In the last 132 years, Saint Leo's Parish has existed to serve the religious, educational and charitable needs primarily of Leominster Catholics but also of all citizens.
Originally, area Catholics were served by Saint Bernard's Parish in Fitchburg, but in 1872 Saint Leo's Parish became the first Catholic parish in the city. We worshiped in two smaller church buildings until we moved into our present magnificent church in 1900.
In 1925 a parish school was built and an addition annexed to the original building in 1948. In 1954, the present auditorium and classroom structure was completed and generations of Catholics have many fond memories of parish life at Saint Leo's.
As the 21st century dawns, life continues to change in our parish and our city. Leominster is experiencing substantial growth in population and commerce and while our parish and school numbers have increased, our space has not.
Four years ago, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredited our school and certain space needs were noted. As many of our parishioners can attest, when our school is in session, there is simply no room for other daytime activities such as elder gatherings, adult education, post-funeral collations, or other special programs.
While wishing to preserve the cherished memories of the past and the deep roots the parish has established in Leominster, we have a need to expand. Last March (2003) I established a Building Feasibility Committee to explore our options.
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The committee has met diligently, has hired an architect and proposed a preferred option to construct a new building to be located in our rear parking area. This new structure would link the present buildings with a new gymnasium / auditorium building that will include six new classrooms.
An elevator would make all three buildings handicapped accessible and the additional space would benefit all parishioners whether they have children in our school or not.
We would be able to provide meeting space for families after funerals and have social and cultural programs during the school day. Youth and adult athletics would be enhanced, as would dramatic and social activities because the new space would include a stage for productions.
The total cost of this project is $4,000,000. Our diocese requires that half that amount be available in cash or pledges before we can begin construction. I realize this building project is far-reaching but it does afford us in this present generation to provide for present and future parishioners, just as our predecessors have done for us.
If we believe, trust, sacrifice, hope and pray, this dream can become a reality. This proposal is ambitious but achievable if each parishioner will commit to a measure of self-sacrifice over the next five years. I am honored to be your pastor and excited to be working with you to meet the present and future needs of Saint Leo's Parish.
Sincerely yours in Christ
Rev. John E. Doran, Pastor
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