American Canyon's visitor center may become church

Michael Waterson Napa Valley Register | Posted: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 3:28 pm |

AMERICAN CANYON After years of holding services in a gymnasium, American Canyons Holy Family Parish may finally get a dedicated home at the expense of a tourist-based business.

City officials recently announced ongoing discussions with church leaders to move into the building now occupied by Napa Sonoma Visitor Center. City staff and church officials were scheduled to continue discussions this week.

A representative of the diocese said Wednesday the move was still in the talking stage.

I know they are contemplating a move, but theres nothing definite at this time, said Deacon Mike Urick, finance officer for the Santa Rosa Diocese.

Victor Leach, executive assistant for the parish, confirmed that church members had discussed the move with the buildings landlord, Constantine Shishkin of Sonoma.

Longtime church member Victor Rivera said the location is ideal, since the church owns undeveloped land directly behind the visitor center. Rivera said the church needed a more permanent home since the present situation holding Sunday services in the Community Center gymnasium was depleting church membership.

We could only hold one Sunday Mass. For some people 9 oclock (Mass time) wasnt convenient and some people dont feel comfortable worshiping in a gym, Rivera said. There was also competition from other groups to use the space, he said.

Rivera estimated there are about 350 to 400 members of Holy Family Parish in American Canyon. According to Rivera, long-range plans, including construction of a rectory on church land behind the building, were discussed at length during Sundays service.

The head of the diocese, Bishop Robert F. Vasa, is in favor of the move, Leach said. We do have the bishops support.

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American Canyon's visitor center may become church