Amarillo—Monday, Jan. 16 is the projected first day of operations at the new Diocesan Pastoral Center at 4512 NE 24
th, according to Deacon Phil Whitson, Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Amarillo.
Ground was broken March 7, 2015 for the new, one-story, 33,000 square-foot Pastoral Center. The new building will include:
• An expanded Archives Museum to showcase diocesan historical artifacts;
• Two fire-proof vaults to protect historical sacramental records;
• A divided meeting hall with classroom style seating for up to 150 people and a catering kitchen;
• A chapel with sufficient seating to allow all employees to participate in Mass and prayer services;
• Adequate parking for employees and guests;
• A dedicated employee break room and two conference rooms;
• Handicap accessible restrooms; and,
• A courtyard to host events and small receptions.
This will be the fourth chancery building in the 90-year history of the Diocese of Amarillo. According to diocesan archives, the first chancery was located at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 817 Taylor from 1929 to 1937. It moved to 1110 Washington St. until 1953.
The current Pastoral Center building, which was built for approximately $200,000, was made possible, largely through a $125,000 gift from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Bosen, pioneer members of the Diocese of Amarillo, through their nephew, Father W.F. Bosen, who was the executor of the estate. It was blessed and dedicated on Jan. 28, 1954 by then-Bishop Laurence J. FitzSimon.