Why build a daily Mass chapel for the new Holy Trinity Catholic Church when the Marian Home chapel sits just across the street?

Church law distinguishes between a parish church and its rightful use by all the parishioners and an oratory / chapel whose use is designed for a specific community for restricted use.  Under the Sioux City diocesan norms for churches verses oratories / chapels, the Bishop has decreed that the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) be celebrated in the parish church.  Permission can be given for a funeral Mass or a Catholic wedding to be celebrated in oratories / chapels, but doing so also requires the permission of the administrator of the oratory / chapel.

The Marian Home chapel was erected for those residing in the Marian Home and Village.  While the Marian Home administration is most welcoming to Holy Trinity parishioners for daily Mass and other prayer opportunities, it is the administration’s job to restrict access to the chapel in light of protecting the residents.  For example: it might be necessary to protect residents from a stain of virulent flu which could be introduced by visitors to the chapel or residents’ rooms.  Hence, in such a case, the administration could rightfully restrict access to the chapel for residents only.  Whereas, the parish church and parish chapel, are erected specifically for the members of Holy Trinity parish and their spiritual benefit.  And as such, St. Edmond Catholic School, being a major ministry of Holy Trinity, their use of this parish chapel also needs to be taken into consideration. It will support St. Edmond activities such as the annual class retreats, First Friday Adoration, and similar occasions for spiritual formation. 

Holy Trinity parish chapel will also accommodate not only daily Mass, but prayer opportunities such as the Rosary for 40 days for Life, Eucharistic Adoration, and Holy Hours. Additionally, it will provide a proper place for various liturgical celebrations for the formation of our youth: Rock Climbers, Edge and Lifeteen.  This chapel will also support the needs of parishioners whose gatherings require a smaller more intimate prayer setting with the ease of parking and moving into the use of the parish center. The parish chapel assures that these events have a proper place and it also respects the rhythms of the Marian Home, St Edmond, and Holy Trinity parish who will all reside on the Catholic campus along 6th Ave North.

Msgr. Kevin McCoy