St. Andrew Parish
Master Plan
Project Mission Narrative
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As followers of Jesus Christ, our mission is to build a community of Faith, Hope
and Love; by the way we celebrate, educate and live as individual stewards of the many blessing of Almighty God. We are called to be Christ’s hands and voice reaching out to embrace all who are in need, and to establish peace and justice in the Kingdom of God. (Parish Mission Statement)

For ourselves and for generations to come, we resolve ourselves to build physical facilities which are beautiful, dignified and suitable for achieving our mission.

The Church Building

The Exterior --
When viewed from the highway, the church building should evoke a sense of welcome
and announce to all the presence of Christ and His Church in the Chugiak/Eagle River
Community. It will be a prominent beacon of hope, embracing elements of and rising up as a prayer from its natural surroundings. The use of natural “Alaskan” materials and the presence of one or more steeples reaching up to the heavens will enhance this effect.
It will give an impression of dignity, strength, welcome and invitation into the presence
of God and into the St. Andrew Parish family. It should obvious to all that this is a sacred place, embracing elements of harmony, reverence, permanence and a sense of community. As one drives onto the grounds, the first impression he or she gets is that this is a welcoming, restful, peaceful place accessible to all. The grounds will be so arranged so that there will be a sense of ordered progression, symbolizing the pilgrim’s journey from the secular to the sacred. That this is a place of prayer will be immediately apparent by the presence of statuary, prayer walks or Stations of the Cross, and perhaps a prayer grotto. This sense of harmony between the nature of Alaska and its Creator will be incorporated by natural gardens and well ordered pathways that inviting one to the House of the Lord. There will be noticeable separation of the church from the parking lot.
Moving from the parking lot to the church building, one is invited with an obvious path
with heated or covered walkways with handrails with leading to a courtyard or garden area
which builds a sense of anticipation befo re entering the building. The landscaping surrounding and leading to the doors of the church will be follow this natural sense of progression and bespeak of the Alaskan surroundings by the use of flowers or perennials, as well as native plants and trees. However, the areas should not be too cluttered and allow for outdoor gathering and contemplation as the weather permits. It should be relatively low maintenance in all seasons. Statuary of the St. Andrew, St. Therese and/or the Blessed Virgin may be incorporated as well as river rock or other stone. The use of a low wall or terracing to separate the church from the parking lot will heighten the sense of transition from the secular to the sacred.

The facade of the church will look like a Catholic church, incorporating traditional forms in local materials to welcome all who enter and giving a sense of permanence and dignity. Harmonious use of glass with interior illumination in the winter months will give the impression of the lights of a warm cabin inviting one in from the cold. The main doors of the church will be double doors under a single arch to symbolize the two natures of Christ in one Divine Person. They will be big, solid and dignified. Carved of wood, they will be decorated with Christian art, depicting St. Andrew’s Cross with scriptural episodes from the life of the saint. With a sense of warmth that pleases the eye, they should evoke a sense of welcome and invitation as if to say, “Come and see what’s inside!” or “Come and worship!”
Bells will be a prominent feature of the new church. These will be housed in a separate
column or tower as part of the landscape. As at the present church, they will ring on the hour and if possible, play tunes as the present electronic carillon.
The Narthex (Gathering Space) As one passes through the outer doors of the church, the Narthex (gathering space) gives a sense of warmth and welcome. It will be large and open enough to accommodate the gathering of the parish community and for the welcoming of the stranger, perhaps even taking on characteristics of an atrium. This is the transitional space from the world outside. A sense of calm and peacefulness should be evident. The use of natural and artificial light is essential should help draw one toward the Nave. The narthex will welcome people and help them transition from the secular to the sacred through practical hospitality and appropriate symbolism. There will be a large separate room or space for coats and hats as well as appropriate and helpful signage/information station to help the new comer. Appropriate artwork, especially statuary and stained glass windows, symbolizing the baptism and the Holy Trinity, and perhaps even some of the history of the St. Andrew Parish Family will greet the people as they enter and invite them into the Nave. There should be clear
windows/glass walls that look into the Nave.The Narthex will help people return to daily life by means of windows which look to the outside. Also as one leaves, the placement of information for the life of the community (calendars, bulletins, miscellaneous brochures, reading rack, etc.) is available. The generous use of artwork that sends one forth in mission into the world will reinforce this. The Narthex will aid the ritual moments that happen there by means of its sufficiently large size and the use of appropriate lighting (both natural and artificial) and a quality sound system. Access to the Nave and to the outside should be sufficiently large to accommodate movement of large numbers of people when appropriate. Symbolizing the Holy Trinity, there will be three doors leading from the Narthex to the Nave. These will be made of carved wood and (stained) glass with symbols in them or above in raised archways that represent the persons of the Holy Trinity. At least one will be handicap accessible (push button). Their three-dimensional quality will give a sense of welcome, reverence, dignity and an invitation to prayer.

