Building Permit is here!

The Fairfax County Building Permit is approved and dislayed proudly at the renovation site - a great milestone for the parish!

New Renovation Pictures - Demo!

If you missed seeing the empty sanctuary at St Thomas a Becket within the last few weeks - the renovations have begun!

Take a look at some of the first renovation pictures!

Great News! Construction to start June 22nd!

Dear Parishioners, 

We finally have some exciting and long-awaited news regarding our renovation project. A construction contract was signed by the Diocese of Arlington and our contractor, Whitener & Jackson of Manassas, Virginia. As you may be aware, a representative from Whitener & Jackson has been actively involved in our project for over a year. They are looking forward to starting as soon as possible and plan to be on site beginning Monday, June 22nd. Construction is estimated to take approximately six months. The goal is to have the renovation completed by Christmas. 

During the renovation we will be using Findlay Hall for worship. For safety reasons the present church will be off limits during the construction period. Our first Mass in Findlay Hall will be the weekend of June 20/21. It will take us several days the week before to move the chairs and other furnishings from the church to the hall. The hall has a capacity of 350 persons – somewhat smaller than the church. 

The most recent plans for the renovated worship space will be available in the narthex after Masses this weekend. Please stop and review them. Representatives of the Renovation Committee will be available to answer questions and receive comments. 

In seeking approval from Fairfax County, a requirement was added that all public spaces be handicapped accessible. This would apply to space previously exempt or “grandfathered” such as the reading room and cry room. However, the Renovation Committee considered several alternative approaches and determined that the conversion of this public space for specifically religious purposes (hence considered exempt) would be the best option. This option will also allow for increased seating capacity. Recently approved plans for an enlarged Lake Anne Plaza and the continued growth of Reston Town Center challenge us to plan for the future. 

As a result of the successful Capital Campaign, and your continued generosity, we are confident that we will be able to fund the expansion of our worship space. Thank you for your patience and for your support of this important renewal of our parish worship space. Please keep this project in your prayers. 

As always, we welcome your input at www.stbrenovation.com. 

Fr. Schardt and the members of the Renovation Committee 

Permits Cleared a Key Hurdle!

Great News!

The renovation county permits recently cleared a key hurdle and they are now going through the Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing (EM&P) phase.  We expect to hear more over the coming weeks - watch the blog for updates.

The Renovation Committee continues to meet with Fr. Schardt to consider decisions that will facilitate the process once we get the green light for construction.  We are grateful for your continued support and patience with the process.  We welcome your comments.

Blessings of Spring to all!
The Renovation Committee