Code,"127013 La Sagrada Familia Church, Cleveland"
Speaker,Deacon Rev. Frederick Simon and Millie Simon
Date,8/12/2011
Interviewer,Kenneth Valore
Abstract,"La Sagrada Familia Church is located on Detroit Road in Cleveland, Ohio. This church is the result of the merging of the communities of San Juan Bautista Church (St. John the Baptist) and Capilla Cristo Rey (Christ King Chapel). Bishop Anthony Pilla chose the name, La Sagrada Familia, as a representation of the unity of both parishes. The name also represents the unity of the diverse Hispanic ethnicity that were present in both parishes. In this interview, Deacon Rev. Mr. Frederick Simon details the history of the Hispanic community's attempt to join a few different parishes starting in 1966 at St. Patrick's Church on Bridge Avenue and also Blessed Sacrament and St. Procop. Construction of La Sagrada Familia Church was completed in 1988. The later part of the interview details the services provided by the church and the diversity of the Hispanic population within this parish."
Tags,"hispanics, catholic churches Cleveland"
Special Notes,Occasional interruptions of office phone and cell phone.
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0,Introductions first by Kenneth Valore and Deacon Rev. Frederick Simon and Millie Simon
1,The church community started in 1966 at St. Patrick's on Bridge Avenue working with the youth group. They had no church for about 10 years and went to St. Francis on the East Side.
2,Simon became ordained as a Deacon and came back to serve at a church affiliated with Blessed Sacrament. They held meetings at Ricardo's Italian Restaurant. Beginning of the expression of two churches-San Juan Bautista and Cristo Rey
3,"Two Hispanic churches San Juan Bautista established 1975 Capilla Cristo Rey 1983, Cristo Rey rented space in a funeral home and video store. In 1988 Cristo Rey tried to join with St. Procop and denied their request."
4,Reason San Juan Bautista established in 1975 because of rejection from other churches.
5,Cristo Rey met with Bishop to get some options buy rent or build
6,1990 letter sent to Bishop Pilla by Cristo Rey staff to build a new church facility
7,Cristo Rey was started in restaurant with idea to join Blessed Sacrament because San Juan Bautista had their church
8,"Cristo Rey had their first Priest Missionary from Peru, it drew people and the community grew. Music drew people into the church."
9,Communication had begun with Diocese and Bishop to discuss a new church. The Bishop was looking at three chruches because St. Michael's also had a very strong Hispanic population.The Bishop put them on a five year plan.
10,Report made to Bishop Pilla in 1991 suggested there be a Spanish center. Included discussion of the three Hispanic Churches.
11,In 1993 going through discussions with Bishop Pilla regarding desire for a central church. He understood rejection of other churches and very supportive of them.
12,Bishop Pilla was asked to be their Godfather and he responded as long as they did their part securing funds for the building. They came out of the building project with no mortgage.
13,"Interviewees discussed bias against them regarding money. Bishop Pilla proposed general area for new building. Cristo Rey came with $100,000 donation."
14,They were able to get other funds and Catholic Charities helped secure the lot.
15,In 1994 they had three churches involved along with a coordination committee. St. Michael's Church withdew its' involvement.
16,In 1994 request went out for design. They had 13 proposals and interviewed many architects.
17,"Decon Simon stated he was an engineer so understood the process. They cut back the square footage to 20,000 square feet and built for less than 2 million."
18,In 1995 fundraising began and 1996 discernment process began regarding the name. They wanted to attract all Hispanic groups.
19,Puerto Rican population has diminished and now there is more of a Latin influence
20,Although they are all Hispanic there are still cultural experssions.
21,The Bishop insisted there be an English speaking Mass. This was partially for the youth and so others may come.
22,"In 1996 the gound breaking ceremony began, 1997 construction proposals were received by the architect and in May of 1997 constuction began. In April of 1998 on Good Friday they celebrated their first service."
23,Discussion of the marriages of the two churches Cristo Rey and San Juan  and the procession to the new chuch. In June of 1998 there was a dedication Mass with the Bishop.
24,Proclamation from then Governor Voinovich and discussion of information they got for the design of the church.
25,They went to original Spanish Mission Churches for influence. Discussion of Proclamation about the architectural style of the church.
26,Discussion of building materials bell tower and plaza.
27,Importance of the plaza and socializing after Mass. The size of the plaza needed to be cut down in size to reduce cost.
28,Structure is designed for possible expansion. Plaza at the chruch is inside and this design came from a church in Lorain.
29,Some discussion of new pastor. They talk about building being on a slope and offices at the bottom.
30,Crucifix upstairs and was donated.
31,Some discussion of how realistic the crucifix is.
32,Discussion of Stations of the Cross came from Calvary Cemetery and how these wooden ones were traded for some more colorful ones. There was some disucssion about color being and important part of Spanish culture.
33,The Deacon states how you can see God's role in all that was given including the Baptismal Font and Pews from the Ursuline Nuns.
34,The Deacon pulls out a folder during the interview discusses some of the history and newspaper articles.
35,DeaconSimon sent his Mother in New York a newspaper article and said history was being made.
36,Deacon Simon talks about his homily at the first service.
37,Both interviewees were asked about the services provided. They have a food bank and health fairs. Meetings are held at the church and also used by local politicians.
38,The Church has become a very communal place. Some discussion about drugs in the neighborhood.
39,Church open to help those in trouble. The image for the community is to know they are welcome.
40,There are many different kinds of groups at the church playing music. There is a mixture of modern music and carribean. The sign out front shows Spanish and English.
41,Discussion of young people in the church. The Deacon states their hearts are in Spanish and communication in English.
42,He talks about New York and life in a ghetto. He says they provide growth for young people.
43,There is an opportunity to grow and learn languages and other ways.
44,Deacon talks about his marriage and the blending of cultures and how this has become the case at their Church.
45,When asked about Spanish classes they do not have classes in Spanish.
46,Continuation of discussion of Spanish. They mention how children are brought to Mass and how important it is to do so.
47,Discussion of how the 10am English Mass should probably have been the later Mass.
48,The Church seats 500 but can be extended for holidays and special events.
49,The size of the Congregation has grown. At the time of the interview and estimate of about 1900.
50,Deacon Simon talks about how people know they can get Spanish services.
51,Discussion of neighborhood and its' stabliity.
52,Discussion of a nearby church and school.
53,Discussion of Shrines and Spanish Churches as well as Feast Days.
54,History is being made at the Church with many different groups and not one dominates.
55,Communion is given in both ways.
56,Some discussion of different languages.
57,End
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