Batavia ‘Digs In’ For Education and Community Addition
Msgr. Aaron Brodeski, pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Batavia, sprinkles holy water during a blessing after the parish breaks ground for its education and community addition. Walking with him are (left) Father Timothy Draper, parochial vicar, and Msgr. Daniel Deutsch, former pastor. (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson)
Msgr. Daniel Deutsch (left), former pastor at Holy Cross Parish in Batavia, and parish school students Luke and Matthew Lamirand put their backs into breaking ground for an addition. (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson)
A group of people representing ministries at Holy Cross Parish in Batavia lined up to break ground on April 16 for an addition to the parish’s school and community building. They included (from left) Holy Cross School students Luke and Matthew Lamirand; teacher Kelly Carlson; St. Vincent de Paul Society member Roy Kautz; St. Michael Ministry of Compassionate Care founder Mary Ann Sestak; Peer Ministry Team member Erika Andrews; Laura Schweitzer and her children, Grace and William, representing religious education; and Kathleen Dietz of the parish prolife ministry. (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson)
Cousins James Forgy and Francis Haviland play on the clumps of dirt upended by the groundbreakers. Francis is set to attend kindergarten next year at the school and directly benefit from the building that soon will replace the mud and grass. (Observer photo by Amanda Hudson)
By Amanda Hudson, News editor
April 25, 2014

BATAVIA—Msgr. Aaron Brodeski, pastor of Holy Cross Parish, here, got the school children cheering loudly for their former pastor, Msgr. Daniel Deutsch, who returned for a big occasion. It was the groundbreaking for a new addition to the school and community center building.

Msgr. Brodeski pointed out orange lines on the grass and sidewalk that outlined the planned addition.
He introduced Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke, building committee members John Pitts and Ron Link, and architect Greg Norris to the students, noting their support and work on behalf of the school.

Msgr. Deutsch, who was pastor six years ago when the school and community building was built, also spoke to those gathered.

“When we make (God) the center … do you know what happens? … The house grows, more people come — we are building more room, so (they) can come,” he explained to the kids.

“We know God is behind this,” Msgr. Brodeski added, asking everyone to continue praying for the construction project.

“We look forward to (when) that big machine will soon be digging a great big hole,” he said, prompting more cheers as he pointed to the parked backhoe.

The new addition is a “phase two” for the building that was built for use by the school and by the parish community, says business manager, Deacon Larry Motyka.

The addition will include two lower level (for second grade) and two upper level (for middle school) classrooms. The wall between the upper level rooms will be removable, so it can become one large room for gatherings of up to 70 people. Two new meetings rooms, one on each level, will also be part of the new addition. Construction is anticipated to begin in a few weeks, according to Msgr. Brodeski.

Plans are for a June 1 start date for a remodel of Donovan Hall, the parish hall located underneath the church. That will include new flooring, new ceiling tiles and fewer but larger meeting rooms along the eastern edge of the hall.

The 20-year-old church will receive a new roof and new kneelers. Improvements to parking lot lighting are planned, and a new brick patio area and walkway outside Donovan Hall will provide parishioners with an opportunity to remember loved ones by having their names carved into the bricks. Hopes are for the entire project to be completed by August.