The Nave
In order to evoke a sense of unity in the Body of Christ, the layout of the nave will
immediately draw one's attention to the altar. Here, the deliberate sense of procession from the secular to the sacred meets its apex. The Nave may be semicircular, or octagonal, but will not be "in the round." Pews and aisles should radiate out from the elevated sanctuary as if rays of light from the sun or as branches from the Vine. Some elements of St. Andrew's Cross may also be incorporated. The ceiling should be of celestial height and may incorporate a cupola or octagonal dome with directed lighting and symbolic windows. All seats must have unobstructed view of the Altar, the Ambo and the Chair. Even though the nave will be large enough to accommodate up to 1200 seats, private prayer and devotions will be encouraged by separate chapels and prayer spaces/devotional areas with a large number of real votive candles. These small devotional chapels, as well as the tabernacle will be visible and immediately accessible from the Nave. Use of modern, adjustable/programmable lighting will help with a sense this sense of intimacy when the main body of the church is not in use. A day chapel for up to 50-75 people and suitable for celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours will also be accessible from the Nave and situated in such as way that it may be used for overflow seating. Pews with padded kneelers will accommodate the sacred assembly. Appropriate and dignified spaces for those with disabilities will be integrated throughout the Nave and not in a single place. The floor will be distinctive and dignified, uncarpeted and perhaps incorporating a design which symbolizes the Vine and the Branches with the Vine originating in the Sanctuary and the Branches reaching out into the congregation.
The space for musicians will be situated so that it they are integrated as part of the
congregation, but away from the sanctuary and not in the dominant lines of sight. It will be suitable to accommodate a sufficient number of musicians and instrumentalists when necessary. It may consist of discrete risers, but it should be of the same style as the rest of the pews. The cantor will be located near the choir, off to the side so that he/she is visible to congregation and to the music director.

The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary will be distinguished by both its elevation and the distinctiveness of its
furnishings. The Altar will be made of jade and wood with gold leaf. It will reflect the nobility, strength, beauty and simplicity of the One it represents in that it is simple and elegant in design, beautiful and proportionate to the size of the building. It may incorporate carvings in an Alaskan style with a Eucharistic theme. If possible, relics of St. Andrew and/or St. Therese of Lisieux will be placed in a suitable reliquary under the altar. The Ambo will be made of the same materials and in the same style as the Altar and will facilitate the dignified proclamation of the Word of God by incorporating a place for the enthronement of the Book of the Gospels. It will be constructed so that it is adjustable and of sufficient size so that it is accessible to all parishioners, including those with disabilities. The Chair for the Priest Celebrant will be made of the same materials and design as the Altar and distinguished by its size and prominent placement.
In addition to materials and design the relationship between the Altar, Ambo and the
Chair will be expressed by lighting, color and the design of the floor. All will be placed so that all three will be visib le from all areas of the nave.

The Baptistry
The Baptistry is the sacred space in which the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated.
Although separate and distinct from the Altar, the relationship between the Altar and the
Baptistry will be demonstrated by use of materials, design and placement. There will be a
distinctive architectural link between the two, expressed by use of similar materials and design, and perhaps the design in the floor. It should be visible to the congregation, perhaps near the Sanctuary to the side or in a small chapel visible to all. The Baptismal Font itself should be large enough for baptism by immersion and allow for those with disabilities. It will be decorated to reflect the themes of living water, purification and rebirth in Christ and his Church. However, if running water is used it must be silent. The Baptistry will aid the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in that it has sufficient space around the Font to accommodate a large number of individuals. The Baptistry will encourage participation by the whole congregation in that it is visible and prominent.

