We are very excited to share with you our Topping Out Ceremony of our new Family Center Building! Thank you to:
- S. Texas Erectors for performing the Topping Out Metropolitan Contracting for sponsoring the event
- Catholic Life President Branch 101 – NW San Antonio – Roland DeWinne (parishioner) for donation of the flag
- KOC Members – Don Rios & Charles Hassold for presentation of the flag
- OLG Building Board Members for hosting
- Beverly Baldwin
- Bruce Rathburn
- Clergy & Staff for Blessings & Music
- Fr. Scott Janysek
- Fr. Jesuraja “Raja” Alangaram
- Seminarian Ottmar Tovar
- Cheryl Chladek
- Aaron Hannie for Communications
- Project Architect, Mark Morkovsky
DUE TO UNFORESEEN EVENTS, THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HAS CHANGED FOR OUR TOPPING OUT CEREMONY. PLEASE SEE BELOW TO VIEW THE CHANGES
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Helotes is proud to announce that we are close to finishing to our building structural! To celebrate this amazing milestone in our family center’s progress, we invite you to be part of this signature event.
Thank you to Metropolitan Contracting for sponsoring all three events!
What’s Happening?
Drive Through Car Viewing at the Annex
Please enter front gate and stop at red canopy to receive a brochure, hot chocolate & candy cane to enjoy as you follow signs through new parking areas to view construction status. PLEASE STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE and drive slow. We hope you can come out and see the progress on our building. Please join us at one of the below dates/times.
POSTPONED FOR THE TIME BEING
What Is A Topping Out Ceremony?
The term topping out refers to the installation of the last beam(s) atop a steel structure during its construction. It goes back to the pre-Dark age of Scandinavia where they would place a tree on top of a new building to appease the tree dwelling spirits of their displaced ancestors.
As with many traditions, it has evolved over time. The Germans in the Black Forest were said to have invented the Christmas tree custom to celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ. The Christmas tree custom is done year round in many parts of the world to signal the birth of a new building.
As Catholics, the last two beams we raise will be over our front entry. At that time, we will also have a special blessing to protect all those who enter our building during the construction and in the future.
We will also raise an American flag to the highest portion of the building as the final part of the ceremony. The flag is used as a symbol of pride in our country and pride in the workmanship that our construction tradesmen show in the construction of the building.