AMHERST — St. Leo the Great Parish on Sweet Home Road held a ground breaking ceremony for its new parish center in May. With the help of architect Doug Scheid and the building committee, parishioners were able to view drawings of the projected new parish center weeks prior to the event.

At more than 9,000 square feet, the parish center will connect to the church for easy and convenient access. The center will feature a banquet room with seating capacity of 275. It will be ideal for social and educational events as well as for weddings, sacramental receptions and seminars.

The large teaching kitchen will be a community resource, hosting nutritionists who will help groups with special needs, including those with diabetes, weight or heart issues.
A separate new structure will feature a 7,000-square-foot recreation area for all age groups. Included will be a pavilion for outdoor picnics.

"I am very excited about the future of our parish family as we take another step forward in the legacy of our faith community," said Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel, pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish. "While we honor our past, we look forward to a new chapter and a faith-filled future where God's people will continue to be spiritually nourished and enjoy the fellowship of community."

St. Leo's is a station church for the extraordinary Jubilee Year with a blessed Holy Door of Mercy.

For those who may be interested in making a pilgrimage, holy door hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to noon.