The Cross Leads Generations On

MEETING NOTES AS COMPILED BY “ENTHEOS ARCHITECTS—ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND DESIGN” OF INDIANAPOLIS

During the early planning stages for developing a layout plan for the completion of the future social and meeting spaces for our parish, representatives from Entheos Architects arranged to meet with various parish ministry and committee leaders. The purpose of these meetings was to establish the needs of the assorted groups that would be utilizing the new space. The following are notes from those meetings:

Interview Notes
Project: St. Michael Classroom Buildout Date: March 21, 2005 2004.006 2.1.2 Prepared By: Michael Eagan

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Emily Watroba, Coordinator

1. This is a Montessori-based environment which involves many materials and individual work settings. This group currently meets in the basement of the old Church on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The groups are divided into three spaces serving Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
a. Classroom-Level 1 3-6 year olds 10 children 20'x17' (35sf/child)
b. Classroom-Level 2 6-9 year olds 10 -15 children easy to share w/ School
c. Classroom-Level 3 9-12 year olds 15 children easily shared w/ RCIA

2. Emily would prefer that these Classrooms are dedicated to this use, however the Parish School children could be served well in these spaces also. They should be furnished with tables and chairs and carpeted. It is desirable for these Classrooms to have incandescent, dimmable lighting for the variety of activities and atmosphere changes required. Windows are desirable but not required.

3. Open bookshelves are needed in the Classrooms. This 12" deep shelving should be approximately 12' long and 3 shelves high for Level 1, and 18' long and 4 shelves high for Levels 2 and 3. Tack strips along the walls are needed for hanging charts.

4. A small Storage Room is needed and can be shared between the Classrooms. This is for storage of paper materials, consumables, candles, table cloths, and seasonal teaching aids.

5. A Kitchenette and Restrooms should be near the Classrooms. The Kitchenette should have base and wall cabinets, a sink, microwave and under-counter refrigerator.
Children’s RCIA
Mona Emond, Carol Schiessle

1. This ministry focuses on sacramental preparation for children ages 7 through 15 / 16. This group currently meets on Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Historically there are 10 - 15 children involved in the programs, however this year there are 22 children active in the ministry.

2. Three Classrooms are needed for Children’s RCIA; one dedicated Classroom and two shared Classrooms. The dedicated Classroom needs to serve up to 30 people (including parents), or approximately 900 square feet. This Classroom should be furnished with chairs and soft furniture. The shared Classrooms need to serve up to 10 people (including Parents), or approximately 300 square feet each.

3. The Classrooms should be carpeted, wired for VCR/TV requirements, have white boards, and tack strips with clamps for charts. The lighting should be zoned and dimmable. The large Classroom should have a phone, lockable storage for reference materials and baptismal gowns, and 22 cubbies that are 8" high x 12" wide x 12" deep.

4. A Quiet Room or Chapel serving 2 to 10 children is desirable. This would be a “mini-church” with dimmable lighting. 5. A Kitchenette with a tile floor is desirable for this ministry.
Adult RCIA Janice Gatons

1. This ministry focuses on sacramental preparation for adults. This group currently meets on Sunday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. The current space is adequate, however storage should be nearer the Classrooms and the area should be handicap accessible.

2. Three Classrooms are needed for Adult RCIA. A large Classroom serving 20 to 30 people, or approximately 600 square feet. Two (2) small Classrooms serving 8 to 10 people, or approximately 200 square feet each.

3. A Kitchenette with provisions to make coffee is desirable. Coat storage racks are needed near the Classrooms.

4. A lockable Storage Room for books, retreat materials, liturgical and seasonal materials is needed. There are currently 3 tall bookcases and 2 four-drawer file cabinets in use for these materials.
Parish School Dan McCabe, Principal

1. There is a concern that the location of the Kindergarten and Preschool Classrooms on the second floor of the Church will limit accessibility for those with disabilities and the elderly. The installation of an elevator is critical to the success of this endeavor. The elevator will need to be a three-stop model with doors on the front and back of the cab.

2. The Kindergarten and Preschool Classrooms could be shared with other Parish ministries such as Nursery or Faith Formation on Sunday mornings.

