Parishioners at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in west Fresno say they feel comfortable in their new church building.

It's been an interesting journey, some say.

Several years ago, nearly every parishioner agreed the congregation had outgrown its church building, used since the 1960s. Seating capacity was about 225 people.

With west Fresno growing, a campaign began to build a modern church building to accommodate more people. Plans called for pews accommodating about 600.

Some parishioners, however, said they were concerned about church growth.

"They said, 'I hope it doesn't make us not be a family,' " Debi Nichols remembered. "There was a fear it would be cold."

Others said they welcomed the step up.

"For years, a lot didn't come because they didn't like the little, old church," Lisa Newsom said.

The larger building -- at a cost of $2.5 million -- became a reality and was dedicated Dec. 8. Church officials also thought they might have to cut back from six to four weekend Masses.

But so many parishioners flocked to services in the new building, the church returned to six Masses.

"A beautiful problem to have," said the church's pastor, the Rev. Timothy Cardoza. "It's a wonderful community."

On a recent Sunday, parishioners sang the songs, "I Am the Light of the World," "In These Days of Lent and Journey" and "Here I am." Church piano player Marina Aksenov recognized the new building's acoustics: "It's beautiful."

Here are other notes from the visit:

-- What's the first thing you notice from your pew? The wooden cross with purple draping near the altar.

-- What might you see here that you won't other places? Parishioners recently filed out of Masses and went to the old church building, now a social hall. Fresh cinnamon rolls and other foods and items were sold there to raise money for the Msgr. McCormick Jamaica Missionary Project.

-- What's everyone talking about? The church's youth getting involved in the Guadalupana Society.

The basics

-- Location: 4636 W. Dakota Ave.

-- Contacts: (559) 275-2022; stmaryqueen.webs.com; stmaryfresno@att.net

-- Mass schedule: 5:30 p.m. (English) and 7 p.m. (Spanish) Saturdays; and 8 a.m. (English), 9:30 a.m. (English) and 11 a.m. (English) and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) Sundays

-- Pastor, years of service: The Rev. Timothy Cardoza, nearly 30 years in priesthood

-- Congregation: 600 registered families

-- History: Founded in 1967. Dedicated new building on Dec. 8, 2012.

-- Religious association: Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno

-- Doctrine: Catholicism

-- Key ministries: Bible study, Eucharist adoration, religious education, anointing of the sick/Communion to the homebound, CCD classes, youth group, confessions, Knights of Columbus, Altar Society, choir, Guadalupana Society, Msgr. McCormick's Jamaica Missionary Project.

-- Of special note: St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church will hold its annual Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. March 30 at the church and special Easter Masses at 8 p.m. March 30 and 8, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. March 31.