St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church-Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Now that we are completing six weeks of remodeling, I thought you would like a brief over-view and under-view of what has been happening.

Let me begin by saying that this is truly a work of love for all involved. From the initial meetings, to the start of the work, we have all been uplifted by a sense of desire to see St. Pius X restored in some way to its original glory.

Yes, things will be different but in a good way. Change comes in many different disguises. If we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.

Our challenge was to bring the proper ideas and materials to paper and assess what could be accomplished.

The first phase was to get rid of the red carpet and replace it with a lasting product that would be attractive and somewhat maintenance free. After the removal of the carpet, the original tile had to be scraped and removed. The floor then had to be leveled before the installation of the preferred tile. This was no easy task! The altar had to be reconfigured…corners were rounded and the altar railing removed. The altar was repositioned and a new granite top was installed. This change to the altar area and choir area was done to give the altar area a feeling of openness and greater importance to the celebration of the Mass.

The altar floor will be tiled and a beautiful green marble tile will surround the steps. Green marble columns will enhance the stone tile on the wall behind the altar. Green marble diamonds will then be interspersed in the tile in the aisles. The old wooden altar top has been replaced with a beautiful black granite top.

Of course, all of this work uncovered a multitude of past construction that had to be removed and improved.

The dark wood paneling on either side of the altar had to be removed and the height of the wall increased to bring a more pleasing and proportionate size to the Sanctuary. The Blessed Mother and St. Joseph will sit on ledges on either side of the altar on the back wall.

The wall behind the crucifix had to be completely reconstructed and sustaining supports installed behind the structure. This was a monumental job and well done by the workers. Tiling this area and replacing the Crucifix will be accomplished in the next couple of weeks.

Walls were removed and new wallboard installed behind the Sanctuary. New doors and painting of the walls and woodwork is just about completed. Painting was also continued down the steps leading to the underground parking area. New lighting was installed in these areas and a much needed storage area for seasonal equipment was provided. All walls will be treated with a decorative trim.

The Pius X Shrine in taking on a new look. New lighting will be added to intensify the importance of the First and Second class relics that are unique to St. Pius X. Although not completed, the columns have been installed and the walls are prepared for tile. New candles and offering box will be added.

Marble has been installed on the walls in what will be known as the Narthex (vestibule) and St. Anthony, St. Jude and the Infant of Prague will have a proper resting place. Of course, the lighting has been improved and new offering boxes will be provided in this area. Closets and the two restrooms in that area have also been retiled.

New wood moldings will freshen up the confessionals. Air-conditioning in this area has been restored. In addition, a baptismal area will be created on the east side of the church. Green marble will designate this area.

The columns that supported the Stations of the Cross have been faced with the prevailing green marble. The beautiful gold leaf stations will now be seen and appreciated.

I’m sure in this brief accounting I have missed much. But you get the idea. We have packaged all of this work into Phase 1, 2, and 3 at which point, upon completion of these phases, work will be halted until more donations can be obtained.

The next important phase IV, will be to remove the wooden church doors and replace them with impact resistant, etched glass. This will add brightness to the Narthex (vestibule) and a fresh look from the outside and inside. The commencement of this phase will again depend on donations by means of memorials.

We thank you for your continued patience. If you experience a little dust and perhaps the sound system is just not to your liking, please be patient. It will only last a little while.

Oh! Take a look up…the brown wood by the ceiling has been painted a shining white. The power of St. Pius X is guiding us through all of the renovations. He continues to keep his hand on our shoulder.

A List of Memorials is being prepared and will be published shortly. The List will afford our parishioners and friends an opportunity to dedicate a memorial. Of course, only with Memorial donations will we be able to complete the Beautification of St. Pius X. Already so much has been accomplished, so many people to thank…..