New Church
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Dear Parishioners,
Watch the progress of our new church below. To help support the building of our new church, please check out the Capital Campaign page linked below. If you have any questions regarding the capital campaign contact Advancement Director Eric Crawford at [email protected]g or (402) 289-4289. God Bless, Fr. Tom Fangman |
Week 12 Update - January 5, 2025
Looking back to more than five years ago when we were in the earliest planning stages for our new church, it was important to the Building Committee and our architects that we maintain the warmth and home-like feeling parishioners enjoy in our current worship space. Members of the team felt it was important to carry the wood ceiling to the new facility. As construction progresses, the ceiling in the nave is nearing completion. Once again, the wood in the new nave will pay homage to our current church and add warmth to the space.
To continue carrying over the Irish heritage into the new church, there will be granite tiles that include Celtic designs. From Celtic knots and cross, the symbols mean unity and balance across different aspects of life. The circles and crosses are key Celtic elements representing the eternal nature of life, without beginning or end. They are unbreakable bonds of interconnection that highlight the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
If you would like to propose a question or topic for these updates, please contact Vicki Payton at [email protected]. You may also drop a note in the Sunday collection basket to Vicki's attention.
Looking back to more than five years ago when we were in the earliest planning stages for our new church, it was important to the Building Committee and our architects that we maintain the warmth and home-like feeling parishioners enjoy in our current worship space. Members of the team felt it was important to carry the wood ceiling to the new facility. As construction progresses, the ceiling in the nave is nearing completion. Once again, the wood in the new nave will pay homage to our current church and add warmth to the space.
To continue carrying over the Irish heritage into the new church, there will be granite tiles that include Celtic designs. From Celtic knots and cross, the symbols mean unity and balance across different aspects of life. The circles and crosses are key Celtic elements representing the eternal nature of life, without beginning or end. They are unbreakable bonds of interconnection that highlight the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
If you would like to propose a question or topic for these updates, please contact Vicki Payton at [email protected]. You may also drop a note in the Sunday collection basket to Vicki's attention.
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Week 11 Update – December 29, 2024
Careful study of churches in Ireland was done to make decisions on every aspect of our church, including the stone. Many churches in Ireland are built upon over time and have different types of stone on the exterior. You often recognize the original building vs. the addition because of the change in stone on the newer structure. Our church is using the idea of being built over the course of time, as in Ireland. For St. Pat’s, the daily chapel represent the “original” church, and therefore it has a special natural stone being used. The rest of the church building represents what would have been added to the original chapel over time. The ”addition” has its own custom cast stone. There are various types of stone being used in the project! Kehm Contractors has had up to 20 local masons working on the job at any given time. For the exterior and interior walls, there are three types of stone: manufactured veneer stone, natural stone, and precast stone. The manufactured veneer stone is a custom color blend from Custom Cast Stone - about 20,000 sq. ft. was used on the exterior and 9,000 sq. ft. on the interior. The natural stone is a locally-sourced natural Ledgestone produced by Edward's Stone. About 4,500 sq. ft. was used on the original chapel and bell tower. The precast stone is made from concrete that is designed to mimic the appearance of limestone and is being supplied by Artisan Stone Company. The precast stone was used to trim out doorways, archways, and windowsills. The stone weight of the interior and exterior walls alone total roughly 900 tons! In addition to interior and exterior wall stone, granite from Coldspring, MN is being utilized for other items in the interior of the church including the baptismal font, altar, and floor tile accents. The landscaping will have additional stonework, most notably will be the five large stone boulders that will represent the five founding families! |
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Week 10 Update - December 22, 2024
One of the most distinctive features of our new campus is the cylindrical bell tower. The bell tower is an important symbol and acknowledgement of our patron saint, St. Patrick, and our Irish heritage. St. Patrick used a bell as one of his symbols for ministry and teaching as he founded Catholic communities across Ireland. The round tower is indicative of early Irish towers constructed to warn of invaders and is also a signal of haven to pilgrims as the towers were often located at the periphery of church grounds.
Another feature of our bell tower is the connection to the winter solstice. The winter solstice occurs at the exact same time each year in the northern hemisphere. It is when the earth is the furthest from the sun and marks the shortest day of sunlight for the year. There is a pass-through at the bottom of the bell tower that lines up to allow the rising of the sun on the winter solstice. As the sun rises on December 21st or 22nd each year for the shortest day of the year, the sun will shine through both doors on the tower.
