NORWICH-- It wasn't difficult to tell Sister Mary David, principal of Sacred Heart School in Taftville, was proud Saturday afternoon to showcase the parish's new Parish Life Center.
"Take a look around. Don't miss anything," she said as eager parishioners saw the inside of the building for the first time.
More than six years of hard work and fund raising came to fruition as parishioners walked through the door of the $1.2 million facility that will now house the school's gymnasium, cafeteria and school and parish events. It is the first time since the late 1970s, when the Sacred Heart Young Men's Association and Sacred Heart Young Ladies' Association building closed, the church and school have a place to use for functions.
"It just opens up so many opportunities," Sister David said. "We haven't been able to really have many school assemblies because there is no space."
Sixth-grader Hanna Fiducia, 11, shrieked with joy as she walked into the new parish center. She said she is going to be a famous actress when she grows up and is looking forward to having school plays there.
"I would be excited about that," Fiducia said. "It's really, really cool. I never knew it would be so big."
Sister David and Monsignor Henry Archambault said the credit for getting the center completed goes to project coordinator Rich Dzialo, 68, of Lisbon. As the parish raised money for five years for the center, construction prices outpaced the fund raising, making it seem the project would never happen.
But Dzialo, who has been in construction all his life, worked with builders to lower costs. And even though the doors have opened, he is still working to remove moisture from the concrete flooring so a new rubber floor can be laid to finish the building.
"It's a miracle. I'm glad I was part of it," Dzialo said. "I was glad to see I could use my talent for my faith."
Reach Brian Wallheimer at 425-4241 or bwallheimer@ norwichbulletin.com
Originally published July 30, 2006