The Reservation of the Eucharist
The Eucharist will be reserved in a small chapel, suitable from prayer, in close proximity
to and immediately accessible to the Sanctuary. The Tabernacle will express the One that it contains its elegant design and decoration with Eucharistic symbols. It will be free standing. Use of similar materials and design as the Altar and creative lighting will also draw attention to the true presence of Christ in the reserved sacrament. The vigil lamp will be visible from the nave.

Special Considerations for the Easter Triduum

For the rites of the Mass of the Lord's Supper:

• There will be sufficient space in the front of the sanctuary for the Washing of
  Feet.
• The Altar of Repose will be located in the Day Chapel.

For the rites of Good Friday:

• The place for the Veneration of the Cross will be at the foot of the sanctuary in
  front of the Altar.

For the rites of the Easter Vigil:

• The site for the lighting and Blessing of the Fire will be in the Narthex or in front
  of the Church.
• The place for the elect and candidates will be in the front pews.

Other Ritual Furnishings -
The Crucifix will be large, beautifully rendered, and affixed to the wall in the center of
the back wall of the sanctuary behind the altar. In the style of the present church, it will be superimposed over a Cross of St. Andrew.

Candles will be a prominent feature in the church. There will be six altar candles.
Votive candles will be readily available in the side chapels for use by the faithful.

Other furnishing and features will include: stained glass windows, appropriate statuary
including St. Andrew and the Blessed Mother; and attention to sunlight and glare.

The Role of the Church Building in Other Liturgical Rites -
For the Sacrament of Reconciliation -
There will be at least two confessionals in the church, immediately accessible from the
Nave. Each confessional will offer the option of celebrating the sacrament anonymously or faceto - face. Upon entering the confessional, one will get a sense of welcome, forgiveness, comfort and privacy. This will be reinforced by soft lighting, comfortable furnishings, a warm color scheme and perhaps a stained glass window with scenes of forgiveness (i.e., prodigal son, woman caught in the act of adultery) or other appropriate artwork. A crucifix will be in each
confessional.

For Marriages -
There should be suitable and well appointed dressing rooms for the bride and groom and
their attendants. These should have easy access to the bathrooms and have mirrors, sinks, an ironing board and locking cabinets for the wedding parties personal effects
Funeral Rites -
For the Vigil for the Deceased and Mass of Christian burial there should be ample space
between the foot of the sanctuary and the front row of pews to maneuver the casket. Doorways and the aisles should also be large enough to accommodate a dignified funeral procession. At least one chapel should be suitable and secure enough to store the body overnight if necessary. Due to the increased popularity and sometimes necessity of cremation in Alaska, a suitable and dignified pedestal for the reposition of cremated remains in a style and design similar to the Altar should be available.
Liturgy of the Hours -
One chapel should be suitable for the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours (Morning
and Vespers). Seating in this chapel should be (able to be) arranged in such a way that the antiphonal recitation or singing of the office is possible.
The Ambry -
The Ambry (place of reposition for the sacred oils) will be located between the Altar and
the Baptistry, perhaps embedded in the wall or a pillar, with a glass door, and in a style and design similar to the Altar and Baptismal Font.
The Rite of Dedication of the Church and Altar -
will be noted by twelve mounted crosses and candles at the places where the church has
been anointed. These candles will be lit on the annive rsary of dedication and on St. Andrew Day.
The Church Building and Popular Devotions -

The Stations of the Cross -
will be spaced at regular intervals along the outer walls of the Nave with special
illumination conducive to meditation. They shoudl be simple, yet elegant depictions of the
Lord's Passion. Kneelers at the foot of each station will aid individual meditation of the Stations.
Images of the saints, especially St. Andrew, the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, St. Therese of Lisieux, (in order of preference) and other saints whose work reflects the piety of the people will decorate the church in stained glass windows, in side prayer niches or alcoves throughout the church. These should be in a style and location that does not draw attention away from, but rather point to the dynamic celebration of the Eucharist and the other liturgical rites that are celebrated in the building.

Votive candles, as symbols of individual prayers, will be readily available in safe and
appropriate locations, and in sufficient number, in the prayer niches and side chapels of the building.

Other Features Considered Essential in the New Church include
- A good sound system and good acoustics
- Proper and well functioning heating and ventilation systems
- Accessibility
- An abundance of storage space
- A large enough space suitable for parents with small children
- A covered drop-off area
- A large, well appointed sacristry with sufficient storage and space for a large number of
ministers.

Features considered most desirable include
- A pipe organ
- A grand piano
- Twelve pillars representing the twelve apostles