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Dedication of St. Caspar's Parish Life Center
by Carol Breidenbach
Catholic Chronicle
 The new Parish Life Center WAUSEON - A Parish Life Center at St. Caspar's was dedicated Oct. 26 with more than 400 parishioners enjoying a celebration dinner in the new parish hall.
Pastor Father Robert Holden expressed gratitude to God for the gifts and generosity of so many people. "People not only supported this project financially, they gave generously of their time and talents as well," he said.
"This current building project cost over $2.5 million. In l965 when Father James O'Grady was here, the parish purchased 40 acres for $780 an acre and built the current church for $450,000. Some people thought then that it was a lot of money, but now they are very glad we did it. In the future our parish will also be glad we did this."
The parish began in the 1850s with Mass said in homes by circuit-riding priests. In 1873 an old Methodist church was purchased and moved to become the first Catholic church in the area. Fire destroyed the church in 1895. A new church was dedicated the following year. The cornerstone was laid for the present church in l965.
 Parishioners enjoyed a feast to commemorate the new center. In l995 the pastoral council began to dream about an addition that would enable the parish to more effectively implement the vision of "being more Christ-centered, community-minded as a parish and service oriented." The dream has come true.
A "family of love" sculpture adorns the handicapp accessible center. Rays of petals with names of contributors adorn the piece.
Delores Spieles, fun-raiser chairperson proud of the project, said, "St. Caspar's has been built on a cornerstone of commitment, sacrifice and volunteerism. We have been blessed with great pastors, but it has been the people of this community who have kept the faith and brought us to this triumphant day. The heart of St. Caspar's is in this new Parish Life Center and our heart is what will take it from being a building to being a way of life ... a life in Christ!"
The Parish Life Center will be used for dinners, receptions, dances and recreation. A stage at the end of the hall will be used for children's plays, concerts, musical shows and prayerful encounters. In the future, basketball boards will be added. A large playing field will be completed for outdoor games and recreation will be in the rear.
 Bishop Donnelly joins Fr. Holden and parishioners saying grace before the meal. As a 50th wedding anniversary gift to Jim and Pat Dominique, their children and grandchildren presented them with a plaque, dedicating the new parish hall kitchen in loving memory of Olivia "Grandma" Dominique.
The family covered most of the expenses for the kitchen. Mrs. Dominique spent many hours in the parish kitchen cooking funeral dinners, festival dinners and food for Bingo. "She touched many lives through her dedication to God and the parish," said Pat Dominique.
In conjunction with the Dominiques, members of the K. of C. donated funds for the kitchen.
Children of the parish were invited to create pieces of artwork that were imprinted on tiles which were developed into a mural with a cross in the center.
Named for the pope who convened the Second Vatican Council, the Pope John XXIII Room will be "used for adult education and adult formation," said Bill Latta, whose committee planned the room. Like its namesake, Mr. Latta said the activities in the room will lead to "new vistas and new enlightenment."
 The gift of the children is a lasting memento of art set in tiles. The room is quite versatile and will also be a vigil room before funerals. "To be good stewards, you want to make use of the resources you have so they can be used in different ways by different groups," said Mr. Latta.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society Pantry is for sorting, storing and distributing food. Its outside entrance is private.
Leona Loveland, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, is thrilled with the new space. "I'm like a kid with a new toy," she said. "Now we have everything in one area."
The Youth Center, also in the basement, will be used exclusively by the youth for the new Teen Life program, Bible study and prayer. Social and recreational events for teens from neighboring churches can now be hosted.
General contractor was Rupp-Rosebrock Inc. Jerry Overmeier of Beilharz Architects Inc. was the architect.
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