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Community Corner

Construction of Catholic Church On Schedule

St. John the Apostle is scheduled to be complete by March 2012

It's been five months since St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church broke ground for a new 1,100-seat building, scheduled to be built by next March.

Bill Knauer, chairman of the building committee, said that although there have been a number of wash out days, the contractor, Whiting-Turner Contracting, is right on schedule.
“Targetwise it will be ready by Easter 2012," Knauer said. "But that's not confirmed.”

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Oct. 2 as construction for the 28,500-square-foot church began. The entire project is expected to take about 16 months and is estimated to cost around $15 million. A dedication ceremony will be held as soon as the construction is complete.

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“It's a wonderful feeling,” Knauer said. “When I started on this three in a half years ago we literally had a blank piece of paper.” He said the journey from vision to capital campaign to the architectural work, and now construction contract has “ been a wonderful ride as each day continues, and we're pleased with the progress that has been made.”

Parish member Mary Davis said the thought of a new church is both exhilarating and humbling.  Not only will the church be available to her and her family but for a number of generations to come.

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"I am humbled when I think that God has called on us as a parish family to build for him a beautiful new home, a church," Davis said. "I look forward to worshipping in a beautiful, sacred space, where there is ample room for all. 

Davis said there are over 40 active ministries through which St. Johns serves the greater community.  Freeing up the current parish center for meetings and activities will enable the ability to expand ministry work, she said, thus, benefiting St. Johns and the community.

St. John the Apostle's original church in Leesburg was dedicated on Oct. 13, 1878. The new church is being constructed just next door. 

Until it is complete, services will continue being held in the parish center's worship hall, which seats up to 400 people. There are approximately 2,500 families within the parish.

St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church is currently located at 101 Oakcrest Manor Drive, NE. Call 703-777-1317 or visit www.saintjohnleesburg.org. 

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