3. Two Kindergarten Classrooms are needed to serve full and half-day sessions. The enrollment will be limited to 20 children per session which translates into approximately 700 square feet per Classroom. Each Classroom should be furnished with desks, sinks (visible to the teacher) with drinking fountains, windows, chalkboards and cubbies. The placement of the existing columns within each Classroom is a concern. The floor in the Classrooms should be vinyl (sheet or VCT) because of crafts and other messy activities. The children will eat their lunches in the Classrooms.

4. One Preschool Classroom is needed to serve morning and afternoon sessions. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday there are two sessions (morning and afternoon) of 4 and 5 year olds. On Tuesday and Thursday there are two sessions (morning and afternoon) of 3 year olds. The enrollment will be limited to 20 children per session which translates into approximately 700 square feet per Classroom. The Classroom should be furnished with tables and chairs (rectangular and round, with one horseshoe shaped). The floor in the Classrooms should be vinyl (sheet or VCT) because of crafts and other messy activities. The children will eat their snacks in the Classrooms.

5. A Kitchenette is desired for warming foods for the children and special projects. Electric appliances should be evaluated as a cost effective solution.

6. The central space of the second floor might be maintained as open space for multi-purpose functions of the Parish. The School could also use it for meetings

7. Technology needs include a phone and laptop computer in each Classroom. The campus is currently wireless and the direction is to maintain that status.

8. A security system is critical for the safety of the children and teachers since these Classrooms are remote from the rest of the School and Parish Offices. A route from the doors of the Church up to the second floor Classrooms needs to be studied and an approach to security devised.
Kindergarten & Preschool Ellen Egert, Mary Ann Tonkovich

1. The Kindergarten and Preschool Teachers reiterated much of what was delineated by the Principal. The following are additional comments:
a. One chalkboard or magnetic board is adequate for each Classroom. A tackable wall surface is desirable in the Classrooms.
b. Restrooms are necessary on the second floor level near the Classrooms. The plumbing fixtures should be scaled appropriately for this age group. Supervision is important. The sinks for hand washing might be placed in a common area visible to the teachers.
c. The Multi-Purpose Room could be used by the Kindergarten and Preschool programs for the following activities and purposes:
i. Large motor skills and activities.
ii. Music and movement activities.
iii. Math, computer and science centers.
iv. General toy area.
v. Lunch room.
d. A stove, refrigerator and sink will be needed in the Kitchenette. e. Open storage and lockable storage is desirable for each Classroom. The cubbies should be wider (15" to 18") to accept a variety of materials from each child. IF ANY OF THE ABOVE DOES NOT AGREE WITH YOUR UNDERSTANDING, PLEASE CLARIFY BY RETURN MAIL WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIPT. OTHERWISE, NOTES SHALL STAND AS WRITTEN.

Attended by: Interviewees as indicated, StM Michael Eagan, eA

Kevin Stuckwisch, eA

Design Team, CDG, LHB

 

Meeting Notes
Project: St. Michael Church Buildout Date: May 18, 2005 2004.006 2.1.2
Prepared By: Kevin Stuckwisch

The purpose of the meeting was to review the initial plan layout with the teachers and staff.

1. Kevin reviewed the proposed plan layouts and 3D sketches which had been shared with the Parish Council the previous week. He noted that the goal of the project is to provide multi-use classroom and meeting spaces which can be utilized by both the Parish and School. He also noted several concerns which had been raised by the Council regarding the proposed layout.
a. The teachers and staff felt that the proposed plan could work quite well for their needs. The larger, oddly-shaped Classrooms would be used primarily for children, while the flexibility of the three Meeting Rooms and Commons Area could serve both adult and children’s needs equally well. The following comments were noted:
i. Option “B” with larger Classrooms and a smaller Commons Area is preferred.
ii. Emily noted that she would like to have at least one Good Shepherd Classroom which could be left set-up. Ideally, the three Meeting Rooms along the south end would serve the purposes of the Good Shepherd Program, however, these spaces would need to remain flexible for other meeting functions. Also, a small, quiet room or corner to be used as a Chapel is needed.
iii. Dimmable, incandescent lighting is preferred in all spaces.
iv. A full-size refrigerator with freezer compartment is needed in the Kitchenette. Also, a residential stove should be added for warming of snacks. It was felt that a divider partition separating the Kitchenette from the Commons Area is not needed and would most likely be “in the way”.
v. The Parish’s Environment and Art Committee currently uses the second floor area for plants due to the large windows. It is not expected that this area will continue to be used for this purpose but Kevin will review this with Fr. Marty.
b. Parish Council concerns
i. Security of the school children and teachers is a major issue, especially since they will be located a good distance from the main School and Parish Offices. The addition of video surveillance cameras, along with door hardware modifications, should be considered.

