St. Martin's Parish Renovation

Church Renovation Process

The church that was built in the 1950's reflected the theology of the times, or rather the theology that had accumulated over recent centuries. The architecture of a church reflects the beliefs and practices of a church, and the architecture of old St. Martin's reflected the church's emphasis on the divinity of Christ over the humanity of Christ. This was apparent in the separation and distancing of the people from the sanctuary. Although our theologies had been under-going many changes, our structures still spoke of this distancing of God from God's people. With the reforms of Vatican II came the opportunity for the people to grow in their understanding of their relationship with God and others.

VATICAN II: Something New is Something Old

Although Vatican II seemed to bring about completely new beliefs and practices in the Church, it actually sought to bring the Church back to the original vision of the Apostles and the early Church practices and beliefs, such as the community being gathered around the Table to break bread and give thanks and praise. While not entirely circular such as in St. Joseph's Cathedral, our renovation still has a more warm and intimate feel to it. The people helped to form the space, and the space continues to form the people.

Benedictus Award

In 1985, the Diocesan Liturgical Commission conferred the Benedictus Award upon the Parish Community of St. Martin of Tours for the educational process which was conducted over the two year period prior to the renovation of our church building. Judged under the category of Liturgical Education, the Commission selected the St. Martin Parish Community in recognition of the scope and integrity of study which engaged the entire community of parishioners in discussion on the current liturgical needs and reforms, while also providing a forum for honoring the past.

The Commission's resolution for this award was as follows:

"For their educational efforts which provided a thorough understanding of ritual needs andthe varied liturgical traditions of the Church; and
For their respect for the best qualities of the original structure of their church building; and
For their respect for the requirements of contemporary worship which are now evident in the renovation of their church building; and
For their desire and willingness to work as a team with clergy, architect and liturgical consultants;
.
The Liturgical Commissionof the Diocese of San Jose presents the BENEDICTUS AWARD to the Liturgical Assembly and Congregation of ST. MARTIN OF TOURS CHURCH of San Jose.

The award was announced at the 1985 San Jose Festival of Liturgical and Catechetical Ministries at Bellarmine College Preparatory.

St. Martin's Parish History

Return to the first page about the History of St. Martin of Tours Parish.

(The information on this page was largely gathered from St. Martin's 75th Anniversary Book, edited by Arlene Goetze in 1989.)

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St. Martin of Tours Parish - San Jose, CA