St. Michael Catholic Church Poplar Springs

Come to the Table

Renovation FAQ – Come to the Table Capital Campaign

Come to the Table Capital Campaign

St. Michael Poplar Springs
Renovation FAQ

Answers to your most common questions as we prepare for construction

As we prepare for our church renovation, we know you have many questions about how worship, ministries, and parish life will continue during construction. This FAQ addresses the most common questions received. We will continue to update it as the project moves forward.

The Sanctuary & Church Furnishings
+What will happen to the old pews?
Parishioners will make small crosses from a number of the pews as a fundraiser for the Come to the Table Capital Campaign. Orders are being taken at the Welcome Desk in the Narthex.
+What will happen to the furnishings in the church?
The ambo will be used for Masses in the Multipurpose Room (MPR). The altar, according to the architect's designs, will be removed, along with the Stations of the Cross. Statues of Mary and Joseph will be stored on campus. Candles and the processional cross will be used in the MPR. Music ministry items, the organ, and piano will be stored in Fellowship Hall.
+What will happen to the large Crucifix?
Since the new sanctuary design omits the large crucifix, Archbishop Lori was presented with several installation options. He ultimately chose to place the crucifix on the brick wall at the "Unborn Monument" Garden — a visible reminder to passersby that our church proudly embraces its Catholic identity.
+Will there be new furnishings in the sanctuary?
Yes. A representative from St. Jude Liturgical Arts met with Fr. Paul to discuss ideas from parishioner surveys, our architect, and the Come to the Table theme. Designs were developed for an altar, ambo, statues of Mary and Joseph, baptismal font, tabernacle pedestal, crucifix, stained glass, and reredos artwork. All were reviewed by the Liturgy Committee and approved by Archbishop Lori. Fr. Paul and Brian Crompwell, our Director of Parish Operations, have also been actively seeking furnishings from closed churches through the Seek the City initiative.
+How can I or my family memorialize new furnishings?
A brochure listing available items for memorialization will be available soon in print and online.
Weekend Masses & Sacraments
+Where will weekend Masses be held?
Masses will be held in the Multipurpose Room (MPR).
+How will weekend Mass be set up?
Setup will mirror our Christmas Eve extra Mass, with all portable items stored nearby. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will continue after all Masses. The Liturgy Committee is working on logistics.
+Will funerals and weddings be held in the MPR?
Funerals will be held in the MPR. No new weddings are scheduled there; weddings already on the calendar will be held at the historic church, as expected attendance can be accommodated.
+What is the proper posture during the Eucharistic Prayer without kneelers?
The Liturgy Committee suggests that the best posture during the Eucharistic Prayer in the absence of kneelers is to remain standing. Standing for the Eucharist is the most ancient posture of the Church, especially during the Easter Season, as a sign of respect, reverence, and active worship — and a sign of unity in our worship together. For those who cannot stand for long periods, it is acceptable to be seated. In the Dioceses of the United States, standing is also the official posture for receiving Holy Communion. Though some may choose to kneel, we encourage everyone to observe the same posture as a sign of unity as we share in the Lord's Body and Blood.
+Where will Reconciliation be held on Saturdays (4:00–4:30 p.m.)?
Room 107 will be set up for Reconciliation. Enter through the MPR and follow the signs.
+Will Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) be held during 10:30 a.m. Masses?
Yes! On nice days, children will be dismissed to the Pavilion. Otherwise, they will meet in Room 107.
+Will we continue to use the Breaking Bread hymnals?
Yes. We will continue using our hymnals.
Parking & Building Access
+Will there be handicapped parking for those with mobility issues?
Yes. Designated handicapped parking will be available in front of the main MPR entrance.
+Will I be able to enter at the Main Entrance during office hours?
Yes and no. There may be times during the renovation that the main entrance will be closed for safety reasons. Watch for signage.
Parish Ministries & Activities
+Will there be a monthly Cornerstone Breakfast?
Weather permitting, a light breakfast will be available in the pavilion. Stay tuned for more details.
+Will we be able to participate in monthly Lunches for Those in Need?
Yes. The Lunches for Those in Need Ministry will continue, in a different space.
+Will Vacation Bible School take place July 27–31?
Yes! Vacation Bible School will happen this year.
+Will Mini Camp take place July 13–17?
No. Mini Camp has been cancelled for this year.
+Will Faith Formation and Sacrament Preparation be offered?
Yes. Faith Formation and Sacrament Preparation (Reconciliation, Communion, and Confirmation) will be offered using the Pathways Family Faith Formation Program. Program information will be shared mid-May with registration starting in June. Reach out to Beth Hogg ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
+Will the Preschool continue to operate?
Yes. Our Preschool will continue as usual, with security protocols in place to keep our young children safe from construction areas.

Have other questions? Please contact the Parish Office.
This FAQ will be updated as more details become available.
Check back often!

Come to the Table

We invite every member of our St. Michael parish family to prayerfully consider a commitment to the Come to the Table campaign.

 

Your support will help us renovate our sanctuary, expand our gathering space, and update our campus so that we can continue to grow in faith and hospitality.

 

We also ask each household to support this campaign by praying for its success and for all those who will be touched by the generosity of our parish.

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