“Where will Homecoming be this year?” “Why do we have to have Mass in the gym?” All these questions have one thing in common: they all relate to the renovations of the Student Center. The legendary building on St. Paul’s campus has been subjected to renovations in order to expand and remodel.

     “I feel like there’s a hole in my heart,” said Junior Eric Boudet regarding the Student Center demolition.

     In past years, the Student Center has been the traditional gathering place for dances, Masses, and popular events, such as Jazz and Roll. Due to the renovations, all of the gatherings and events have been moved to different areas, on and off campus.

On Aug. 15th, St. Paul’s students held Mass in the gymnasium to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Great details and planning took place during the summer to discuss the possible places to have regular school Masses without the Student Center. In the end, the Campus Ministry decided that the gym would be the most convenient and trouble-free place.

     Liturgical Band Director Christi Simoneaux commented, “We had a lot of meetings with the Campus Ministry about the Mass issue over the summer. We had a couple of ideas on where to have Mass. Some suggested having it under the Wolf Dome, outdoors, maybe even in the chapel with different grade levels. One suggestion came up about having the Mass projected on Wolf TV. We ended up deciding on the gym.”

     Simoneaux continued, “We were afraid that communion would be difficult and that we would also have trouble with the heat. To fix these issues, we ended up deciding to put the 8th graders on the floor and to have the Mass early in the morning. It ended up being easier than expected. We did, however, have to shorten the Mass due to the heat and cut out some of the songs, such as the Gloria.”

     Homecoming dances, other important events that typically take place in the Student Center, have been moved to an entirely different location off campus this year. “We use to get a free venue to use the Student Center for Homecoming,” said Student Council President and Senior Connor Mahony. Mahony said that this year, Homecoming would take place at Vintage Court, a special events center on Highway 25 in Covington, La. “It is a little troubling financially,” Mahony said, “but with various fundraisers, we think we will be able to cover the cost.”

     Jazz and Roll, one of the most popular events at St. Paul’s that brings in a large amount of revenue, is usually held in the Student Center, as well as outside in the grassy areas. Director of Special Events Shellie Campo said, “This year, all of Jazz and Roll will take place in the Wolf Dome and in the grassy areas. This means more tents and possibly more porta potties, which means a much bigger budget for the event.” Campo stated that the additional tents and portables this year will increase the cost of operating Jazz and Roll by a considerable amount.

     “This year,” Campo added, “we will not be able to have restaurants set up inside the Student Center. Also, while we usually have multiple bands entertaining each area, we will probably have only one band in each area this year. Set up will be close, as well. Instead of having a week to set up the event, we will only have two to three days for set up.”