1987
Larkin Center (with courtyard) became the first
true administrative center for the parish
Following the 12:30 Mass on Sunday, March 1, 1987, Bishop Larkin presides over the dedication of Larkin Center, a 10,000 square-foot administrative and educational facility named in his honor. Bishop Larkin jokes during the dedication that the purpose of the building is to "remind people to pray for me after I'm gone." The building obviously provides much more than that; in addition to seven classrooms for elementary and adult religious education, Larkin Center features a choir room, a spacious front desk and reception area, meeting rooms, offices for religious and lay staff, and a large administrative work room. Newly designed walkways and landscaping lead into the beautiful shaded courtyard next to the center, an area previously inaccessible to the congregation. The staff moves out of its offices in the basement of the rectory to the new hall, and the children's Sunday School program, previously administered at St. Cecelia School, begins classes in the spacious new classrooms.
1989
With Larkin Center completed and in full use, Father Cippel turns his attention to the rectory and Colreavy Hall which are both in desperate need of repair and refurbishing. Because of its age, the rectory is a priority. The basement, no longer needed for parish administration, is converted to include a chapel, a small conference room, a priest's living quarters, two guest rooms and a laundry. The kitchen is remodeled, the plumbing and electrical systems replaced, new bathroom fixtures installed, and new windows, carpeting and paint are added throughout the building. The parish is invited to tour the rectory during an Open House celebration in January of 1989.
Parish RectoryRenovations to Colreavy Hall begin shortly after the rectory is finished. After 18 years of constant use, the building requires major repairs and updating. In addition to numerous cosmetic repairs, the roof, air conditioning system, lighting system and kitchen appliances are replaced, the restrooms are totally remodeled, the outdoor porch is enclosed and becomes pre-school classrooms, and the building is expanded 12 feet to the south to create storage for maintenance and parish organizations. The parish is invited to a Blessing and Open House of the renovated center in January of 1990, with Bishop Larkin presiding.
1990
The additional classroom facilities in Colreavy Hall help another of Father Cippel's visions become reality: Little Nazareth, a fully accredited, five-day-a-week pre-school program for 3, 4 and 5 year-olds, opens its doors in 1990.
Building renovations and additions are not the only changes that 1990 brings; the reins of the parish are handed over to a new pastor once again as Father Cippel is appointed director of spiritual formation at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach. The dynamic pastor has escorted this parish family through an exciting period of growth and change, and it is with much respect and gratitude that he takes his leave.
Fr. Dacian DeeFather Dacian Dee, pastor of St. Ignatius in Tarpon Springs, becomes the fifth pastor of St. Cecelia. In addition to his role as shepherd of the parish, Father Dee is also appointed as administrator for the diocesan Marriage Tribunal. He assumes his dual responsibilities with gusto in July, 1990.
In the tradition of his predecessors, Father Dee recognizes the need for building improvements to meet the demands of an ever-growing parish family. With the rectory, Larkin Center and Colreavy Hall in good shape, his efforts are directed to renovation of the church. The 'new' wing is more than thirty-five years old, and along with the rest of the building, is in need of much refurbishing.
1990
The renovations, complete in 1993, include the installation of marble flooring in the sanctuary and ceramic tile in the pew areas, marble altar rails, carpet runners for the center aisles, new kneelers, the addition of pew cushions and new paint throughout. The church emerges lovelier and more elegant than ever.
Fr. Aiden FoynesAs the church renovations are completed, St. Cecelia Parish is surprised by the announcement of a change in leadership once again. Father Dee shifts his focus exclusively to the Tribunal; Father Aiden Foynes, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace in New Port Richey, returns to his first parish, but this time as its pastor. In the thirty-two years since Father Foynes arrival at St. Cecelia as a newly ordained priest in 1961, the parish has more than doubled in size. The enthusiasm of its parishioners has not changed, though, and Father Foynes is joyfully welcomed back as the sixth pastor of the church.
1994
Enrollment at St. Cecelia School has continued at capacity since its last major improvements thirty years ago. Long range goals include increasing each grade level from two classes to three, but this ambitious plan requires yet another addition to the building. In 1994, the school proudly opens the doors to a new primary building for grades kindergarten and one. The building includes six spacious classrooms, restrooms and a playground exclusive to these grades. The crowning glory of the building program is a beautiful new chapel situated between the primary building and the cafetorium. The chapel's open design accommodates 150 students and parents, and its simple, contemporary fixtures provide a prayerful environment for weekly Masses.