The teachers and staff agree.

ii. Currently, the second floor is accessed via stairwells which are entered through the Church’s Gathering Space and main doors. The daily use of this entrance by the School for parent drop-off, recess, etc., could be quite disruptive during funerals, mass, or other activities occurring in the Worship Space. Consideration of a second set of stairwells at the south entrance of the Social Hall would separate these activities. The teachers / staff would prefer that access to the second floor be limited to the existing stairwells rather than constructing additional stairwells due to the increased security issues of monitoring more doors. With some hardware modification, the existing exterior doors leading directly into the stairwells could be utilized as the School entrance on a daily basis without accessing the Gathering Space.

iii. Additional toilet fixtures should be considered in the new Restrooms. Two toilets would not be adequate if the teacher takes an entire class at one time. Floor drains should also be added in the Restrooms. The teachers and staff felt that the number of Restroom fixtures shown would be adequate for their use. Since the children will be confined to the second floor, they will be allowed to use the Restrooms individually rather than as a group. The use of “child-size” toilets was discussed. However, considering the multi-use of the space for both children and adults it was felt that standard size fixtures should be installed. Dan noted that a floor-mounted, stand-up urinal would work better for both children and adults. Kevin will check on the use of this type of fixture. (Floormounted urinals are not allowed by the Indiana Plumbing Code.)

iv. Assistive door hardware should be added to the main Church doors to allow better access by wheelchairs and the elderly. IF ANY OF THE ABOVE DOES NOT AGREE WITH YOUR UNDERSTANDING, PLEASE CLARIFY BY RETURN MAIL WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIPT. OTHERWISE, NOTES SHALL STAND AS WRITTEN.

Attended by: Emily Watroba, StM Mona Emond, StM Dan McCabe, StM Ellen Egert, StM Mary Ann Tonkavich, StM Kevin Stuckwisch, eA

 

Interview Notes
Project: St. Michael Church Build-out Date: June 23, 2005 2004.006 2.1.2
Prepared By: Kevin Stuckwisch

Deacons Jack Krol

1. Jack is a deacon at the Church but was also involved in the original planning as a member of the building committee. He noted that, in general, the previously proposed layout of the Social Hall is still appropriate for the Church’s needs.

2. The use of the Social Hall will primarily be for social / fellowship functions of the Parish, as it is not the intent of the Parish to rent the Hall as a funding source. Along with providing a convenient space for the Parish to come together, another goal is to relocate Parish events from the School Gymnasium so that the School children have more use of the Gym. Potential uses of the Social Hall would include:
a. Coffee and donuts before / after Mass.
b. Funeral luncheons.
c. New parishioner registration (once per month).
d. Palm Sunday processions.
e. Easter Vigil.
f. Flower Sale pick-up.
g. RCIA classes and breakout space.
h. Ministry Fair.
i. Parish dinner events.
j. Other social events.

3. The use of the Hall for wedding receptions is not anticipated. Also, bingo night is currently held in the School Gymnasium and will most likely remain there since smoking is allowed.

4. The Hall is sorely needed to help promote social interaction among parishioners. The use of the old Church basement does not work for coffee and donuts due to its distance, and the Narthex is too small for this function. Parishioners have begun to socialize in the Worship Space after Mass which causes problems when there is a baptism or other scheduled service. The Hall would be used each Sunday morning from approximately 8:30 a.m. until after the last Mass for this function. Currently, the Mass schedule is 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

5. The layout of the Social Hall should be flexible to allow a range of configurations for different events and varying crowd sizes. Dinner events could draw up to 200 people seated at round tables.

6. The Social Hall should be nicely lit with some dimming control. It should feel open and bright. Maintaining visual access to the windows along the south end is important.

