Santa Maria of Dallas

When we last checked in with Father Jesús Sancho, he had begun construction of a new Classroom and gym complex at Santa Maria church at 2900 Vilbig in west Dallas. This complex is called the “Santa Maria del Carmen Community Center.” The construction began as the ground behind our school was prepared around January 2004.

While this groundwork was being prepared, a dispute arose with the neighbor to the left, as to exactly where the property line was located. In March the walls of the new classrooms began to rise. You can see from these pictures how the west walls are designed to let in as much light to the classroom area as possible.

In April the walls of the big hall or gym began to rise at the north end of the classroom area. The “gym” is actually designed to be a multi purpose hall with a stage at one end upon which plays and music groups may perform. As the walls of the gym rise, the concrete flooring is poured. By May the roof of the classroom area began to take shape. Once the roof was secured, work on the interior could begin. In June, the roof of the main hall was being lifted into place after the concrete parking area was poured. The exterior work took about six to seven months; then the interior another nine months.

The interior work proved to be the most dangerous for the pastor, as Father broke his heel on January 11, 2005, as building material fell down on his foot. Father Jesús was in a cast for three months. In the spring he was able to attend the chapter delegate elections at Mount Carmel Center by means of a walker. Although elected to represent his age group at the chapter in May, he declined and Fr. John Michael went to the chapter in his place.

This spring things were being spruced up with the parishioners planting grass around the parking area. A house on the property was moved to give more room to this two block parish complex. By April 2005, most of the interior was complete, groups were already meeting in the classrooms, and only the kitchen stoves and sinks needed to be installed to get this area between the classrooms and gym operational.

“We have had no formal dedication, but in June, when the interior was completed, we had a catered party with music and an award dinner for all those who worked on this project. We are now putting a $40,000 floor in the gym.”

--report filed 31-Dec-05