Welcome Home!

We finally made it! We had our dedication Mass today and what a treat to witness the ceremony and pomp that the Catholic Church can offer. We became 'whole' again today as we welcomed Bishop Paul Bootkoski, former associate Priests of the Parish and some special guests. The day's events began with the Blessing of the Cornerstone. Bishop Bootkoski then began our Celebration of Mass, with prayers of Thanksgiving. At the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word, Bishop Bootkoski's homily focused on the ceremonial aspects of what we were about to witness. Considering this is only done for new or renovated Churches, it is truly a once in a lifetime experience for most of us.

 
As we lifted our hearts in song and prayer, the Litany of the Saints drew us closer together and the Bishop began the ritual of annointing the Altar with Holy Chrism, blessed each year at Holy Week. After annointing the Altar, Bishop Bootkoski and Msgr. O'Neill annointed all the pillars of the Church with the same Holy Chrism. To complete the new Altar Blessings, Rose Ragucci and Janice Michnewicz (the wives of our two Deacon's) were tasked with removing the excess Chrism and cleaning the Altar. Next, Mary Jantas and Agnes Bacsik dressed the Altar for the first time. Finally, candles were placed and lit by Deacon Tom and we began the first Celebration of the Eucharist in our new Church.
At the conclusion, Msgr. O'Neill offered us all his thanks for our contributions, support and especially our patience. It has been a long sixteen months since the restoration began and I will be the first (well, maybe not the first) to say it was well worth it. Welcome Home! .. and thanks for following along.