7. The Social Hall should have a sound system with wireless microphones. Plays and music ministry events could occur in the space. Electrical outlets will be needed in the center of the space for presentations and computer access.

8. Seating is arranged antiphonally when the Social Hall is used for worship on Palm Sunday. There are several readings from the Ambo prior to processing into the Worship Space. An electronic organ is also used in this space.

9. The Nurse currently utilizes one of the Coat Rooms for blood pressure testing on Sunday mornings. This testing should be somewhat private but could occur in a corner of the Social Hall or in a separate space.

10. Storage space for the Sacristans is needed. The basement level could be utilized if the elevator and proper shelving is installed.

11. CYO soccer / athletics may utilize the Social Hall for certain large group events due to its proximity to the fields. The space would not, however, be used for concessions and restrooms as they are already provided at the fields.

12. A Storage Room for tables and chairs should be added to the proposed plan.

13. The Bar Room will need to remain somewhat multi-functional. It will be utilized for social gatherings, meetings, small receptions, etc.

14. Accessibility to the facilities by the disabled is a concern. Power assist door hardware should be added to the main doors of the Church / Social Hall.

15. The Social Hall should have moveable dividing walls to allow separation into smaller rooms (1/2 or 1/3 of the space). Exits from these areas will need to be considered.

16. The existing Coat Rooms are not needed for worship as Parishioners keep their coats with them. They are, however, needed for social functions in the Hall. Relocation of the Coat Rooms for better access should be considered.

17. The doors between the Worship Space and Narthex are not currently lockable. Additional doors and/or hardware will need to be added to secure the Social Hall from the Worship Space and/or Narthex depending upon which entry will be used for Social Hall events.

18. Interior finishes should be durable. The use of scuff-proof materials on the lower portion of the walls should be considered.

Scheduling Patti Mendoza

1. Patti maintains the master schedule for all events which utilize Parish facilities.

2. The Social Hall should be flexible as it will need to accommodate a wide variety of events including:
a. Coffee and donuts after Mass.
b. Funeral luncheons and pancake breakfasts for 100-150 people, including food preparation.
c. Wedding and baby showers.
d. Meetings of 20-40 people for:
i. St. Vincent de Paul.
ii. Knights of Columbus.
iii. Parent Formation.
iv. Brownie Troops.
v. Moms & Tots Group (once per week).
e. After-school band practice, if relocated from the School (students bring their own instruments).
f. Market Day food delivery and pick-up (once per month).
g. Vacation Bible School during the Summer (would most likely utilize the upper level as well).
h. Guest speaker presentations for 100-150 people.
i. Large receptions / social functions such as music concerts (400-500 people standing).

3. Larger dinner events such as soup suppers and the fish fry would most likely remain at the School Gymnasium due to the size of the event. Approximately 300-400 dinners are served.

4. The Social Hall should be somewhat dividable to create smaller meeting rooms when necessary.

5. A large closet should be provided for toy storage for the Mom & Tots program. Also, each Brownie Troop needs storage space for 2-3 rubbermaid containers. These could be stored in the basement.
Kitchen / Funeral Luncheons Gloria Falcone, Betty Hlad

1. The Kitchen will be used for cooking for funeral luncheons and evening Parish dinner / events as well as Sunday coffee and donuts.

2. Food supplies are typically brought in as needed for the Parish gathering. Some refrigeration / freezer / pantry space will be needed but long-term food storage is not an issue.

3. Lots of storage for pots, pans, dishes and other supplies should be provided. It would be best if cabinets / storage rooms were lockable, especially for funeral luncheon supplies. Some items could be stored in the basement if appropriate storage areas were provided.

4. The Kitchen should be furnished with the following commercial equipment:
a. (2) Ovens.
b. Griddle.
c. Range, 6-8 burners.
d. Fryer (if Social Hall is utilized for fish fries).
e. Microwave.
f. Dishwasher, undercounter.
g. Three-compartment sink for dishwashing.
h. Ice Machine.
i. Small sink for food prep.
j. Refrigerator.
k. Freezer.
l. (4) Coffee Pots.
m. Ample counterspace.

