New altar dedicated at Immaculate Conception
Parishioners of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Washington reverence a newly dedicated altar with a kiss Sunday as Bishop David A. Zubik of the Pittsburgh Diocese, third from left, presides. At right, Zubik blesses parishioners who attended the Rite of Dedication. The church recently underwent a $1 million renovation.
Bishop David Zubik blesses parishioners who attended the Rite of Dedication of the altar at Immaculate Conception in Washington Sunday.
Bishop David Zubik presides at the Rite of Dedication of the altar at Immaculate Conception Sunday.
A member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Washington once approached the parish pastor and told him it is a beautiful church.
The parishioner also told the Rev. William Feeney the 85-year-old church could be more beautiful, and offered the financial assistance to help make it happen.
“The significant kindness of our benefactor brought a noticeable change that took our beautiful space and made it even more beautiful,” Feeney told members of the congregation gathered at the 12:15 p.m. Palm Sunday Mass as Bishop David A. Zubik of the Pittsburgh Diocese performed the Rite of Dedication on the new altar inside the renovated church.
“I hope and pray that this dedication and blessing on this most special day may lead us to come together in prayer,” Feeney added.
Feeney said many probably saw the photograph of the scaffolding inside the church.
“But you all knew it was our church,” he added. “All the workers treated the church with respect as a sacred place. I want to thank the craftsmen who got us to this day and beyond.”
Work on the $1 million project began last November, the day after Thanksgiving. Immaculate Conception, built 85 years ago at the intersection of West Chestnut and North Franklin streets, saw improvements over the years but nothing like the work done by Astorino Development of Pittsburgh. The company designed a new interior, which included a new altar, which sits higher, marble floors and new pews. The interior is brighter. The lights were cleaned and then retrofitted to use energy-efficient LED bulbs.
Zubik said he was excited about coming to Immaculate Conception to help celebrate the historic moment. He said the dedication is likely a once-in-a-lifetime moment for most members of the congregation.
“My sisters and brothers, we have many rituals in our lives that bespeak what is in our hearts,” Zubik said during the anointing of the altar. “Among those rituals is none more powerful than that of a tender kiss. In anointing this altar with Sacred Chrism, we have made a connection with Jesus our Savior in the most powerful way.”
After the bishop dedicated the altar, he invited other priests as well as the members of the congregation to come forward and reverence the altar with a kiss.
“It is exactly what Father Feeney said has taken place, a beautiful church has become even more beautiful,” Zubik said after Sunday’s Mass. “I love its utter simplicity. This church in Washington is a beautiful testament to the faith of the people of Immaculate Conception. It is a vibrant parish.”
John Sisson, co-chairman of the parish’s capital campaign, “A Sacred Heritage, A Generous Heart,” said the church is beautiful.
“It is truly such an inviting place,” Sisson said.
As he prepared to give the final blessing, Zubik told the congregation the renovation could not have happened without a wonderful pastor.
“This has put together all our gifts through the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Feeney said. “It is hope for the future.”