First steps - Fr. Rob’s vision

Hi and welcome! This is where you want to be to read about the evolution of the renovations to the Sanctuary at Annunciation of the Lord Parish! I hope to consistently share information, inspiration and photos here with you so that you can follow along with the process.

Last year, at about this time, Fr. Rob Arsenault and I met to brainstorm about how to bring more beauty to the Sanctuary. It was a very exciting meeting, partly because of the ways we both think creatively: new ideas come quickly and we both get enthusiastic about change and growth and possibilities, (we even both begin to talk more loudly and wave our arms about!) but perhaps most of all it was exciting because Fr Rob had an inspired vision that was Christ-centered and I absolutely LOVE to work with people to bring their visions to life in creative ways. This is happiness.

I guess that first of all, Fr. Rob asked me if I would create a painting of the Annunciation. I said no. : ). We have had some difficult health issues in my family in the past year and a half and so adding a large painting commission to my busy design schedule at the time seemed unreasonable to me. (and maybe I was afraid!) Anyhow, in our meeting , I nevertheless immediately “saw” the design idea that is, even today, under construction by Brother Builds and so I sketched it out for Fr Rob during our meeting and shared it with him. We tweaked it a bit together and I went home to draw it in greater detail on my trusty iPad. (I use ProCreate, a fabulous and free illustration app, in case you’re interested).

I’ve been working as an interior designer for three years. I’ve been fortunate to have worked on the most assorted and interesting projects and I almost always immediately know how I want a space to look after I’ve met with the client and heard about their dreams for it. That initial vision of mine sometimes changes a little bit, but not often by very much. I suppose that that has to do with having been an artist for many years but it also has everything to do with my love of making any place into more of a home: a space for people to feel joy and peace and comfort. I love to create a place where hospitality and familial love really happen and where guests know they have come home. Isn't this the kind of warmth that a parish should have to share? I think so.

Till next time. : )

Adele