By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announced Tuesday that it will rebuild Saints Columba-Brigid Church on the East Side. The church was heavily damaged by fire last April.
Leaders of Saints Columba-Brigid parish gathered with diocesan officials to celebrate the news. Plans call for demolition of the existing church followed by construction of a new building in a nearby parking lot. It will be a combination church and community center.
While the diocese has closed some parishes in the city, Diocesan Administrator, Bishop Edward Grosz, says the decision was made to rebuild here because of the viability of the parish.
"Just look at all the growth and development around here," Grosz said. "For the church to pull out now would be a shame. The church is part of the community. It will strengthen it. That's what the church is all about."
Diocesan officials say they don't yet know how much a new church will cost. First, they say, that won't be known until architects and parish leaders complete the design. Saints Columba-Brigid will receive $2 million in an insurance settlement.
The decision to build new after it was determined that restoration of the burned out church was cost prohibitive. Pastoral Associate Sr. Karen Klimczak says the new church will be more affordable.
"The church that we will build will not be as large as the old one, so it will become more efficient," Klimczak said.
Groundbreaking is planned for next Spring. It's hoped the church will be ready for Christmas services in December 2005.