Maricopa County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. The City of Surprise is one of the fastest growing cities in Maricopa County. The first Catholic Church built in the City of Surprise Arizona has finally opened.
St. Clare of Assisi parish was established on July 1, 2000. Until a few days ago, Mass was held in the temporary hall which is located on the west end of the property. Sometimes the temporary sanctuary would be totally filled inside plus there would be as much as 400 people outside on folding chairs, sitting on the ground and standing.
After almost 8 years of hard work, fund raising and planning, the new St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church has opened its doors for its first Mass. The church has the seating capacity of 2,000. According to Father Hans Ruygt, there were over 4,000 parishioners attending the three Masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The new church has a very modern feel, with pleasant decorator colors of green and blue. The coiffured ceiling has semi-circles and angles that are of different heights yet all equidistant from each other. The ceiling gives one the feeling that we are all equal and the building was built with all in mind, young and old, rich and poor.
Its sound system is state of the art and can only be described as superb!
The church's bell tower is an artisans delight. It is made of copper, a product that is plentiful around Arizona and minded in Morenci, Arizona. In years to come the color will change as the copper oxidizes. I guess this is to depict on how our lives will change and we will be enriched as we get older.
Construction and landscaping is ongoing and seating is presently temporary.
St Clare of Assisi church is located on the corner of Cotton Lane and Bell Road, close to the back entrance to Sun City Grand, across the street from Happy Trails RV Resort and next to Surprise Farms.
Contact Information:
St Clare of Assisi
17111 West Bell Road
Surprise, AZ 85374
Telephone 623-546-3444
"If you build it, they will come." In this case, they are coming.
Hi Leolinda! This is a beautiful church - and what a great turnout for the Christmas Mass! I would love to see a picture of inside...especially the ceiling!
Thanks for sharing - have a great day :)
Hi Kara,
I will try to get a picture of the inside and update my post. This is truly a unique church.
Leolinda- What a cool name of a town! Surprise Arizona! The Church is beautiful, so Padre looking, like in Southern CA, the mission look.
Katerina, I thought that the inside would resemble the outside but it dosen't. The inside is ultra modern.
Beautiful church Leolinda.
How come there are no trees in the parking lot? :)
Dave, the church is still in the final constuction phase and landscaping is the last element. I will update my post after I take pictures inside and outside in a few weeks.
If I was out there, I'd be going to Sunday mass with you. I teach the 3rd grade CCD class for my church this year. My daughter was in the children's church choir on Christmas Eve a few weeks ago. God bless and peace be with you! :o)
Marlene, please do come and visit sometime. Peace be with you too.