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October
23, 2006
VOL.
44, NO. 18Oakland,
CA
St. Monica Parish dedicates its new PEACe building
By Voice staff
After years
of planning and more than a year of construction, St. Monica Parish in
Moraga celebrated the completion of its 10,000 square-foot PEACe (Parish
Education and Activities Center) project. Bishop Emeritus John Cummins
blessed the new building, Oct. 8.
The facility includes six dual-use classrooms, a resource room, space
for the parish office and receptionist, a large gathering room and a commercial
grade kitchen.
To create an architectural link to the original sanctuary and rectory
buildings designed by Aaron Green, a protégé of Frank Lloyd
Wright, the Center features elements of Wright’s Usonian period.
It has low-lying multiple flat roofs with deep overhangs, receding overlapping
vertical planes, bricks and horizontal siding. The site also has a spacious
courtyard.
Parishioners raised the $4.7 million needed for the project. The funds
included $31.81 donated by two youngsters who sold lemonade and large
financial gifts by other parishioners.
Father Paul Minnihan, pastor, said he expects the center to be a gathering
place that will serve the broader Moraga community in addition to the
parish.
Bishop Emeritus John Cummins blesses the PEACe center
prior to celebrating Mass with the parish community on Oct. 8.
CAROL ANDERSON PHOTO
