Bishop Aquila announces the first of several decisions regarding parishes and Catholic schools in West Fargo, Fargo and Horace
In a letter mailed Tuesday, April 26, to parishioners of Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo, Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo, announced the first of several decisions related to a year-long review of parishes and Catholic schools in West Fargo, Fargo and Horace.
Holy Cross Parish will be relocated to undeveloped land that is west of Veterans Boulevard in West Fargo and south of I-94. The church is presently located on approximately 6.5 acres of land at 1420 16th St. E., West Fargo.
Approximately 14 acres of land, bordered by 26th Avenue East to the north, 7th Street East to the west, and Bluestem Drive to the east, is available for construction of the new Holy Cross Church. "A dual purpose Catholic school and Religious Education Formation facility will also be built on the property," the letter stated. This was not possible on the present site due to parking limitations and traffic flow for a school.
The letter, co-signed by Father James Meyer, pastor of Holy Cross, said, "Expectations are to continue worshipping in the current facility for at least two more years." A capital campaign had already been undertaken to raise funds for expansion of Holy Cross at its present site, but an informational sheet that accompanied the letter said limitations of space at that site prompted the consideration of other options.
Holy Cross and Lutheran Church of the Cross currently share a joint facility. The letter addressed this relationship. "We will miss our close relationship with Lutheran Church of the Cross and will continue collaboration as possible. Just as a growing family changes neighborhoods to accommodate its needs, our growing Church family is doing the same. Our loving connection to our neighbor brothers and sisters will be a part of who we are and the stories we tell of our history. We are hopeful that this transition will open new doors of opportunity for their congregation, as well."
In April 2010, Bishop Aquila announced the beginning of a year-long study of the parishes and Catholic schools in West Fargo, Fargo and Horace. The study was driven, in part, by the growth and shifting of population in the metro area.
In January 2011, a proposal for parishes and schools was announced and consultation meetings for parishioners were held in February. Parishioners also provided feedback in writing through letters and via a comment form on the diocesan website.
Decisions regarding all other aspects of the proposal will be announced in early May.
The letter and information sheet regarding Holy Cross Church, and other information related to the review, can be found at: www.fargodiocese.org/review.