5. Paper plates are currently used and would most likely continue to be used in the future. However, silverware, pots, pans and serving dishes must be washed.

6. A serving window should be provided between the Kitchen and Social Hall. The window will be used primarily for coffee and donuts on Sunday and serving drinks at other functions. Food is usually set out on serving tables for luncheons and dinners.

7. Funeral luncheons will require seating for 50-100 people at 8-person, round tables. At a minimum, the Social Hall should accommodate 150 people at tables for other events.

8. Smoking will not be allowed in the Social Hall.

9. A Storage Room for tables and chairs should be provided. Also, closets should be provided in each Meeting / Classroom for the storage needs of varying Parish groups.

10. The Kitchen layout with a center island as shown seems appropriate. Dishwashing and refrigeration units could work well at opposite ends of the Kitchen. All counters should be standing height. Stools are not needed.

11. Flooring in the Social Hall and Kitchen should be a hard surface such as tile.

12. The need for a Nursery should be considered.

Sacristans Joan Hamnick, Adrian George

1. Storage space is the primary need for the Sacristans. The basement level could be utilized for a lot of these needs if the elevator is installed and the existing moisture issues are remedied.

2. Approximately 10' of closet width is needed for storage of vestments. The Coat Room nearest the Sacristy could work quite well for this purpose.

3. A table in the shape and size of the Altar would be ideal for the storage of altar clothes. These could be laid flat on the table top to eliminate creases caused by folding.

4. Festival items should be stored in a secure and environmentally-controlled storage room. Items are primarily paper products which will deteriorate in moist conditions.

5. A small, secure Wine Storage Room should be provided. Approximately 24 cases of wine are stored at all times. Additional space should be provided in the room to allow the rotation of boxes.

6. A large Storage Room, approximately 12' x 20', with appropriate shelving would serve the Sacristan needs for the majority of items. Items include bowls, candlesticks, candles (five 2' x 3' boxes), seasonal decorations, party wares, bulletins / calendars, etc. Some of these items, such as the wood nativity set and palms, are quite sensitive to moisture.

7. Space for large, Environment & Art items such as Christmas trees and wreaths is needed and could also be located in the basement level.

8. A variety of other Parish groups have storage needs which could be addressed by dividing the basement level into several storage rooms:
a. Janitorial and maintenance Items such as the floor scrubber, man lift and other cleaning supplies are currently stored in the unfinished Social Hall space.
b. St. Vincent de Paul needs some storage for food stuffs and other goods.
c. Storage space for additional Worship Space chairs is needed.
d. A workbench for John should be provided near the elevator in the basement.

9. Additional small rooms are needed for the money counters, brides, etc. One of the Coat Rooms is currently utilized as a Bride’s Room.

10. If the exterior stairwell doors are to be utilized as entry / exits from the upper level, consideration should be given to reversing the hinge and latch sides so that the doors swing against the building. Also, a small window should be provided in the doors for safety issues.

Adult RCIA Janice Gatons

1. Adult RCIA currently uses the Bar Room on Sunday. The size of this room works quite well and it is expected that RCIA’s use of this room will continue. The room needs a small refrigerator, small sink for coffee and additional cabinets for the storage of books, bibles, etc. Two cabinets would be sufficient for RCIA’s use. A table is needed for snacks, however, the bar works well for this purpose.

2. It is anticipated that Adult RCIA will continue to use the lower Social Hall level of the building since the majority of the spaces on the upper level will be used for children’s programs.

3. In addition to Adult RCIA classes, it is anticipated that Women’s Retreats and other meetings involving the elderly would be held in the Social Hall and surrounding spaces. Although the elevator would be available, the lower level works much better for this purpose due to its accessibility.

4. Janice also serves as the nurse for blood pressure testing once per month. The Coat Room which is currently utilized for this function could work well if the coatracks and other stored items were removed. The Coat Rooms are also of a size that could serve well as an RCIA Meeting Room if needed. IF ANY OF THE ABOVE DOES NOT AGREE WITH YOUR UNDERSTANDING, PLEASE CLARIFY BY RETURN MAIL WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF RECEIPT. OTHERWISE, NOTES SHALL STAND AS WRITTEN.

Attended by: Interviewees as indicated, StM Kevin Stuckwisch, eA