Our bell tower will not have an actual bell. This was not an economical choice, so our tower will have a Carillon system. This is an electronic option that offers a more controlled sound with abundant options. We will not only be able to provide the sound of bells chiming, but we will also be able provide music and even connect to our organ for music.
We have had inquiries from concerned neighbors regarding the bells. We appreciate the open dialogue, but we have not yet made any final decisions regarding frequency (days or times of day) yet. Nor do we have final determination on the "events" on which the bell system will be used. There have been some preliminary discussions regarding the topic, and we will have more of an idea once we are closer to moving in. Please know that we intend to be respectful of our neighbors and will stay within the City of Omaha noise ordinances.
One of the most distinctive features of our new campus is the cylindrical bell tower. The bell tower is an important symbol and acknowledgement of our patron saint, St. Patrick, and our Irish heritage. St. Patrick used a bell as one of his symbols for ministry and teaching as he founded Catholic communities across Ireland. The round tower is indicative of early Irish towers constructed to warn of invaders and is also a signal of haven to pilgrims as the towers were often located at the periphery of church grounds.
Another feature of our bell tower is the connection to the winter solstice. The winter solstice occurs at the exact same time each year in the northern hemisphere. It is when the earth is the furthest from the sun and marks the shortest day of sunlight for the year. There is a pass-through at the bottom of the bell tower that lines up to allow the rising of the sun on the winter solstice. As the sun rises on December 21st or 22nd each year for the shortest day of the year, the sun will shine through both doors on the tower.
Our bell tower will not have an actual bell. This was not an economical choice, so our tower will have a Carillon system. This is an electronic option that offers a more controlled sound with abundant options. We will not only be able to provide the sound of bells chiming, but we will also be able provide music and even connect to our organ for music.
We have had inquiries from concerned neighbors regarding the bells. We appreciate the open dialogue, but we have not yet made any final decisions regarding frequency (days or times of day) yet. Nor do we have final determination on the "events" on which the bell system will be used. There have been some preliminary discussions regarding the topic, and we will have more of an idea once we are closer to moving in. Please know that we intend to be respectful of our neighbors and will stay within the City of Omaha noise ordinances.
Week 9 Update - December 15, 2024
HELP US CROSS THE FINISH LINE
As you may know, our campaign is almost complete, and we need your help to get there. To date, we have $35 million pledge from over 900 parish families (33%) including three foundations grants to the campaign.
We are on the homestretch and need everyone's help to reach the finish line. We recently had a generous donor make a $1.5 million matching gift. If you pledge now, your gift will count double towards our $38 million dollar goal. If you have already made a pledge I ask you to consider increasing or extending it or accelerating it to help the church save on the 8% loan interest.
If you have any questions regarding the capital campaign or would like to make a pledge, please contact Advancement Director Eric Crawford at [email protected]g or (402) 289-4289. Your support of our church is greatly appreciated.
God Bless,
Fr. Tom Fangman
Here are a few pictures of the construction process from inside the new building. Each day results in visible progress that is very inspiring. Please join us in reaching our goal and make the dream a reality to provide a new church and campus to serve our parishioners and community for generations.
HELP US CROSS THE FINISH LINE
As you may know, our campaign is almost complete, and we need your help to get there. To date, we have $35 million pledge from over 900 parish families (33%) including three foundations grants to the campaign.
We are on the homestretch and need everyone's help to reach the finish line. We recently had a generous donor make a $1.5 million matching gift. If you pledge now, your gift will count double towards our $38 million dollar goal. If you have already made a pledge I ask you to consider increasing or extending it or accelerating it to help the church save on the 8% loan interest.
If you have any questions regarding the capital campaign or would like to make a pledge, please contact Advancement Director Eric Crawford at [email protected]g or (402) 289-4289. Your support of our church is greatly appreciated.
God Bless,
Fr. Tom Fangman
Here are a few pictures of the construction process from inside the new building. Each day results in visible progress that is very inspiring. Please join us in reaching our goal and make the dream a reality to provide a new church and campus to serve our parishioners and community for generations.
Week 8 Update - December 8, 2024
Ensuring the new church campus is best utilized, and not only functioning on the weekends, the decision to move the parish staff to the new facility was made early on. There will be personnel who float back and forth as needed, but for now, the chart projects who will be located on which campus.
Even the best plan may not always mesh well with reality, so changes are always a possibility. Direct office phone numbers for everyone will remain the same, and the church's main phone number, (402) 289-4289, will ring at the new address when we move. More to come in the near future regarding meeting locations, events, etc.
