center and at the entrance of the church, the architect’s rendering of a ramp which we feel will correct this problem. What you will see is the result of almost two years of work. Personally, I cannot begin to tell you how many meetings and how much time has gone into this. We have tried to explore every possible scenario and option. In the end, we felt that this was by far the safest and best option open to us. We invite you over the next month to take a look at the design and let any member of our staff know what you think. If you like it or feel this it is necessary, please let us know that. If you do not like it and feel that it is unnecessary, please let us know that also. If you have any questions regarding the project, please feel free to ask Don Garrant our parish business manager. If he cannot answer your question he will speak to one of the architects or the contractor. Also, please read my letter in this week’s bulletin which explains the steps we will be following in this project.

What do we hope to achieve with this ramp? First, it will eliminate the danger of someone getting seriously hurt and will provide safe access to the sanctuary area for all our parishioners. Secondly, it places our worship space in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act. Third, as a Church which proclaims the dignity of all human life, this ramp provides a fitting testimony that all our parishioners from the young and able-bodied to the elderly and the disabled are equally valued and have total and equal access to ministry and all aspects of our worship.

Finally, during the Christmas holidays, we will do a parish wide mailing to once again explain the project and invite you to offer a memorial for a loved one.

Once again, I assure you that this has been done with the greatest care and concern. God bless all of you for your love and care for St. Clement’s.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Fr. Joseph Tizio - Pastor