By Dan Sullivan
Catholic Herald

New crosses preserve part of 'old' cathedral

SUPERIOR -- As part of the restoration and enhancement work at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, copper roofing was replaced. Parishioner John Stack came up with the idea of using some of this copper to make crosses.

"The sheets were originally part of the apse in the back side of the church," Stack said.

The crosses used by eucharistic ministers had been stolen from the Cathedral School gym, which was being used as a temporary worship space during the cathedral restoration. Stack decided to make replacements. "I found out they were missing and gave the new crosses before the cathedral dedication (Feb. 4)," Stack said. "The Cathedral of Christ the King Church has given so much to me and my family."

The cathedral crosses come complete with color-coded cords. "That way the priest knows who is giving wine and who is giving bread," Stack said.

Fr. Daniel Dahlberg, cathedral rector, said he is appreciative of the crosses given to the parish by Stack. "They were a very nice gift," he said. "They were done with his craftsmanship, but are also a part of the cathedral history."

As a lifelong parishioner of the cathedral, Stack said that while he is working with this copper he often reflects on the personal meaning this church building has for him. "I was baptized, received first Communion and (was) confirmed at the cathedral," he said. "To do something like this makes me feel good."

Each cross takes some 40 hours to craft. "It is a very rewarding and spiritual experience handcrafting the copper into crosses," he said. "I can't explain it in words, but making these crosses brings a calmness to my day."

Stack crafted 12 crosses for the cathedral, and put a name of one of the Twelve Apostles on the back of each. "I've also given a few away," Stack said. "I've made eight sets so far. There is one sitting on my workbench that I am making for Bishop (Raphael M.) Fliss."

He has also made crosses that were auctioned off to benefit the Cathedral School. Dahlberg said he also received one of Stack's crosses and noted that one was sent to Fr. John Schak, a member of the Jesuits and a parish son, who ministers in Argentina.

Dahlberg said that a cross is an important symbol for all people. "As a priest or lay person, the cross is a reminder of Jesus' invitation to take up the cross and walk in his footsteps," he said.

Stack has even given his crosses to non-Catholic friends. "A cross is a universal symbol," he said.

The Stack family is active within this parish. "John and his family volunteer at any parish function that goes on," Dahlberg said.

Over the years, Stack, who is a teacher at Cathedral School, has also used his talents to benefit the school. "I've made tables in the computer lab and I made tables in the shop room," he said. "My wife (Deb) and I came in one summer and remodeled the science lab."

As a teacher, Stack prays that his stewardship practice of using time and talents will be a learning experience for others. "I hope it will be a lesson for my children and the students at Cathedral School," he said. "It's so easy to hand a dollar, but it's hard for people in this day and age to give up their time to do something."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2005