St. Patrick’s Church of Elkhorn
(New Campus)
Pastor—Fr. Tom Fangman
Senior Associate Pastor—Fr. Andy Phan
Director of Operations—Vicki Payton
Finance Director — Daena Schweiger
Advancement Director — Eric Crawford
Engagement & Events Director — Shelley Weeks
Liturgy & Worship Director — Anna Kolterman
Faith Formation Director — Erin Keller
Pastoral Care Ministers — Mandy Busch & Jim Greufe
Adult Faith Minister — Kelly Barkmeier
Executive Assistant— Kathy Moritz
Receptionist & Administrative Assistant — Gazelle Bills
Community Outreach & Staff Support — Amanda Pfeifer
Finance Assistant — Shawn Dekker
St. Patrick’s Catholic School & Chapel
(Current Campus)
School Personnel
Family Faith Formation Coordinator - Elizabeth Hansen
Family Faith Formation Administrative. Assistant - Stephanie Voyles
Faith Formation Admininistrative Assistant - Monica Ramm
Children's Minister - Taylor Wiester
Youth & Young Adult Minister - Sheridan Banzhaf
Facilities Director - Marty Cordes
If you would like to propose a question or topic for these updates, please contact Vicki Payton at [email protected]. You may also drop a note in the Sunday collection basket to Vicki's attention.
Ensuring the new church campus is best utilized, and not only functioning on the weekends, the decision to move the parish staff to the new facility was made early on. There will be personnel who float back and forth as needed, but for now, the chart projects who will be located on which campus.
Even the best plan may not always mesh well with reality, so changes are always a possibility. Direct office phone numbers for everyone will remain the same, and the church's main phone number, (402) 289-4289, will ring at the new address when we move. More to come in the near future regarding meeting locations, events, etc.
St. Patrick’s Church of Elkhorn
(New Campus)
Pastor—Fr. Tom Fangman
Senior Associate Pastor—Fr. Andy Phan
Director of Operations—Vicki Payton
Finance Director — Daena Schweiger
Advancement Director — Eric Crawford
Engagement & Events Director — Shelley Weeks
Liturgy & Worship Director — Anna Kolterman
Faith Formation Director — Erin Keller
Pastoral Care Ministers — Mandy Busch & Jim Greufe
Adult Faith Minister — Kelly Barkmeier
Executive Assistant— Kathy Moritz
Receptionist & Administrative Assistant — Gazelle Bills
Community Outreach & Staff Support — Amanda Pfeifer
Finance Assistant — Shawn Dekker
St. Patrick’s Catholic School & Chapel
(Current Campus)
School Personnel
Family Faith Formation Coordinator - Elizabeth Hansen
Family Faith Formation Administrative. Assistant - Stephanie Voyles
Faith Formation Admininistrative Assistant - Monica Ramm
Children's Minister - Taylor Wiester
Youth & Young Adult Minister - Sheridan Banzhaf
Facilities Director - Marty Cordes
If you would like to propose a question or topic for these updates, please contact Vicki Payton at [email protected]. You may also drop a note in the Sunday collection basket to Vicki's attention.
Week 7 Update - December 2nd, 2024
The Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine, consecrated during the Mass. Eucharistic Adoration provides us with the opportunity to worship and pray directly before Christ, acknowledging His true presence in the Eucharist.
Parishioners asked for more opportunities for Adoration, and we listened. One of the most exciting and thought-out elements of the new campus will be the availability of for Eucharistic Adoration. Unless there is Mass or another event scheduled in the Our Lady of Knock Chapel, adoration will be available 24/7.
During off hours, access into the chapel will be available through the east entrance via a secured keypad door. Entry is also available for those in wheelchairs. When the assigned code is entered on the keypad, the button for automatic entry is available.
Exterior and interior lighting will be appropriate for safety, while providing an intimate setting for Adoration. If needed, there is access to restrooms in the narthex.
The chapel will have an ostensorium with the Eucharist inside. When adorers want to expose and pray before the Blessed Sacrament, they can open the doors on the ostensorium to spend time with Jesus. When they leave, they just close the doors.
We are abundantly thankful to our architects and those who helped design an environment that will make Eucharistic Adoration available to all in a wonderful setting. There is nothing better than quiet time with our Lord.
The Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine, consecrated during the Mass. Eucharistic Adoration provides us with the opportunity to worship and pray directly before Christ, acknowledging His true presence in the Eucharist.
Parishioners asked for more opportunities for Adoration, and we listened. One of the most exciting and thought-out elements of the new campus will be the availability of for Eucharistic Adoration. Unless there is Mass or another event scheduled in the Our Lady of Knock Chapel, adoration will be available 24/7.
