Events and Activities : St. Mary Catholic Church plans blessing for new gathering space

The public is invited to the dedication of the new areas of St. Mary Church Oct. 6

The community is invited to join the parishioners of St. Mary Catholic Church for Mass and the blessing or their new gathering space on Sunday, October 6. Archbishop Michael Jackels will be on hand to bless the space and celebrate Mass at 2 p.m. A meal will be served immediately following. All are welcome!

There will NOT be a 10:30 am Mass that day.

The new gathering space allows natural light to enter into the building, brightening the interior of the church. The space will allow the parish to have more seating for holiday Masses; and it will provide a place for families to gather for baptisms, weddings, funerals and other special events. In addition, the new elevator and bathroom have made the church fully handicap accessible. The addition also includes a new classroom on the lower level of the church to accommodate the parish’s growing religious education program.

“Lighting Our Way to Faith” was the theme of the capital campaign conducted to raise funds for the addition. Fund raising continues with pledges having already been received for over half the $1.3 million cost of the project.

In addition to the physical benefits of the addition, parishioners have noted other changes as well.

“Our church seems to smile more now. Our church feels brighter and cheerier, with a heightened sense of community. Parishioners and guests seem to visit more. Our church feels more welcoming” said parishioner Frank Van Steenhuyse, who served on the pastoral council and building committee at the start of the project.

Parish leadership would like to thank all who have contributed time and money to our parish gathering space project and landscaping. Thank you for lighting our way into the future!