Corpus Christi Catholic Community opens new church in Sunridge

By Sandi Hoover

shoover@nevadaappeal.com

A dedication Mass was celebrated Aug. 11 for the new $4 million Corppeus Christi Catholic Community church on North Sunridge Drive.

"It has been a long journey," said the Rev. James J. Setelik Jr. "It has taken about 15 years with lots of stops and starts along the way."

There were more than 200 at the special Mass attended by priests from area dioceses and Bishop Randolph Calvo from Reno.

The community formerly met in a small rock church on Snyder Avenue in south Carson City, but had to use mobile homes at the site for the many other functions necessary to an active congregation, said Setelik, who has been pastor of the Catholic community for 11 years.

"They were adequate for a time, but this means we are finally able to minister to all our people in a nice area," he said. "We needed more room so we could give our kids a good religious education, and there is ample room for social events."

Karen Smeath, church secretary and art and environment director, said the leased facility on Snyder seated only 155 people.

"We had to hold five Masses because we had to hold one at a time," Smeath said. "We started the process 15 years ago because we needed this new building in order for us to grow. We were leasing the land from the Bureau of Land Management with a promise to purchase after four or five years."

On July 31, 2005, they finally broke ground.

The 15,000-square-foot building includes multiuse area, classrooms, offices and gift shop. Smeath said they will be able to operate more efficiently at a lower cost per square foot.

The first services in the fully completed church were conducted July 18.

The metal beam construction is covered by metal and stone panels, with rock pillars out front.

"We have polished, stained and textured concrete floors and warm earth tones throughout with pale greens, burgundy, rust and brown. It's all very natural-looking and very peaceful," Smeath said.

Setelik said he is particularly pleased with the travertine Holy Water fonts with brass, and a 20-foot-high tabernacle veil in the sanctuary made by one of the parishioners. Also of note are the statue and crucifix from Italy made of hand-carved wood in a Romanesque style.

They brought some furnishings from the old church, including a resurrected Christ figure and the Our Lady of Guadalupe figure.

Setelik said they have good neighbors in Sunridge with the Douglas County Sheriff's Substation and Austin's House.

"And the Lutherans are starting work on the Sierra Lutheran High School," he said.

Sitting on 71⁄2 acres, there is plenty of room for expansion, Setelik said.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church is at 3597 N. Sunridge Drive, Carson City. Information, 267-3200.