During off hours, access into the chapel will be available through the east entrance via a secured keypad door. Entry is also available for those in wheelchairs. When the assigned code is entered on the keypad, the button for automatic entry is available.
Exterior and interior lighting will be appropriate for safety, while providing an intimate setting for Adoration. If needed, there is access to restrooms in the narthex.
The chapel will have an ostensorium with the Eucharist inside. When adorers want to expose and pray before the Blessed Sacrament, they can open the doors on the ostensorium to spend time with Jesus. When they leave, they just close the doors.
We are abundantly thankful to our architects and those who helped design an environment that will make Eucharistic Adoration available to all in a wonderful setting. There is nothing better than quiet time with our Lord.
Week 6 Update - November 24, 2024
Accessibility was a priority as plans and designs were developed. As codes require, there will be designated handicap parking stalls and an elevator from the first floor to the second floor offices and conference rooms. Other features include:
Accessibility was a priority as plans and designs were developed. As codes require, there will be designated handicap parking stalls and an elevator from the first floor to the second floor offices and conference rooms. Other features include:
- 13 designated spaces amongst pews for wheelchairs or scooters. These are throughout the nave - front, middle, back. Additional spaces can be created as needed.
- Bluetooth compatible or wearable hearing assist system. We will have wearable devices available if someone does not have their own bluetooth hearing assist device.
- Covered drop off and pick up at east entrance.
- All entry points to the building are zero step.
- Confessionals are all ADA accessible.
- The nave and choir areas are level, with no sloped floor.
- Ramp will make altar amboaccessible. (The ramp is behind the altar space, and isn't shown in the renderings included.)
Week 5 Update - November 17, 2024
With doubling potential capacity at the new church, there have been questions about the number of Masses and Mass times at our new worship space. To provide feedback on some of these matters, we brought together a group of parishioners a couple of months ago. This group included parish and school staff, Parish Pastoral Council, and representatives from most of our committees and clubs.
Listening to their recommendations, Masses for Sunday obligation will all move to the new church, and Mass Times will remain the same:
Saturday 5:00pm; Sunday 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am and 5:00pm. This will provide consistency to start and an opportunity to watch trends and Mass attendance before making changes. Daily Mass logistics are still pending, but we will provide updates as we know them.
We invite you to join us in supporting the construction of our new church. This project is not just being completed to accommodate us now. It will serve our parish and community for generations to come. You can still participate in the G.I.F.T (Growing In Faith Together) Campaign. https://www.stpatselkhorn.org/capital-campaign.html
With doubling potential capacity at the new church, there have been questions about the number of Masses and Mass times at our new worship space. To provide feedback on some of these matters, we brought together a group of parishioners a couple of months ago. This group included parish and school staff, Parish Pastoral Council, and representatives from most of our committees and clubs.
Listening to their recommendations, Masses for Sunday obligation will all move to the new church, and Mass Times will remain the same:
Saturday 5:00pm; Sunday 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am and 5:00pm. This will provide consistency to start and an opportunity to watch trends and Mass attendance before making changes. Daily Mass logistics are still pending, but we will provide updates as we know them.
We invite you to join us in supporting the construction of our new church. This project is not just being completed to accommodate us now. It will serve our parish and community for generations to come. You can still participate in the G.I.F.T (Growing In Faith Together) Campaign. https://www.stpatselkhorn.org/capital-campaign.html
Week 4 Update - November 10th, 2024
In addition to the new nave (worship space) that will accommodate twice as many people as we can now, the new campus will feature Our Lady of Knock Chapel. A mural within the space will serve to depict the story of Our Lady of Knock.
The apparition of Our Lady of Knock is said to have brought a message of hope and consolation to the Irish people, especially during the potato famine:
Our Lady of Knock Chapel within St. Patrick's new campus will have seating for a little more than 100 people. Although not all details are solidified, a majority of the daily Masses will be held in the chapel. It will also be able to accommodate smaller weddings, funerals, etc.
This project is not just being completed to accommodate us now. It will serve our parish and community for generations to come.
In addition to the new nave (worship space) that will accommodate twice as many people as we can now, the new campus will feature Our Lady of Knock Chapel. A mural within the space will serve to depict the story of Our Lady of Knock.
The apparition of Our Lady of Knock is said to have brought a message of hope and consolation to the Irish people, especially during the potato famine:
- Delivered a message of resilience: The apparition is said to have delivered a message of hope and resilience to the Irish people.
