“Spirit wind” sweeps parish into new church home (Newsletter Article from December 2007)
by Kathy Sjoquist
Crisp blue skies, brilliant sunshine and a mighty, swirling wind greeted parishioners gathered Sunday, September 30 for the Mass of Dedication for the new St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church. So strong was the wind that an ad hoc group of “door-holding ministers” was drafted to steady the massive Guatemalan mahogany doors as the throng of more than 1,200 streamed into the building.
Inside the gathering space, two vibrant hand-quilted processional banners joined the procession into the worship space. There, with voices and hearts raised in thanksgiving and praise, the assembly witnessed the unique and ancient rites prescribed by the Church for the consecration of a
new place of worship.
His Excellency The Most Reverend Edward Braxton, Bishop of Belleville, flanked by Fr. Jim Deiters and a host of concelebrating priests and deacons, led the gathering in prayer as he blessed the waters of the new baptismal font. The newly-blessed water was then sprinkled on both the building and the gathered assembly as a reminder of our initiation into Church through Baptism.
Following the Liturgy of the Word, Bishop Braxton reminded all of the significance of creating a new place of worship. He further challenged churchgoers to take the time to thoughtfully prepare themselves to be in God’s presence every Sunday, with a special emphasis on appropriate dress and demeanor.
The Rite then continued with anointings. Using an amazing abundance of fragrant Holy Chrism, Bishop Braxton carefully and methodically anointed the mensa of St. Clare’s new altar. The scent lingered as walls to the east, west, north and south were anointed in turn, a sign that this was no longer an ordinary building, but a sanctuary now wholly dedicated to Christian worship.
Our diocese’s seminarians then hoisted an enormous brazier onto the altar; after its incensation the parish’s liturgical dancers processed to the Bishop, received incense and gracefully wove throughout the congregation, enveloping the people and the building as well in smoky sweetness.
To the poignant lyrics of “Christ Be Our Light,” the Paschal Candle was lit. From it sparked light to every corner of the church: Altar candles, Dedication candles mounted high on the stone-pillared walls, and soft light streaming down from rows of chandeliers high above the assembly. The church at last glowed, and it radiance was reflected in the beaming faces of Fr. Jim and the parish.
Following the new church’s first Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament was reverently processed to the new Reservation Chapel. There, with the lighting of the tabernacle lantern, one last important light added its perpetual glow to the room.
Finally, Fr. Jim shared his words of praise and gratitude to all for the remarkable accomplishment the parish has achieved. With the historic first Mass in the new St. Clare of Assisi Church at an end, the celebration moved outside. Under a canopy of colorful tents staked to a windswept hill, St. Clare’s families and friends reveled in food, fellowship and the fabulous afterglow of an unforgettable afternoon in God’s newest house.
Post-Dedication Reflection (Newsletter Article from December 2007)
by Fr. Jim Deiters
It seems that many of us are still reflecting on the joys and blessings of Dedication Day on September 30th.
At times it still feels like a dream. Did this all really happen? Did all those long planning meetings and fundraisers by our parishioners of St. Clare really produce this beautiful new church? Did all those drawings and designs actually turn into a stone reality?
Like many of you, I am still ‘adjusting’ to our new church but it seems like everyone agrees that it is truly a beautiful and prayerful place. The many visitors and new parishioners who line up to greet me after each Mass are eager to tell me how prayerful and holy the church feels. And many of our parishioners who ‘stuck with us’ through all the planning and fundraising have also shared with me the joy they feel in such a great accomplishment
we attained!
As we now move into this holy season of Advent and Christmas, the church will continue to ‘shape us’ in new ways. The darkness of winter will bring a kind of solitude to the space, compared to the sunny days of the fall. The warm colors of the interior will provide a place of comfort as we embrace the cold days ahead. The deep blues and purples in the windows will come to life with the colors of Advent banners and vestments. Then the fresh greens, and bright gold and burgundy colors of Christmas will also add another kind of solemnity to our new church as well.
With each new season expect to experience the church in a new kind of way. As we each continue to find our ‘favorite spot’ to sit, listen, and pray, take the time to let the building itself have an affect on the way you encounter God in this great holy place!