The St. Mary's building campaign, "Coming Together to Do Christ's Work," is divided into two phases. Last week workmen were scrambling to meet the August 2003 deadline for Phase One.

A little background is helpful. The focus of the capital campaign is the Parish Ministry Center, which is Phase Two of the construction. In 2000, studies were conducted, spearheaded by Msgr. John J. McCann, pastor of St. Mary's Church, to address the current use of building space, coupled with future requirements. The space limitations made it very difficult for the church to develop new programs and to grow to meet the parish needs. For years, the nursery, pre-kindergarten, first and second grades were housed beneath the church--the projected site of the new Ministry Center. This, Phase One involved relocating the elementary classrooms from the lower church and, in the process, providing greatly enhanced facilities for the students.

Among the elementary school improvements are two computer rooms--one for kindergarten and first grade children, a book room, new classrooms, new nurse's room, new art room, expanded cafeteria and access to the new gymnasium from the lower level of the new school addition.

The new full-sized gym, named the Wiest Gymnasium in honor of Msgr. John J. Wiest, pastor emeritus, includes boys' and girls' locker areas and restroom facilities. It is more than 30 feet below grade, is 6,534 square feet and has two floors above it, housing 10 new classrooms and office space. The gym will be used by the elementary school children, CYO programs and other recreational and social parish functions.

One wing of the new addition has been named Marian Hall to acknowledge the contribution of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to Catholic education. Another wing, honoring the pastor, has been christened McCann Hall.

Last week most classrooms were in disarray. Teachers were present straightening desks and decorating bulletin boards. The excitement was palpable. Celeste Maneri Checchia, Ph.D., principal of the elementary school, was as delighted as everyone else. "I can't begin to describe how grateful I am to the parents and parishioners to have a facility that matches the quality of the teachers," she said. Dr. Checchia is beginning her seventh year as principal of the elementary school. Seven years ago, the parish enrollment was 35 percent and this year it is 65 percent. "The children have always gotten a superb education," she said, "and now we have such excellent facilities." As a former resident of Plandome, she herself attended kindergarten through second grade at St. Mary's.

As the twilight of Phase One approaches, the focus shifts to the Parish Ministry Center, or Phase Two, of the construction, and the timetable for completion is the spring of 2004. The Ministry Center is to be built on both the lower and main levels of the existing church building. The new entrance will be built out 25 feet on the south side of the church and will have an elevator and disability access. The lower level will house a hall with a capacity for 300, 14 offices for different parish ministries and space for activities such as religious education, plant management, finance and development. There will be three additional meeting rooms and a place for teens. The main level will include a music director's office, crying room, altar servers' space, restrooms, additional Sacristy area and a prayer room/chapel.

The Parish Party is slated for Saturday, Sept. 27, following the 5 p.m. Mass. There will be a dual celebration-the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic community in Manhasset and the dedication of the new elementary school wing and gymnasium. All are welcome and 500 parishioners are expected. The party will be held in the new gymnasium and tours will be given. Celebrate and witness the renovations firsthand.