Despite the additional classroom space, the school once again quickly reaches capacity. As a third homeroom is added each year to a different grade level, portable classrooms are erected on the grounds to provide for the increasing student population. The need for permanent structures is apparent, and the new primary building and chapel are barely completed when planning begins for further additions.
The parish, too, continues to grow at a rapid pace. The Hispanic community, long present in the parish, begins to expand at an unprecedented rate. A Sunday evening Mass in Spanish, which began in 1993, is now complemented by religious education classes and a social hour for Hispanic adults and children. The parish staff includes a priest and an administrative assistant exclusively for the Hispanic community.
1995
It's fitting that a parish named for the patron saint of liturgical music has been blessed from the earliest days with an outstanding music ministry. During its first thirty years, the church was provided with first one organ and then another through the generosity of the Robert S. Brown family. The parish purchased a new pipe organ in 1953, which was refurbished in 1974. The organ, by 1995, is once again in desperate need of updating and repair. This time the generosity of hundreds of parishioners makes the extensive under-taking a reality. The organ, rededicated by Bishop Larkin in November, 1995, boasts nearly 3,000 pipes and state-of-the-art technology.
The tapestry of parish life has been woven through the years with talented and dedicated parochial vicars, parish administrators and associate pastors. Regardless of their length of stay in the parish and of service in the priesthood, each adds threads of color that makes the image richer, more complete. But the weaving is bittersweet to behold at times, for with the joy of their presence is the pain of their departure.
1998
In February, 1998, St. Cecelia parishioners bid a tearful final farewell to Father Ken Bischko after his battle with cancer. The same community that prayed fervently for his recovery now fills the church for his wake and funeral. The charismatic Franciscan, known for his enthusiastic liturgical style and his love for children, has touched the hearts of many in an unforgettable way. As 1998 winds into '99, preparations begin in earnest for the arrival of the Jubilee Year 2000. Anticipation abounds in the parish with the introduction of Renew 2000 and LifeTeen, faith-building programs for adults and teens. St. Cecelia is poised at the threshold of a renaissance of faith, and young and old alike are drawn into the promise of the new millennium and all that it holds for this parish family.
1999
An air of excitement grows during the summer of 1999 with the announcement of Father Foynes' imminent investiture as Monsignor. The appointment is made in recognition of Father's years of service and countless contributions to parishes in the diocese. As the recipient of a collective decade of his love and labors, the parishioners of St. Cecelia greet the news with joy and support. The investiture ceremony is presided over by Bishop Robert Lynch and Bishop Emeritus W. Thomas Larkin.
The school, also, looks to the next century with anticipation as plans for a three-stage building program are unveiled. With enrollment now over 800 students, the need for additional facilities is impossible to ignore. The first phase includes construction of a middle school building with nine classrooms, a science lab and a computer lab. Phase two will provide a new gymnasium with locker rooms, an assembly room and office space. The final phase of construction will be a student services center to provide much needed space for administrative services. Monsignor Colreavy's foresight in the acquisition of the school property so many years ago makes the building program possible with room to spare within the current school boundaries.
Activity in the parish transitions quickly into high gear in September as Renew 2000 begins here, and throughout the diocese, with a four-day mission. Hundreds attend the parishioner-led faith sharing gatherings and join the small church communities for the first season of this three-year program.
2000
The 75th Anniversary Mass, celebrated at midnight of Christmas, 1999, marked not so much the past, but the future of this remarkable parish. The oldest church in upper Pinellas County continues the vital tradition begun so long ago. With over 3,200 registered families, 35 active ministries, a thriving Hispanic community and strong adult, teen and elementary education programs, St. Cecelia is a community of faith moving boldly into a new millennium.
The 21st Century
From the most humble of beginnings three-quarters of a century ago, St. Cecelia Church still stands today as an icon of Catholicism in Pinellas County. Like the tiny mustard seed that becomes the largest of trees, this parish has thrived and grown through the decades to become a home for generations of Clearwater Catholics. And by the grace of God, which has abundantly blessed these first 75 years, the walls and windows of St. Cecelia will have stories to tell for many generations to come.
