Diocese’s Spalding Pastoral Center opens doors

Following an “unbelievably smooth” weeklong move, the Diocese of Peoria’s new Spalding Pastoral Center is open two blocks south of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. And as Thanksgiving approaches, its occupants are voicing gratitude for a modern new workplace they are already reviewing as “remarkable” and “beautiful” even as finishing touches continue to be made.

“I’m so appreciative that Bishop (Daniel R.) Jenky has invited all of us to be in this,” said Jeanne Whalen, director of the diocesan Office of Pastoral Services, one of about two dozen departments now based in the four-story brick complex. She credited the vision of Bishop Jenky, who announced the project in February of 2006 to not only provide office space for diocesan outreaches formerly scattered in aging, inefficient buildings, but also to serve as a central gathering location for conferences, retreats and Catholic events.

Moving trucks began lining up to the doorway at the former Sheen Pastoral Center on Monday, Nov. 10, and workers later emptied other ministries housed for a time at sites such as St. Augustine Manor and St. Bernard’s School. Thousands of packed boxes as well as file cabinets and furniture pieces were transported to the new facility.