On Feb 10., the partnership between Gonzaga Prep, Catholic Charities, and Gonzaga University marked an important moment in the Gonzaga Family Haven project with a land acknowledgement and ground blessing. Gonzaga Prep President Michael Dougherty and Chaplain JK Adams, S.J. represented Gonzaga Prep in the blessing and provided an altar square from the original Prep chapel as one of several artifacts that were then buried on the site.
“Gonzaga Prep is privileged to partner with Catholic Charities, Gonzaga University, and St. Al’s Parish in service to the families who will call Gonzaga Family Haven 'home,' said Gonzaga Prep President Michael Dougherty. "The setting of the cornerstone today is an exciting moment to celebrate, as we can begin to see this dream begin to take shape.”
Catholic Charities CEO Rob McCann, GU President Thayne McCullough and St. Al’s Pastor Tom Lamanna, S.J. `81 were also on hand to express both hope and gratitude for the partnership and what Gonzaga Family Haven will become for families experiencing homelessness.
The three institutions chose a meaningful artifact or symbol of importance to their community to place in the buildings' foundation permanently. A photo and description of each item buried, and a photo of the ground blessing and land acknowledgement and all participants will be displayed prominently in the Gonzaga Family Haven community room.
FAST FACTS
Gonzaga Family Haven will provide 73 permanent supportive housing units for families experiencing homelessness. Amenities will include early learning center/childcare, after-school program study center, medical clinic, multi-denominational Chapel and reflection space, indoor social gathering and recreation space, splash pad, 3/4 mile protected internal bike trail, covered gathering pavilion, community garden and a dog park.
Representatives present
Rob McCann CEO, Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington
Thayne McCulloh, president of Gonzaga University
Michael Dougherty, president of Gonzaga Preparatory School
Land Acknowledgement
Wendy Thompson, Director of Tribal Relations for Gonzaga University.
Ground Blessing
Fr. Tom Lamanna, S.J., Pastor, St. Aloysius Parish
Fr. Craig Hightower, S.J, Gonzaga Haven Chapel Architect and Desinger
Fr. JK Adams, S.J, Chaplain, Gonzaga Prep.
Fr. Miguel, Our Lady of Fatima Parish