- Reminded people of God's presence: The apparition is said to have reminded people of God's presence and Mary's maternal care.
- Offered comfort and care: The apparition is said to have offered comfort and care from Christ.
Our Lady of Knock Chapel within St. Patrick's new campus will have seating for a little more than 100 people. Although not all details are solidified, a majority of the daily Masses will be held in the chapel. It will also be able to accommodate smaller weddings, funerals, etc.
This project is not just being completed to accommodate us now. It will serve our parish and community for generations to come.
Week 3 Update - November 3rd, 2024
More than 70% of respondents from the 2019 survey noted the size of our nave (worship space) as a top item to be addressed as we designed a new church. This was a close second to parking. Per fire code, our current church seats 682 people. Square footage is approximately 8,500 square feet. The new church will have 1,222 in-pew seating, and capacity for 1,408 people. The square footage is 13,600 square feet.
The drawing shows the layout of pews and interior of the nave. The rendering gives an idea of what the inside of the nave will look like as one faces the altar. The other photo was taken near to where the altar will be. The cupola, raised structure above where the altar, has a maximum height of 62 feet. The scaffolding is now down, but it was quite the structure!
More than 70% of respondents from the 2019 survey noted the size of our nave (worship space) as a top item to be addressed as we designed a new church. This was a close second to parking. Per fire code, our current church seats 682 people. Square footage is approximately 8,500 square feet. The new church will have 1,222 in-pew seating, and capacity for 1,408 people. The square footage is 13,600 square feet.
The drawing shows the layout of pews and interior of the nave. The rendering gives an idea of what the inside of the nave will look like as one faces the altar. The other photo was taken near to where the altar will be. The cupola, raised structure above where the altar, has a maximum height of 62 feet. The scaffolding is now down, but it was quite the structure!
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Week 2 Update - October 27th, 2024
Just over five years ago in September of 2019, our architectural firm, RDG Planning & Design, published results from a parish-wide survey. The survey was to help guide us in developing a new church campus that would answer needs for St. Patrick's not only now, but for generations to come. One question addressed parishioners' concerns they felt required the most attention. The results are in the graph depicted. In the coming weeks, we will work through how each concern was addressed, but this week we will look at Concern #1 - PARKING. Our current campus has 295 parking stalls. This includes parking along the westside of the ballfield, north towards the fire station. Our new church will have 504 parking stalls! Not only that, but we will have a covered drop off and pick up area on the east side of the new church. This will provide some protection during inclement weather. |
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Week 1 Update - October 13th, 2024
As our new church campus continues to take shape, so do details regarding our transition to the new facility. In order to keep all informed, we will provide weekly updates regarding construction, planned facility usage at both locations, and some fun facts regarding the project.
In the latest construction update, the name of each facility was provided.
The new campus will be: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Elkhorn
The current campus will be: St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Chapel
The address at the new facility is:
18602 West Maple Road Elkhorn, NE 68022
Ensuring clear signage for each location is in the works, but we know there will be some initial confusion with with two facilities not even two miiles apart.
In the coming weeks, we will use these updates to help provide clarity as to what and who will be at each location.
If you have a question or topic you would like addressed, please contact Vicki Payton via email at [email protected] or drop a note to her attention in the Sunday Offertory basket.
As our new church campus continues to take shape, so do details regarding our transition to the new facility. In order to keep all informed, we will provide weekly updates regarding construction, planned facility usage at both locations, and some fun facts regarding the project.
In the latest construction update, the name of each facility was provided.
The new campus will be: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Elkhorn
The current campus will be: St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Chapel
The address at the new facility is:
18602 West Maple Road Elkhorn, NE 68022
Ensuring clear signage for each location is in the works, but we know there will be some initial confusion with with two facilities not even two miiles apart.
In the coming weeks, we will use these updates to help provide clarity as to what and who will be at each location.
If you have a question or topic you would like addressed, please contact Vicki Payton via email at [email protected] or drop a note to her attention in the Sunday Offertory basket.
October 10, 2024
October 3, 2024
July 22nd, 2024 Update Rendering
May 24, 2024 Drone Pictures
April 16th, 2024 Drone Photos
Raising the Cross March 13, 2024
Drone Flyovers February 26th, 2024
Drone pictures February 6th, 2024
Going Vertical & Blessing the Builders February 2nd, 2024
September 25, 2023
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Aerials August 18, 2023
August 18 2023
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August 18, 2023
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Groundbreaking June 4th, 2023
